The local Art Invasion.....Brownsville Texas

The Art Invasion : Brownsville Texas
Gabriel Trevino takes a perspective on local art via The Art of Brownsville -blog....

Tell us a little about The Art of Brownsville Blog, how did it start and what does it communicate ?
TAOB was started back in 2003 by Mayra Cruz, and by 2005 had transformed into a group of local artists (including myself ) and art advocates coming together to help promote the idea of a local art community: by announcing art happenings and doing local art reviews. Unfortunately, the idea of the blog and organizing as a group lost traction. Mayra Cruz also decided to leave the TAOB blog to pursue other projects, but I decided to continue The Art of Brownsville blog on my own. I look back and clearly see how it has grown and hear from readers and followers of how it has helped the art community, its truly something to be proud of, I am glad and feel it should continue.
I hope it continues to serve primarily as a tool for artist share their work but also as an archive , a reference to our region of the art that is being produce here.
TAOB - blog serves as a venue for discussion, a place for comments, and feedback, related to local art. A place to hear each others opinion, and create a healthy dialogue that will help understand the art that is being produced by local artist.

Has local art changed? I think a large focus in local art, moved from palm trees, resacas and birds to border issues. Local art also, grew, from traditional easel painting to multi media expressionist. I think art has definitely invaded the city of Brownsville and has gained ground and attention. I think the city has embraced local art and moving forward it is a good thing.

What inspires local art ? The way I see it all depends on several factors ? I have notice age makes a difference and the idea that: "Certain things inspire certain people ". If we look at our region, proximity to the border, proximity to the sea, certain things in the nature that surrounds us: the beach, birds, plants, mesquite trees and or the social barriers that are still a part of our society today such as religion, immigration, the mix of Mexican-American culture. Simply some artist or more avant-garde than others...

Where can you find local art? You can find local art everywhere now, from the Museums to Galleries, to local restaurants, local art is being exhibited everywhere. Artists have become part of annual festivals, and are featured in the local magazines and newspaper every month..

Does local art sell?
I think there is a public awakening that original fine art can be affordable and for artists there is venues and opportunities year round locally where artists can participate and sell their work.

Will you part from the TAOB blog and or organize as a group again ? I hope I do retire from it someday. I guess in the back of my mind I have always entertain the idea of someone emailing me, or calling me , asking to join and too someday take over.
I think becoming part of an existing idea, venue, blog or whatever, as appose to starting one of your own, can be more beneficial, but then again its up to anybody....depends what kind of vision you have.. For me to become part of this, back in the day, I remember my thoughts being inspirational, wanting to take the seed and helping it grow, instead of wanting to plant the same seed on the same ground. When I look around, and I see all these social groups starting their own venues, its great, but at the same time doesn't do anything to bring the similar existing venues together, thus creating a more separate art community.In the end its the same old story, its competitive, art sells, and everyone has to make money somehow, its an understandable truth.

What advise do you have for the readers and artists of The Art of Brownsville ? Yes, share your art with the Art of Brownsville blog and the art community, tell us what you are producing and send pictures of your work. email: brownsvilleartform@yahoo.com ...Become part of the only blog, truly about local art...