VENETIAN PRINCESS
Colony Cove on North Mesa
Casa Bu
Includes:
• Satellite TV, wireless Internet, PC, phone, outdoor speakers
• Solar heated pool, children’s pool
• Every bedroom has a spectacular view
• Secluded Las Animas and Yelapa nearby by boat taxi
• Fully-equipped kitchen, patio BBQ
• Perched above beach at Lomas de Mismaloya
• Up to 4 couples or family of 8-10
• Beautifully maintained private villa
Visit our website for a full photo gallery and explore the villa on video!
enavista Casa
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955 white sands blvd
2112 trawood (915) 595-2788
2800 n mesa st (915) 533.6883
2879 MONTANA AVE (915) 566.4464
5401 MONTANA AVE (915) 779.8825
1100 GERONIMO DR (915) 778.9301
5900 N MESA ST (915) 584.1153
302 s oregon st (915) 532.4344
1210 WEDGEWOOD DR (915) 591.9496
8050 N MESA ST (915) 585.0491
890 N RESLER DR (915) 584.1359
9428 DYER ST (915) 751.4415
10600 MONTANA AVE (915) 591.4655
8889 gateway west (915) 599.8571
1831 N LEE TREVINO DR (915) 594.1129
800 N ZARAGOZA RD (915) 860.1670
2950 GEORGE DIETER DR (915) 856.7040
1329 GEORGE DIETER DR (915) 594.3838
10780 KENWORTHY ST (915) 821.2698
1607 N ZARAGOZA RD (915) 856.0071
11685 MONTWOOD DR (915) 855.7704
12201 MONTWOOD DR (915) 856.0278
12390 EDGEMERE BLVD (915) 849.6849
SOCORRO
10850 N LOOP DR (915) 860.1315
100 N AMERICAS AVE (915) 790.0404
ANTHONY
1432 ANTONIO ST (915) 886.2413
HORIZON CITY
14300 HORIZON BLVD (915) 852.1561
LAS CRUCES
3490 northrise dr (575) 382.9100
3100 n main st (575) 525.0298
1256 EL PASEO RD (575) 525.8713
2300 e lohman ave (575) 647.2506
3990 e lohman ave (575) 522.1457
2700 w picacho ave (575) 523.0833
EL PASO/LAS CRUCES magazine
October 2024
FASHION · HEALTH · lifestyle
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Shelley Mozelle | shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com
PUBLISHER-AT-LARGE
Chaz Wilson | chaz@thecitymagazineelp.com
EDITORIAL
Senior Editor
Erin Coulehan | erin@thecitymagazineelp.com
Editorial Assistant
Amber Lanahan | info@thecitymagazineelp.com
Operations Intern
Nicole DeRouen
Photography Intern Annabella Mireles
GRAPHIC
Editorial Design
Ernie Sanchez Creative | ernie@thecitymagazineelp.com
Graphic Designer
Maggie Blum | maggie@thecitymagazineelp.com
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Operations Manager
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Account Executives
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Cover Design By: Ernie Sanchez Creative
unny things happen when I travel alone: I have time to think, have deep conversations with myself, and constantly reassess where I’m at in life. For me, this “me-time” creates space to truly get in my own head, and sometimes that silence can feel overwhelming. I catch myself asking the big questions: Have I done enough? Have I spoken out about what truly matters? Have I made a difference, helped enough people? Was it all worth it? Did I leave a mark, a sense of relevance?
I often wonder if I followed the path I was meant to follow, or at least found my way back when I wandered off course. As a spiritual woman, I talk to God about this a lot – especially when life throws curveballs or during those big, weighty decisions. Recently, in one of those moments of seeking clarity, I was reminded of the parable about a man stranded on his roof in the middle of a flood. The waters were rising dangerously, and when rescuers came by, he refused their help, saying, “No, I’m waiting for God to save me.”
As the story goes, the man eventually drowned, and when he reached the pearly gates, he said to God, “I trusted you. I did everything your word taught me. Why didn’t you save me?” God responded, “I sent you a lifejacket, a boat, and a helicopter – that was me.”
The man’s single-mindedness kept him from seeing that help came in a way he didn’t expect. This parable struck me deeply. How many times do we wait for life to feel like something specific, believing we’ll know exactly when it’s the right moment to change or act? But the truth is, life’s opportunities
often arrive in ways we least expect. We’re given countless chances to course-correct, to realign ourselves, but we can miss them if we’re too focused on what we think they should look like.
We all have those moments when we feel like everyone else is on a perfectly paved path, and we’re the only ones questioning our direction.
But here’s what I’ve learned: life isn’t always about staying on one straight path. It’s about listening to that inner voice nudging you toward something meaningful, even if it’s not what you originally envisioned.
