For a lot of our communities, it goes without saying that circumstances are getting morbidly outrageous at both social and legislative levels. Whether it’s SpaceX’s damage in Brownsville, current and planned detention centers, or the threat of discriminatory laws, there is a lot of understandable frustration that people are left with in the midst of it all.
To alleviate this, Trucha’s Ponte Creative Studio & Gallery held a series of workshops where community members could come and channel those emotions in different art forms & mediums. From music to papier-mache, the studio held events each dedicated to different artistic conduits for the vexation, and maybe helplessness, that others are going through. The theme of the series of events was that while it might feel silly to make art at times when things feel dire, it often serves as inspiration, motivation, and alleviation. Something that will make a noticeable difference when you want to make a change but find yourself lacking in any of the three.
Art for Art’s Sake
There were ten activities centered on different mediums across twelve events in February and March. Through them, the community, both experienced and beginner, had the chance to channel their frustration at the current state of things into a physical manifestation that others can see and relate to. Whether music, crafts, writing, or even gardening, art is the first step towards action for many. It is an act of creation and a literal form of making change into something you want to see or hear.
Kicking off with an Open Mic, community members were invited to share their poetry. Following that, a workshop and fundraiser highlighting how you can use your fashion style in a less ICE-friendly way. Capping off February, the studio held a zine-making and sharing workshop, some of which would be displayed in the gallery the next month.
March’s workshops included gardening your own groceries, a low-stress jam session, communal quilting, and piñata making. People were encouraged to design and craft piñatas that represent something evil they would like to take their frustration out on. Three piñatas were created to represent the dangers SpaceX and the administration are causing to the Valley.
A couple of art forms, however, were split between two events. Led by Souther Recio, the community wrote their own play highlighting how technological development, ill-researched influencers, misinformation, and lack of critical thinking lead to lasting and drastic effects on the Valley, its people, and its habitats.
The other art form featured in 2 events heavily complemented this by facilitating mask & prop making, producing a mask for almost every character. Over 10 stunning masks were started and worked on over the course of a month. Crafters who had started projects were invited to return to continue their work. While starting my piñata with a friend at the workshop, we actually ended up meeting once a week for a month to get ours done.
CO(O)PING: The Culmination
The series of community projects culminated in a one-night exhibit and celebration on April 23, called “CO(O)PING,” where the community could come to appreciate the art made. The zines and masks hung on the walls, and piñatas suspended to display available to read and wear, respectively. The quilt was also hung for others to add to it as they came to see it. Recordings from the jam session were played to interlude DJ Sasha Bunnie, and clothes from the fundraiser were sold at the event. Near the end of the night, after a small speech by Trucha’s Director Josue Ramirez, the attendees were treated to an audio recording of the play written by the community, and afterward got to break the piñatas made at the EVIL Piñata workshop. Treated to candy, snacks, and a great social scene, the gallery’s showcase was a sum of the efforts and voices of people who crave change around us, and provided inspiration to make that change.
There’s More to Do
Of course, it would be lovely if we were able to solve our problems by making art, but that can only go so far. I will continue to encourage people to channel their frustrations into some form of art, as well as into actions towards the change they want to see.
As I write this, and as you read it, there are coalitions of groups fighting for you, your rights, and your ability to live peacefully. So for their sake, yours, and everyone they defend, consider donating your time or resources. South Texas Equality Project protects queer and trans lives. SunriseRGV works to help the community and environment while aiming to hold those responsible accountable. Frontera Fund fights for reproductive rights, health, and access. Voces Unidas reinforces all marginalized groups of the Rio Grande Valley. These and countless others work to protect you and our home.
