Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
This year’s art show was bigger than ever! Edwards made the Art Gallery, Edwards Training Center, and Foyer available to 22 talented artists.
On Friday, July 19th, special guests attended the V.I.P. Reception from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Edwards Art Gallery. Attendees could network with the local artists, the Edwards Team, and business and community leaders. An enjoyable and relaxing evening awaited, filled with delicious appetizers and desserts, live music, and beverages of their choice. Surrounded by beautiful artwork and original pieces offered by participating artists, the atmosphere was vibrant and inspiring.
Texas Border Business had the opportunity to interview artists, including Mary Lucille Lockard. Lucille, originally from Connecticut, has lived in the Valley for over a decade. She teaches art classes at Hands in Art Studio in Mission, Texas. Specializing in ceramics, she finds joy and ease in the medium, believing that with practice, anyone can master it.
At the event, Lucille showcased various functional pieces, mainly mugs and bowls, along with a new series of “portal mugs” that feature little gateways into other lands. Her creations are often inspired by nature, which she admits may sound cliché but remains a significant source of her artistic motivation.
In addition to selling her artwork, Lucille also takes commissions and teaches various art courses at Hands in Art Studio. The studio offers a range of classes, from short two-hour sessions to comprehensive six-week courses, providing ample opportunity for students to learn and practice.
Having lived in the Rio Grande Valley for ten years, Lucille has grown fond of the region. She appreciates the warm weather and the warmth of the people, noting the strong sense of community and the rich cultural atmosphere. According to her, everyone in the Valley feels like family, making it a welcoming and nurturing place for artists and residents.
The 4th Annual Art at Edwards event was proof of the thriving artistic community in Edinburg, Texas. It brought together talented artists and art enthusiasts to celebrate creativity and community gatherings.
Lucille has a favorite mug from her portal series among her exhibits. She explains that the concept behind these mugs is to offer a sense of transportation and comfort while enjoying a morning coffee. One standout piece features a gateway that opens into a vast landscape with a space backdrop. Another is inspired by “Alice in Wonderland,” depicting a rabbit running through mushrooms in a forest, while another portrays a bear in a natural forest setting. Each mug is meticulously painted with underglaze, showcasing Lucille’s unique artistic flair.
Hands in Art Studio, where Lucille teaches, welcomes new students regularly. The studio, located in Mission, Texas, offers various classes suitable for all ages. A two-hour class costs $45 per person, and a six-week course costs $240, which includes a $75 membership allowing students to practice at their convenience. The studio provides all necessary materials, including clay and oven firing, making it accessible for beginners and experienced artists alike.
Lucille highlights the diversity of students, ranging from four-year-olds to eighty-four-year-olds, all eager to learn and create. The studio’s wide-ranging environment fosters a community of creativity and learning, where students don’t need their equipment, as the studio offers resources for ceramic art.
The Art Show continued Saturday, July 20th, and was a wonderful chance to support local artists and find a piece that resonates with you. All pieces were available for purchase, and attending was free. The event provided a perfect opportunity for the community to unite and celebrate the vibrant local art scene in Edinburg, Texas.