With that in mind, I’ve taken my own leap –launching a podcast that’s been in the works for over a year. It’s been a labor of love, and I’m proud of where it’s headed. Sorry, gentlemen – this one’s really for the women in your life. Your mother, your wife, your teenage daughter. It’s for the women who deserve to feel heard, to be inspired, to reconnect with themselves.
Sometimes, we just need to follow that little voice inside us, the one we’ve been ignoring for too long. This podcast has legs, and there’s even a spin-off on the horizon, so stay tuned.
Until then, stay true to yourself. You deserve to fill your own cup, and no one else has to understand why.
@shelleymozelle
shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com
From the
he arts are alive in El Paso, and this month we’re showcasing the movers and shakers pushing the boundaries of their respective mediums. El Paso is a city where cultures blend, where stories from different lands converge, and where art thrives as a reflection of our shared history, heritage, and hope for the future.
One of the most exciting aspects of the arts in El Paso is its cross-cultural dialogue. Being a border city, our arts reflect a unique blend of Mexican, Indigenous, and American influences. This convergence is not just seen but felt – in literature, in jewelry, and in visual arts. Artists in El Paso are storytellers, weaving narratives of resilience, migration, and identity that resonate far beyond our city’s borders.
I can’t wait for you to get to know two people I’ve known and admired since college – Abe Bueno Jallad and Luyli James. The creative couple attended public school in El Paso together through high school, and later romantically reconnected. Today, he’s best
known for a starring role on the acclaimed TV series, “The Chosen,” while James is a hair stylist with famous clientele in L.A. After the recent birth of their son, the couple is now creating their own life as a family by splitting their time between home in El Paso and the highlights of Hollywood.
Our cover shoot at Railyard Studios will live in my mind forever. Working alongside Gina Mendiola, an acclaimed makeup artist in Miami and childhood friend of the couple was an absolute dream. I’ve been friends with the three of them since college, but the opportunity to collaborate and create such beautiful photos with Jordan was – truly –very special and SO much fun.
In this issue, we celebrate the voices, visions, and vibrant energy of El Paso’s arts community. Whether you are an artist, an admirer, or simply curious about what’s happening in our creative scene, we invite you to explore and be inspired by the art that surrounds us.
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Contributors
Erin COULEHAN Senior Editor
Vic POULOS
Amber LANAHAN
Ana L. DIAZ
Yoali RODRIGUEZ
Elisha NUÑEZ
Katherine KOCIAN
Nicole DEROUEN
Gibel AMADOR
Annabella MIRELES
Jordan LICON
Livin' La Vida Loteria!
| By: ERIN COULEHAN images courtesy of: WARE PORTRAITS |
In a city as vibrant and culturally rich as El Paso, it’s no surprise that local artist Eric Ware, the talent behind Ware Portraits, is making waves by combining traditional art forms with modern creativity. What started as a personal hobby and distraction from life has blossomed into a celebration of El Paso’s most notable figures through the reimagining of Lotería – the beloved Mexican game that has deep roots in Mexican culture.
With his “People of El Paso” series, Ware is using the history and tradition of Lotería as a canvas to honor local public figures, giving the classic game a new twist.
Ware’s artistic journey didn’t start in the traditional way. In 2022, feeling drained by a
job that no longer inspired him, he made the bold decision to go back to school, choosing to study information technology. But during his first semester, a graphic design class changed the course of his life. A newfound love for Photoshop and digital art led him to experiment with Adobe programs, and soon, what began as playful joke Lotería cards for family and friends transformed into something far bigger.
This artistic exploration culminated in his own version of Lotería, where he captures the likeness of local El Pasoans – musicians, influencers, and community leaders – and turns them into stylized, colorful portraits. His passion project has become an homage to the culture and people of El Paso, honoring their
contributions to the city while also revitalizing a centuries-old tradition.
Lotería, often called “Mexican Bingo,” has a long and storied history. Originating in Italy before making its way to Spain and finally arriving in Mexico in 1769, Lotería began as a game enjoyed by the colonial elite. Over time, however, it became embraced by all social classes and turned into a cultural phenomenon. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, traveling ferias (fairs) brought the game to rural farms and towns, where it became a popular weekend pastime.
Unlike Bingo, where a number is randomly drawn, Lotería features a deck of 54 cards with vibrant, illustrated images, each with its own name and associated number. The game is as
People of El Paso series
much about the art as it is about chance. Players use a tabla, or game board, covered with images corresponding to the cards drawn. What makes Lotería stand out is the announcer’s playful use of language. Instead of simply calling out a number, the announcer recites clever rhymes, phrases, or social commentary to hint at the card’s identity. This wordplay, often imbued with satire or references to contemporary events, has been an essential part of Lotería since its inception, adding an extra layer of intellectual engagement to the game.
