Global Inspirations Become McAllen’s Inspirations: How Two Renowned Artists Are Set To Inspire the Community in the McAllen Art District
Story by Adrian Alfaro
Edited by Nina Alegre
Friday night art walks in McAllen open galleries, museums, and venues to the public, deepening our appreciation for the unique regional art of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The Art District of McAllen is in a historic neighborhood on Main Street. It’s home to over two dozen art galleries, the historic Spanish Colonial Nuevo Santander gallery and Archer Park. Recently, two new spaces have emerged in the McAllen Art District: Tiscareno Bridal Boutique and Run Pony Run.
Tiscareno places McAllen on the map for high-end couture bridal dresses, and Run Pony Run is a promising rising star in the McAllen art scene. The Run Pony Run gallery, inspired by a broader worldwide influence, is open to the public, and anyone can submit art free of charge to be featured. With an emphasis on community and accessibility, Run Pony Run is set to establish a strong public centered on appreciating beautiful artwork. Meanwhile, Tiscareno elevates the world of RGV bridal fashion, placing eyes like Vogue squarely on our slice of South Texas.
Zachary James (he/him) is the Creative Director behind Run Pony Run, curating the theme and artwork for each show. Not only that, but James is also a Broadway actor, opera singer, film and television actor, artist and a Grammy Award winner. Manuel Tiscareño (he/him) is a fashion designer celebrated for his wedding dress designs. He has received recognition in publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Fady Italy, Vanidades and Nupcias. Together, this duo is bringing experience from their world travels from places such as London, France, and Mexico City to the RGV.
A Diverse Range of Art in the RGV
Together, James and Tiscareño have converted an old indoor-outdoor small shopping plaza into a bridal shop, workshop and gallery space off Main Street. Fully immersed and living in the art scene, they are each meticulously crafting their respective ventures. Every step in Tiscareno has been consciously designed. Tiscareño has a unique perspective on his retail space. “Retail is a theatre; if you don’t have a good theatre, you’re not going to sell,” he stated.
A long hallway is divided by grand doors and curtains, allowing the bride to reveal herself with a grand or modest entrance in her very own couture dress. Behind the bridal shop lies the workshop and venue space, soon to be known as “Casa Tiscareno.” Its style, Industrial Empire, combines elegance and sophistication with industrial functionality. Large tables, dress forms, and tailoring supplies populate the workspace. Adjacent to the former outdoor space is a white-painted rough brick with crown molding imported from France; the space is elevated to an elegant feel with its rough texture. The venue already hosts various events, ranging from operas to leukemia benefits, with plans to also serve as a wedding venue in the future.
Finally, at the back is the Run Pony Run gallery, accessible through an alleyway off Main Street. A low-key door with a small sign above the back entrance transports you to James’ world of art. The gallery isn’t huge, but every inch of every show is carefully curated.
James says his world experience shapes Run Pony Run, “A lot of what I do here in this alley in McAllen is inspired by a long period [when] I was in Berlin, the type of art and the type of spaces I experienced there.”
Each show features a diverse range of art styles that complement the monthly theme. From ceramics to performative art, one week features a ballerina painting with her shoes, while another offers a musical soundscape experience. The curation and various art mediums blended are a fresh, unique experience within the McAllen Art District, one that leaves the visitor feeling inspired.
Giving Local Artists a Spotlight
Run Pony Run is first and foremost for the people. When prompted about charging luxury prices to attend his galleries, James mentioned, “I’m not looking to make inaccessible exclusivity and luxury, that’s not what’s happening here.”
Laura Sofia Sanchez Martinez (she/they), a local artist appreciates the space James is working hard to develop, Sanchez Martinez shared, “The day that I came to set up my work was the day before the show and it reminded me that I was going to be doing art forever, as long as people like Zach are putting up shows like this.”
James says that it’s important for him to have a safe and accessible space for artists, “I want everyone to come here and experience what we have to offer, not just the queer community […] navigating the primarily Spanish-speaking community, I want them to feel welcome here.”
A sentiment reflected at each show, drawing in a diverse crowd. Old or young, queer or ally, you can expect to broaden your exposure to the McAllen Art District community at Run Pony Run.
Well-curated galleries, a gorgeous bridal dress couture experience, a safe space for all, wrapped up in a community-driven package that understands the importance of art accessibility. Spearheaded by two fantastically successful artists who have chosen to set roots down in the RGV. This powerful duo is well-positioned to positively impact the RGV through art.
