The Art of Brownsville : Questions and Answers

Have you ever thought about leaving the TAOB blog ?
Yes, I think about it all the time......Running the blog is hard work, is not just about posting events, its about making it work, posting every day and keeping it interesting. It requires a big commitment. There is also a lot going on, allot of events , allot of work being produced, its hard making it to all the events to cover whats going on....Its always easier when readers and or artists send in work to post... But its always great when things get done...very rewarding I think.

What is the positive and the negative of being the TAOB blog administrator ?
Positive, well that's easy, your in control, so there is a creative freedom of how to run the blog. I have met a lot of people that read the blog and tell me how great it looks and how they can not beleive the work that is being produced locally.....The positive feedback is always rewarding..

Negative, of course I will say the comments..which I think has been the hardest thing I've had to deal with. Half of the readers want comments and the other half doesn't. How do you justify that..? On top of that you got - anonymous commentators who simply are out to "cagar palo" - if you get my drift..... I personally , don't mind the comments,,,but you just simply can't please everyone.... The idea of the blog is so that everyone can join in and create a dialogue about local art.. Some of the comments are really good and its great - people should be able to express themselves.. but again others pretend give out false identity, which is beyond me, I can't tell who it is, and do not have the time and or want to waist my time to research the "caga palos"..

Again for the most part is positive. I couldn't be anymore thank full for how The Art of Brownsville has turned out..

And thats just mentioning the growth and changes in Brownsville. Matamoros, Port Isabel, San Benito , Harlingen , and Mcallen are also on the rise... Think of the potential the valley has as a whole, it is something to look foward to I think...


What has been the most memorable moment about The Art of Brownsville blog...?
I would have to say when TAOB got together to celebrate the 3rd anniversary which was I think the biggest step for the blog.. I think it was really great having everyone come together to celebrate local art. Not about one person but about all of us, everyone that supports and or works to improve the art culture in our area...

What have you learned from The Art of Brownsville blog ?
Well there is a lot to learn from blogging itself. I think what has been most important is being part of the growth of the local art culture.. I feel I have been witness to a great evolution in our local history..Some of the last exhibitions at the old Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts now the new building next to the Gladys Porter Zoo and Richardson Art Gallery now - Rusteberg Gallery, Amigos Artistas - which continues to grow with "Art in the Park" - Brownsville Latin Jazz Festival, Historic Brownsville Museum, Cemetery Museum, and Heritage Complex all of which have hosted several great art exhibitions, and of course Galeria 409 and Imagenes Studio Paseo Plaza - The Art Factory which are pushing shows.. ...There has also been a numerous amounts of local restaurants/bars that now feature local art on the walls...

All of which have been venues for now several artists that have made there mark and have become important in the growth of our art culture..

What is the purpose of The Art of Brownsville blog...? One of the most misconceptions that people have about the blog is that, they define it as a group of artists or that its about only a certain group.. Not at all, the blog is about contributions, comments, announcing events, perspectives, but most importantly defining the art that is being produced locally of course, no matter by whom. If you send in a picture of your work, people will comment on it, by some who have a high education in art, some who have a good knowledge of art or by some who observe and want to give there opinion.. It is simply a tool to learn from, is not by all means the end of the world if someone comments a negative critic.

Lets take a moment to answer some questions....send in your questions about the blog via comments......

Anonymous: Why do you promote bands in TAOB? Bands have enough exposure or should have their own Blog. Do promote the venues that host these bands because you making money off the ads? Its an expiremental thing as The Art of Brownsville continues to grow. I appreciate all sorts of music the way I appreciate art, and bringing it to The Art of Brownsville has been a great pleasure....What I have liked most is getting out there to hear and to take pictures of the bands during there performance and working with the images. I am learning as I go.... The Art of Brownsville will continue to promote venues that provide space for local artist, painters, musicians, poets...etc.. free of charge whether it be a museum, gallery, resturaunt or a bar, hell even the local pulga or garage style exhibit. I do want to note to the readers and everyone the idea of selling ad space has been a topic that I have spoken to several people about, that has not been ruled out..I mean why not?.... For now anyone wanting to make a donation to my efforts are more than welcomed..