Inspired by the rich visual and cultural legacy of Lotería, Ware embarked on his “People of El Paso” series, where he creates personalized Lotería cards of local public figures. His portraits of musicians such as Krystall Poppin, Khalid, and Evander Griim not only capture the likeness of these notable El Pasoans but also serve as a tribute to their impact on the city. These artists, like the iconic Lotería figures, are woven into the fabric of El Paso’s cultural landscape.
“For me, since I was younger, I’ve always been inspired by local musicians coming out of El Paso,” Ware says. “I used to have my own music label with local musicians when I was about 21, so the love has always been there.”
In this way, Ware Portraits blends the traditional with the contemporary, using the familiar format of Lotería to highlight the uniqueness of El Paso’s public figures. Just as Lotería cards once featured everyday objects like “El Sol” (the Sun) or “La Estrella” (the Star), Eric’s modern rendition features the real stars of El Paso, showcasing their influence in a way that connects with the community.
Lotería has long been more than just a game. It’s a cultural touchstone that has served as a tool for education, storytelling, and social commentary. In the early 20th century, Lotería was even used as an educational aid, with Catholic-themed versions aiding parishioners in learning religious symbols. Its visual and intellectual appeal has
allowed the game to transcend generations and become an integral part of Mexican and Mexican-American identity.
Ware’s work taps into this cultural significance.
By using the format of Lotería, he’s not only creating art but also engaging with the deep history of the game. His portraits invite viewers to think about the cultural figures who shape El Paso, just as Lotería once used its images to reflect on Mexican society. In paying homage to the city’s artists, influencers, and leaders, Ware captures their essence in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
As his art continues to gain traction, his passion for celebrating El Paso’s cultural icons through Lotería grows. Ware’s work has evolved from something fun and personal to a larger tribute to the community he loves. Through pop-up markets, Instagram giveaways, and the ongoing support of his followers, Ware Portraits is quickly becoming a staple of El Paso’s art scene.
For Ware, the journey is just beginning.
With every new portrait, he continues to merge the rich tradition of Lotería with modern digital art, creating a unique celebration of the city and its people. His love for both El Paso and the iconic game that has brought joy to so many is evident in every piece he creates.
In honoring the past while looking toward the future, Ware Portraits reminds us all that art, culture, and community are deeply intertwined. Through his creative twist on Lotería, Ware is making sure that the people of El Paso, much like the beloved game itself, remain a cherished part of the city’s story for generations to come.
| By: ERIN COULEHAN |
Warhol Foundation Grant Fuels
Artistic Vision
in an exciting new chapter for contemporary art in the Borderland, The Rubin Center for the Visual Arts at UTEP has been awarded a prestigious $100,000 grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. This multi-year grant promises to elevate the Center’s already impressive slate of exhibitions, positioning it as a dynamic and vital cultural hub in this unique region.
“We are grateful for the many ways the Warhol Foundation has supported our contemporary exhibitions and programming over the years,” says The Rubin Center’s Director, Kerry Doyle. The grant not only celebrates past achievements but also heralds a fresh era under the curatorial vision of Dr. Laura Augusta. As Doyle explains, the funding “deepens our understanding of this place through expanded discourse and engagement with a broader concept of the Americas.”
The Andy Warhol Foundation, established by Warhol’s will, aims to advance the visual arts through its dynamic grants program, creative licensing, and scholarly research. The foundation has awarded nearly $300 million in grants and donated tens of thousands of Warhol’s works to institutions worldwide.
The funding marks the Rubin Center’s fifth grant from the Warhol Foundation, further solidifying its role in pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. With the Foundation’s focus on innovative and experimental projects, the center remains committed to presenting thought-provoking exhibitions that engage diverse audiences and spark critical dialogue.
Among the most exciting plans supported by the grant are a series of exhibitions exploring the complex historical ties between the U.S.
and Central America, touching on themes as varied as agriculture, conflict, and the influence of geography and climate. These exhibitions aim to shed new light on the impact of these forces on the visual arts, particularly along the U.S./Mexico border. From artist micro-residencies coinciding with the exhibition Mud + Corn + Stone + Blue to solo exhibitions by Central American practitioners, the Rubin Center promises a season full of powerful stories and perspectives.
The Warhol Foundation, known for its unwavering support of the arts, is fully behind the Rubin Center’s bold vision.
“Artists are at the center of all of our grantmaking efforts,” said Joel Wachs, president of the Andy Warhol Foundation. “Their unique perspectives resist the stagnation of polarization and offer new ways of navigating turbulent times.”
