Thriving through surviving

“For one thing, I personally have an issue withhyper-intellectualizing my feelings.” Same Gus, same.

See a public art project in El Paso? Chances are Ben Fyffe hashelped foster its development. Fresh off the triumph of the years-long in theplanning opening of the Mexican American Center in downtown El Paso, Bendiscusses his work on behalf of the city in fostering art projects. He’s theart connoisseur and munipal patron of the arts we all want to be when we growup.   

Patrick Gabaldon was born and raised in the Sun City of El Paso, Texas. His passion in art began after returning home to the vibrant color and vast expanse of the desert sky. His time away gave him a new perspective on the often forgotten west Texas desert.

Join us with healer and yogi Karessa, creator of the Wholistic Mercado, as she explains the lessons in her life; evolving her acceptance and understanding through facing the truth and having faith. Karessa demonstrates a kindness towards her being, her lessons, and her faith in the community she serves doing the same with a little bit of guidance.

Join us with Celia Aguilar storyteller through writing, poetry, music, and acting, as she reviews her journey of connection, strength, and reconnecting to her indigenous heritage despite stigma. Celia continues to grow her stories pending a manuscript and by connecting to additional organizations that uplift through music.

Join us with Ome Tlatoc tattoos and agriculturalist as he describes the healing he does towards the stigma of tattooing, his active decolonization journey, and how his culture influenced his art of tattooing.

Meet Maria R Perez, activist and wordsmith as she describes her life as a Mexican-American woman with disabilities and how it has given her many opportunities to empower people through language and connection.

Valerie Rivas discusses the lessons in her life and how her intuition protected her, introspection allowed her to heal and start an incredible journey of utilizing herbs to help her community. She has gentleness in her approach, and in caring for plants, she honors lessons in every type of situation and not take on the weight of expectation. She speaks of medicine being everywhere in both plants and experiences.

Kaelin Li discusses her life as an international adoptee from China during the 90s and how it influenced her life experiences, art, identity, as well as recognizing the harmful impacts of stereotypes within her community. As graceful as her dancing, Kaelin inspires by knowing she will be legislator later but is making impact now through film, dance, and her being herself. #StopAsianHate

Join us with Jacqueline Recendez as she grows into herself as a Latina lesbian muralist. She describes the obstacles in her life demonstrating an art of resiliency, strength, and allowing others to know they can do the same. Despite challenges, Jackie offers confidence, pride, and beauty in this world through the murals she makes and the story she carries