The arts scene in McAllen is thriving due to partnerships between the Chamber of Commerce and city government that support local talent. The McA2 Creative Incubator provides affordable studio and workshop space for artists, including painters, musicians, actors and more. Music After Hours is a monthly free concert series featuring local performers across various genres. Public art projects commissioned by the city have brought new sculptures and murals to McAllen. The theater scene is also growing with performances at colleges and a restored historic movie theater.

1. T
he arts scene is thriving
in McAllen largely due
to partnerships between
the McAllen Chamber
of Commerce and city government,
which nurture local talent in
visual and performing arts.
McAllen’s diversity and location
play a part in local arts, according
to Cultural Arts Coordinator Jamie
Tabak of the McAllen Chamber
of Commerce.
“McAllen has attracted many
diverse kinds of art and artists. We
have art ranging from embroidery to
graphics to music to style. It’s a little
bit of everything,” Tabak says.
Helping Artists Grow
The McA2 Creative Incubator
provides low-cost studio space
and technical assistance for artists.
It’s a “sister of the Chamber” and
encompasses all types of art in its
12 available studios. Artists in
residence at the Incubator include
a guitar teacher, oil and watercolor
artists, a voice coach, and an actor.
There’s even a radio station, as well
as exhibition and performance space.
Live, Local Music
Music After Hours, held
monthly, features live and local
artists from various genres of
music. Performances typically take
place at historic Archer Park on
first Fridays, but are at Bill Schupp
Park during summer months.
You’re likely to hear anything at
Music After Hours, from country
to jazz to pop. Artists from all
over the Rio Grande Valley have
performed for the family-friendly
free series, which is sponsored by
the Chamber and City of McAllen.
Art in Public
Public art is making a visual
impact on McAllen, too. The public
art program, which began three
years ago, commissions the works
mcallen has vibrant arts scene
Story By Paul Ladd
THAT
Imagine
Rosalina Balderas paints a portrait in Paul Pritchett’s oil painting class at the McA2 Creative Incubator.
imagesmCallen.com 15

2. of area artists for display at
various locations around town.
“Artists dream of having their
work displayed in a community –
their own community,” says Keith
Arney, who chairs the city’s Public
Art Committee.
One of the more talked-about
pieces is a sculpture called The
Three Graces on Main Street in the
Arts District. Artist Mick Reber’s
work represents the graces of faith,
hope and charity.
Other new works include the
Irrigation Worker sculpture by
Douglas Clark; Jackrabbit, a joint
work by Nancy Moyer and Clark;
and Joe Taylor’s two-dimensional
history of McAllen in graphite.
Arney reports funding for the
public art has come from public
funds and several private sources.
“We’re really excited about how
much support we’ve received.
It’s making this beautiful
community more beautiful,”
Arney says.
Theatre and Film
McAllen’s theatre scene is
also growing. Plays and musicals
are often performed on the
University of Texas-Pan American
and South Texas College campuses.
In addition, the historic Cine El
Rey theater on South 17th Street
hosts live performances, including
concerts, comedy shows and plays,
along with classic movies. McAllen
is also attracting interest from
movie and television producers.
Visitors and locals alike are
pleasantly surprised at McAllen’s
strong arts scene, says Tabak, who
adds that it’s no longer necessary to
travel to other larger cities to enjoy
the visual or performing arts.
AntonyBoshier
16 McAllen