Since its founding in 2005, the Rubin Center has been a cornerstone of the El PasoJuarez art scene, presenting critical works that respond to its unique geographical and cultural setting. As the center embarks on this exciting new era, it will undoubtedly continue to push artistic boundaries and challenge perceptions while remaining rooted in the vibrant cross-cultural dialogue that defines the region.
THE Cure FOR Fashion
| Words and photos by: ANNABELLA MIRES |
Some people need a creative outlet to let their imagination run wild and create something meaningful. For Andy Lozano, there are four outlets.
From sketchbook and mannequin to recipes and cake, from imagination to successful brands, entrepreneur Lozano wears multiple hats while running four businesses: Pillboxed, Elev, Build a Caze, and Odette Garden Cakes.
Lozano’s first love, fashion, stemmed from when she was younger and bought Vogue magazines to learn more about brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
Now, at only 27, Lozano has made it into Vogue Mexico and Latin America with her brand Pillboxed and still manages to be a one woman-show, running all four of her businesses on her own.
“I came up with the name Pillboxed because of Jackie Kennedy,” Lozano said. “I love her and she’s a fashion icon. When JFK was killed, she was wearing Halston’s pillbox hat, and after that, pillbox hat sales went up. I wanted my brand to reflect how Jackie made everything seem so elegant and sophisticated.”
Despite not knowing how to sketch designs or sew, Lozano enrolled in EPCC where she realized how much learning on her own she would have to face.
“In class, they’ll teach you how to make clothes, but not teach you how to sell it,” she said. “I had to learn a lot about marketing and e-commerce and even bought a ‘Fashion Sketching for Dummies’ book since they don’t really teach you those things when you’re getting your fashion degree.”
While starting Pillboxed during the pandemic, Lozano launched face masks that successfully landed her an invite to a Vogue pop-up in Mexico.
“I began Pillboxed making face masks during the pandemic,” Lozano said. “Then the opportunity presented itself and I was invited to participate in a pop-up for Vogue Mexico. I got along with the photographer, and we just started taking photos around the hotel. We worked with some models, and I was able to dress one of them in a design of mine. We were just having fun with it, and all of a sudden, he tagged me on a social media post and that’s how I found out my design made it into print in Vogue Mexico.”
In addition to needing a creative mind to become the founder of several different companies, Lozano says manifestation has been a big part of her success.
“I had it in mind that I was going to meet Karla Martinez, the editor in chief of Vogue Mexico and Latin America. I ended up meeting her, and she even wore the Pillboxed face masks,” Lozano said. “We make our own limitations. I still limit myself, but I feel like the moments
I’ve been the most successful are the times I’ve feared nothing. What you set your mind to and what you visualize, will happen.”
Fast fashion is definitely not in Lozano’s vocabulary, with her either sending her designs to a team in Mexico who helps manufacture her clothes, or even hand sewing some of her passion projects herself, she strives for the best. Lozano’s designs for Pillboxed consist of flamboyant silhouettes with various meshes such as translucent and glittery patterns fit for the most exuberant stylers.
She hopes she can bring fashionable clothing to confident dressers.
“I want people to feel unique and stand out when wearing my designs,” she said. “I want people to feel comfortable in their own skin. As time went on, I started appreciating simplicity. I’m changing, so I feel like my designs and brand are changing with me.”
While following her passion for fashion and entrepreneurship, Lozano says she’s also realistic and knows that following the market can sometimes be better than following your brand, especially regarding the competitiveness of fashion.
“I feel like fashion is romanticized so much,” Lozano said. “Many people in the industry want to have a brand, walk the runway, and be famous, but I don’t think people realize what it takes to be the next Chanel. Being an entrepreneur is hard and there are days when I feel like it’s too much. Sometimes I wish I could just be ‘normal’ and have a consistent paycheck, but at the same time, I would be miserable if I’m not creating and building my things.”
In addition to running Pillboxed, Lozano also runs an aesthetic garden cake company named Odette, and a jewelry company called Elev. However, her current venture, Build a Caze, allows customers to choose
phone cases they can customize with charms and pop sockets, providing a nostalgic feeling that’s comparable to a Build-a-Bear experience most people who were children in the early 2000s might feel connected to.
“I’m creating brands like Build a Caze or Elev because I see an opportunity in the market and have fun with it,” she said. “For Build a Caze, I wanted a product that had an in-person element as well as having a demographic that is super wide and can span from kids nine years old to older generations. I wanted to create a product that I can sell on TikTok or Amazon because it just moves fast, and everyone needs a phone case.”
From creating four different brands and running them all on her own, to being showcased in the world’s leading fashion magazine, Lozano says none of that would have been possible if she didn’t believe in herself.
“I was afraid to invest in myself,” she said. “My family is full of entrepreneurs, so I used to compare myself a lot to my brother and I just felt that pressure all the time, but I was raised with the idea that working for someone else is only building their empire, not yours. When you’re creating your brand, you’re working for
yourself. If you’re messing up, at least you’re messing up for yourself and learning for you.”
