Local artist opens art gallery: Melissa Vega

HARLINGEN — It’s only a short stairway walk or elevator ride up to Platform 204 Art Gallery and Studios located in downtown Harlingen.

It’s a new art gallery with a big city taste showcasing local artists.

The art gallery was recently established by Harlingen resident Melissa Vega.

At Platform 204 Art Galley and Studios Vega hosts artwork from area artists monthly.

Vega is coming off recent success in the art scene. At the moment she has art work that has been used in recent motion pictures.

Vega created the elf for “The Elf” movie that is available on RedBox.

“I’m a contemporary artist,” Vega said. “You will find that most of my artwork reflects culture, views on society, nature and anything I find interesting.”

Vega said she is excited to host local artist exhibitions and offer art lessons and art workshops. The gallery is open to the public for free admission.

“This is home for me,” Vega said. “This is what I really want to do.”

She said she had always wanted to open an art gallery since she became an art student in college four years ago.

She graduated with an art degree from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Vega said she jumped into the art scene in college.

“I fell in love with it,” Vega said. “And establishing an art gallery has been a dream for me.”

Now an art professional, she wants to give back to the community by offering reasonably priced art lessons and art workshops for all ages. The gallery also has space available for artists to use as studio space.

“We can showcase local artists,” Vega said. “We house about 50 art pieces per exhibition.”

She said she welcomes the community to come and visit the gallery.

It is located at 119 West Van Buren Ave. in downtown Harlingen.

“We encourage everyone to see the art, learn and enjoy the work,” Vega said. “Come in and ask questions about the art work.”