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McA2 Creative Incubator Fosters Artistic, Cultural and Economic Development

Kim Snyder Johnson

The McA2 Creative Incubator provides studio space at nominal rates for artists specializing in all kinds of media. Kim Snyder Johnson is one of those artists, pictured here with various works she has shown recently.

Multitalented artist and musician Kim Snyder Johnson rattles off a list of benefits she’s gained from being a part of the McA2 Creative Incubator in McAllen‚ not the least of which is her husband’s happiness about clearing the auto parts that make up much of Johnson’s artwork out of their garage.

“I do mixed-media artwork‚ assemblage and collage with found objects‚ mostly auto parts‚” Johnson says. “Now I have a place to go and really stretch out. I can have a lot of things out all the time and not have to put them away.”

Johnson is a resident artist at the McA2 Creative Incubator and held her first exhibit‚ titled “Culmination‚” there throughout September 2007.

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce initiated the McA2 Creative Incubator in 2005 to enhance McAllen’s cultural vitality by supporting the professional growth of local artists.

“The arts enrich all our lives. They are the glue that binds communities together‚” says Rita Perera‚ cultural arts coordinator for the Chamber. “McA2 Creative Incubator provides the tools‚ encouragement and opportunities for artists to develop their work and create new markets.”

Some of those tools include low-cost studios; legal‚ business and financial consultations and workshops; promotion of events and exhibits; and access to office equipment.

The building‚ located on the corner of Jackson Avenue and South 16th Street‚ has a stage‚ gallery space and a staffed front office in addition to 12 studios occupied by artists specializing in a variety of media‚ such as photography‚ painting‚ sculpture‚ fashion design‚ literature‚ film and theater.

Brandon Garcia and his mother‚ Rebecca Hayley-Zamudio‚ own Leyenda Production Co. They write and produce musical stage plays and are branching out into filmmaking. So far‚ they’ve had capacity crowds for their shows at the incubator.

“The greatest thing the incubator provides us is a stage – a place to hold events and practice‚” Garcia says. “And it’s been great being in such close contact with the other artists in the community. There is a vibrant arts community in the area.”

Other artists also attest to benefits that include facilities and services‚ plus much more.

“It’s been really good getting to know fellow residents‚” Johnson says. “We come in and bounce ideas off each other.”

In fact‚ Johnson had another McA2 artist take photographs for her music CD‚ and she will provide keyboard tracks for a resident sound production company.

“We complement one another‚” Johnson says.

Cristina Nebre‚ a photographer and fashion designer‚ does all her sewing in her studio at the incubator. Not only has her work gained exposure there‚ but she’s also made some good friends.

“It’s a wonderful art family‚” Nebre says.

The support of the Chamber of Commerce gives local artists a leg up they appreciate.

“It’s pretty edgy for our city to be supporting the arts like this‚” Johnson says. “The fact that we have a creative arts incubator in McAllen‚ Texas‚ is pretty amazing. It’s an exciting place to be right now.”

Find information about artists‚ events and exhibits at http://mcallenart.com.

Story by Carol Cowan
Photo by Wes Aldridge

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