It seems creativity comes naturally to Lozano, evidently, the lust for entrepreneurship runs in her blood. Unbeknownst to her, Lozano was actually a fashion prodigy whose grandmother had the same hopes and dreams as her.
“My grandma was the only person in my family who was into fashion, but I didn’t find out until later on,” she said. “She taught me to match my bag with my shoes and other style tricks like that. Towards the end of her life, she started telling my mom and I how she was good at designing when she was young and was even offered a scholarship. But back then, women didn’t have much voice, so her dad pushed her to get married instead. She just turned to me and told me ‘You know what, you’re actually living my dream.”
With Build a Caze booming and appearing at pop-ups in El Paso, Lozano is continuing her streak of successful creative ventures. Fashion, jewelry, cakes, and phone cases. We’ll be watching to see what industry Lozano takes on next.
Chasing the Curtain Call
| Words and editorial photos by: KATHERINE KOCIAN additional courtesy of: DAMIAN ALONSO |
Damian Alonso is no stranger to the stage. The moment he stepped into the spotlight, the young actor was captivated by the magic of performing. Whether starring in school plays or immersing himself in the local movie scene, Alonso possessed a natural talent and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
This dedication, coupled with his undeniable talent, would ultimately catapult him from his small-town roots to the bright lights of Hollywood.
Although born in San Diego, California, the vibrant border town of El Paso, Texas would ultimately become his true home. Here in El Paso, Alonso’s artistic ambitions began taking shape. Initially, a friend invited him to join a theater troupe, and he was stoked to be involved, as he never had access to
such a community before. Alonso says he immediately fell in love with the arts and began starring in multiple theater productions with Chapin High School.
“That first day I walked into the theater, I was captivated by the entire environment,” he explains. “From that moment on, it was nonstop acting and theater – I knew this was what I was meant to do.”
From then on, Alonso was captivated, diving headfirst into the local theater scene. The vibrant creative community nurtured his talents and ignited a burning passion. Falling in love with the theater environment, he wanted to share his passions with his family.
“My parents went to one of my opening nights for a play at Chapin, it was their first time seeing me on stage,” Alonso recalls. “Seeing
them look at me differently and telling me they were proud of me is a memory I hold close.”
He soon found himself immersed in the acting world.
Alonso steadily accumulated an impressive array of acting credits through a diverse range of roles. Outside of theater, he began to star in short films such as “My Friend Richard” and “Edge of Desire.” For the short film “Act of Contrition,” Alonso embarked on an adventurous film festival “tour” and in one particularly exciting stop, was honored with a nomination for Best Actor at the Prison City Film Festival.
Being involved in the industry he met Mark Martinez, a local director, who cast him as the lead for his short film “Scarab.” A year later, Martinez reached out about his feature
film “Dirt City,” immediately offering Alonso the lead role. He eagerly accepted, throwing himself into intense preparation to embody the character of “Angel.”
After honing his talents through a series of captivating short films in his hometown, Alonso found himself gripping the steering wheel, on his way to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he would audition for his first major feature role in “Banging Laine.”
Despite the nerves that gripped him, the moment he stepped into the room and began auditioning, all those lingering nerves melted away and were replaced by his raw talent and magnetism that captivated the room and led to him being offered the role of Jordan Wiser.
Alonso’s big break into the world of mainstream television came when he landed the role of Jake Matthews on the Disney+ series “Big Shot,” starring the legendary John Stamos
and Yvette Nicole Brown. Alonso is a longtime fan of Stamos’ work, particularly his famous role as Uncle Jesse on “Full House,” and a fan of Brown’s, who is known for her beloved role in the hit series “Drake and Josh” as Helen Dubois.
Alonso says he was ecstatic to share the screen with such established and iconic stars.
“John was an absolute rockstar,” he says. “He really took the time to mentor us, and to make sure we all felt comfortable and confident in our roles.”
When preparing for any role, Alonso will utilize music to help himself get into character. For the role of Jake Matthews, he listened to a lot of raucous rap, Drake in particular, as his character seemed to be a jerk with a heart of gold.
While Alonso’s role on the Disney+ series Big Shot had represented a major milestone in
his career, he soon found himself presented with another exciting opportunity – a part on the beloved Nickelodeon series “The Really Loud House.”
In preparation for the role of Bobby Santiago, he watched every episode of “The Loud House” as well as the spin-off series “The Casa Grande” to understand Bobby’s background and mannerisms. Portraying Bobby was more than just a role for Alonso – it was a chance to represent a Latino role authentically.
Working hard to channel that “golden retriever energy,” and mixing in his Latino roots, he brought Bobby to life!
His first day on set for “The Really Loud House” was Phil Lewis’ last day on set, who is wellknown for his role as Mr. Mosby on “The Suite Life of Zach and Cody.” As Alonso said hello to “Mr. Mosby” he turned around to see Brian Stepanek, who played Arwin from “Suite Life
of Zach and Cody,” and became truly starstruck to find out Stepanek was one of his co-stars.
“The No Sabo Kid” has become Alonso’s latest passion project, a short film he wrote, directed, and starred in.
The short film represents an exciting new chapter in his filmmaking journey.
Deeply rooted in the culture and landscape of El Paso, where the story is set, “The No Sabo Kid” explores themes of identity, belonging, and the universal desire to connect with one’s heritage. The short film was accepted into the El Paso Film Festival, which was a long-time goal of Alonso’s.
From the initial writing to the production process, creating the short film inspired him to continue pursuing his dreams of becoming an actor and a director.
From his humble beginnings in the vibrant art community of El Paso, Texas, to his current status as a rising star, the 24-year-old actor has navigated the entertainment industry with a rare blend of raw talent. This is only the beginning of Damian Alonso’s career, and the world eagerly awaits the next chapter of his remarkable journey.
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Mastering Metal Jewelry with
Chicano Flare
| Words and photos by: ANNABELLA MIRELES |
The earliest pieces of jewelry date back 115,000 years by neanderthals who used seashells and were worn most likely as a mark of status. Now, jewelry is worn as a form of self-expression.
For Aziz Atiya, jewelry is more than art. It’s a statement.
Atiya has been making jewelry for five years and grew up with knowledge of the craft because his parents sold jewelry at Fox Plaza. Through the process of collecting and selling, Atiya started to become more knowledgeable.
“My parents had their own place at Fox Plaza where we sold jewelry,” Atiya said. “I grew up seeing fine jewelry most of my life. I had a neighbor who was also my jeweler at the beginning before I knew how to do anything. I started hanging out with him and he taught me a lot.”
Atiya attended UTEP for a couple of semesters and took classes on metals to further his knowledge and have a better understanding of the medium.
“All jewelers are metalsmiths, but not all metalsmiths are jewelers. You can get a degree at UTEP on metals but still not know how to repair jewelry. Some techniques and habits are passed on by generations,” he explains.
After attending UTEP, Atiya left the university and focused more on making jewelry and art pieces. While running his business through Instagram and taking requests from clients, he also works at a gold exchange.
“I’ve become knowledgeable in diamonds, gold and silver,” Atiya said. “What’s hard about making pieces is finding the material. So, if someone asks me for an $8000 diamond, I need to source it. So, I’ll start calling people in New York or Mexico City.
While making his pieces, he says that he focuses on three themes: love, politics, and
All jewelers are metalsmiths, but not all metalsmiths are jewelers. You can get a degree at UTEP on metals but still not know how to repair jewelry. Some techniques and habits are passed on by generations.
money, while also allowing the pieces to reflect his environment.
“I have a very Chicano-oriented style of jewelry. I use a lot of old English fonts and a lot of desert imagery familiar to Mexican Americans, like roosters or scorpions. I also like to work in themes. A lot of my work is about currency, since I work at a gold and silver exchange, so I’m always aware of their prices. I think I’m very politically active and I love talking about my nationality. I’m Mexican, but I’m also Palestinian, so borders are very familiar to me.”
As for his technique, Atiya likes to work with both traditional and modern techniques, using processes such as 3D printing to help him create molds.
“There are two ways you can go about it,” Atiya said. “One way is starting off with a block of wax that’s a little harder than candle wax
you can carve mold from there. Now, we have digital tools like 3D printing, which is very helpful since carving can take two to three days whereas printing takes a couple of hours. I do a little bit of both, but I do stay true to a lot of traditional fine jewelry techniques, especially since the people I’m learning from are people in there 50s-70s.”
Atiya’s jewelry ranges from statement pieces to deeper forms of art such as a brooch made from personal items found in his room.
“I love making pieces that aren’t necessarily wearable. When you make art, it’s something that comes out naturally, from a place that’s very instinctive. Those pieces are usually more fulfilling than the pieces I make for money,” he explained. “When you’re a jeweler, you accumulate a bunch of junk. I’m also a little bit of a hoarder because if I have nice and shiny stuff, I’ll just want to keep it forever. So, with this piece, I wanted to include things found
inside a jeweler’s drawer, while keeping it personal. For example, there’s Mexican money and a blood tube to reflect my history with my health.”
In addition to his knowledge of metals, Atiya also knows the importance of being knowledgeable of El Paso’s history with jewelry and knowing where the traditions he’s learned came from.
“I feel like there aren’t a lot of jewelers in El Paso. There was a building downtown where some of the best jewelers in the whole city originated, some I’ve even had the pleasure to work with,” he said. “That whole building was three stories full of jewelers. A lot of them either left the city or have died. I’m one of the last generations who still understand that El Paso used to be a jewelry mecca. After 2001, after 9/11, the price of gold skyrocketed so no one could afford to buy it. Whoever had gold was lucky, but those who were just buying and
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selling like my family who didn’t have a lot of gold, couldn’t afford to buy more, so we left the jewelry industry.”
Now, Atiya hopes to take his art and jewelry into exhibitions and hopes to continue making passion projects.
“I think the first few years of my career I spent just selling my pieces to survive, but now I’m at a point in my life where I can think about putting my art in exhibitions,” he said. “I’m not a superstitious person, I’m grounded in science, but I do believe that metals have something really special since most of the gold on Earth didn’t even come from Earth. Some of the earliest human beings were already making ornamental jewelry. Whether it was for spiritual reasons or decorative, jewelry is something we just wouldn’t be the same without.”
Bringing to Life Local Infuse
Ar t Ar tists
La Nube with DesertInspired Masterpieces
L| By: ERIN COULEHAN photography by: JORDAN LICON |
a Nube STEAM Learning Center is more than just a museum; it’s a vibrant fusion of art, science, and creativity, where local artists have come together to transform the space into a living canvas. With installations that draw from the natural world and encourage exploration, La Nube celebrates the intersection of community, education, and artistry. Among the local artists involved in the massive undertaking are Christin Apodaca, Mitsu Overstreet, and Gabriel Marquez, who have made major
artistic contributions to the center, each bringing their unique vision and style to this dynamic environment.
The artists have created a space that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.
Their work not only beautifies the center but also serves as a gateway for visitors to explore themes of nature, science, and community. At La Nube, art is more than decoration – it’s an invitation to engage, learn, and connect with the world around us.
Christin Apodaca
A Love Letter to the Desert
Christin Apodaca’s mural at La Nube is an ode to the Chihuahuan Desert, a landscape she deeply cherishes. Her playful yet deeply intentional depiction of the region’s flora and fauna creates a connection between the local environment and the visitors exploring the center. Apodaca, known for her detailed and thoughtful approach to her work, wanted the mural to feel as though it belonged to the space from the start. “I wanted it to feel like it’s been here the whole time,” she says, reflecting on how she carefully integrated La Nube’s color palette into her design.
Her mural doesn’t just bring the desert indoors; it invites viewers (both young and old) into a dialogue with art. “I am hoping that all of these kids and all these parents kind of find a place with art,” she explains, underscoring the importance of creativity in daily life. Apodaca’s artistic journey is one of persistence and passion, a lesson she hopes to pass on: “If you like it, you should keep doing it.”
Bridging Art and Education
At the heart of La Nube’s Flow exhibit, artist Mitsu Overstreet’s terrazzo bench offers a seamless blend of beauty and education. Known for his large-scale public art projects that foster connections within communities,
Overstreet’s work at La Nube builds on his expertise in creating meaningful, interactive installations. The 22-foot bench, with its intricate brass and zinc inlays of South Texas plants and animals, is not just a place to rest: it’s also a learning tool.
Visitors can scan QR codes embedded in the bench to explore educational content about the water cycle and the desert ecosystem. Overstreet’s design brings the desert’s relationship with water into focus, something he felt was missing from the exhibit. “I wanted to bring that a little bit closer, like how animals are affected by it,” he explains. His design, inspired by his previous work at the El Paso International Airport, speaks to the broader theme of water conservation, but with a local twist, highlighting how vital water is to the desert’s plants and animals.
Gabriel Marquez
Dreamscapes of Motion and Stillness
Gabriel Marquez’s contribution to La Nube adds a layer of surrealism and introspection to the center’s artistic landscape. Known for his intricate linear drawings, Marquez’s work explores the tension between motion and stillness, creating mesmerizing forms that seem to float between worlds. For La Nube, he transformed his delicate pencil drawings into a large-scale installation, working closely with fabricators to ensure every line retained its precision and fluidity.
“This is the first major project that I’ve done for the city of El Paso,” Marquez says, expressing pride in his role at La Nube. His artwork encourages a different kind of interaction, one that is more introspective and personal. Marquez believes in the importance of sharing art with others: “When you don’t show it, it’s all in your head. You don’t really know what people think about it.”
For him, art is about experience – both for the creator and the viewer.
Profiles
Digital experts are the architects of tomorrow, driving innovation and solving complex challenges that shape our connected world. This month, you’re invited to discover insights and innovations from local digital experts shaping the future of technology and online engagement. Join us as we delve into their strategies, success stories, and tips for navigating the ever-evolving digital world.
NovaTech IT And Marketing Solutions (915) 208-4442
2627 East Yandell Dr.
Stephen Flores MBA Marketing Director
Christian James CEO
Christian James, CEO (915) 208-4442
2627 East Yandell Dr.
Can you share some details about the initial vision for your digital expertise? What specific goals or values guided you when you first started?
When Novatech Systems was founded, our vision was to create reliable partners for businesses seeking comprehensive IT and marketing solutions. We aimed to demystify technology for our clients, ensuring they understood how it could enhance their operations. Our core values of integrity, customer-centric service, and innovation have always guided our approach, helping us build lasting relationships with our clients.
How do you approach client relationships, and what strategies do you use to ensure each client feels valued and understood?
We prioritize building strong relationships with our clients by actively listening to their needs and concerns. Our approach includes regular check-ins, personalized service, and a commitment to transparency. We ensure each client feels valued by providing tailored solutions and maintaining open lines of communication, making it clear that their success is our priority.
What are some of the unique strategies or services you offer that set you apart from larger, national digital agencies?
What sets Novatech Systems apart from others is our focus on personalized service and our deep understanding of the local market. We offer managed IT services, data recovery, and cybersecurity solutions customized to meet our clients’ specific needs. Our hands-on approach allows us to be agile and responsive, ensuring we can adapt to our clients’ unique challenges.
In what ways do you contribute to or collaborate with the local community, and how do those efforts enhance your professional work?
We believe in giving back to the local community through various initiatives, such as sponsoring local events, providing pro bono IT services for nonprofits, and participating in community workshops. These efforts strengthen our ties within the community and enhance our professional work by allowing us to understand local needs better and foster goodwill.
As digital technology continues to evolve, how do you plan to adapt and innovate while staying true to your core values and principles?
As digital technology evolves, we remain committed to continuous learning and innovation. We regularly invest in training our team on the latest technologies and industry trends while staying true to our core values of integrity and customer service. By embracing new tools and methodologies, we ensure that we can provide cutting-edge solutions without losing sight of the personalized service that defines our company.
Founded in 2018, RA Digital Consulting has been dedicated to helping businesses grow through customized digital marketing solutions. With a focus on building strong client relationships and delivering customized strategies, we’ve successfully expanded our services serving local and national clients. Our personalized approach allows us to be more than just a service provider—we’re a true partner, committed to the success of your business.
Our firm specializes in automotive marketing serving dealers nationally such as Ford, GMC, Nissan, and Range Rover to name a few. Locally, we’re proud to have partnered with some of the largest credit unions, furniture stores, law firms, and logistics companies in the region. The trust we’ve built over the years has allowed us to grow organically, and our clients remain our greatest advocates.
At RA Digital Consulting, we’re passionate about making a lasting impact. We offer more than just marketing services—we provide guidance and support, ensuring our clients have the tools they need to thrive in the competitive digital world. Let us help you increase your profitability and get true ROI for your marketing dollars.
Can you share some details about the initial vision for your digital expertise? What specific goals or values guided you when you first started?
The initial vision for TechPro Audio & Video was simple. To become the best regional commercial AV integrator. Our goals are to provide outstanding customer service, to compete on quality not price to provide best-in-class service after the sale. Our values are honesty, integrity, and commitment to excellence.
How do you approach client relationships, and what strategies do you use to ensure each client feels valued and understood?
Customer service is a cornerstone of our business and is embedded into our company culture. We approach client relationships as a partnership. We want to become their trusted partner and not just another vendor. We listen to their needs and value their input. We want the customer to be thrilled with the outcome of their project.
What are some of the unique strategies or services you offer that set you apart from larger, national digital agencies?
Our wide range of services includes commercial Audio Video system design, integration, room automation, and DirecTV service for lodging and institutions. Whether your project is a conference or training room, sports bar, QSR, event center, hospital, hotel, or anything in between we can help. Most national integrators simply cannot provide this level of service.
In what ways do you contribute to or collaborate with the local community, and how do those efforts enhance your professional work?
Since 2010 TechPro Audio & Video has proudly served West Texas and surrounding areas. We take pride in our work and finished product. We live and breathe AV and technology. Our technicians are detail-oriented, and our design and management team is second to none.
As digital technology continues to evolve, how do you plan to adapt and innovate while staying true to your core values and principles?
Our approach is simple, we invest in continuing education and training. We keep up with evolving technologies and new products. We test products and services to make sure that they are the right fit for our customers.
Empowering Businesses for Over 15 Years.
Ares Saldana, CEO 500 W Overland Ave #250W (915) 730-3817 phidev.com
In 2008, I started Phidev in the vibrant desert city of El Paso, Texas. From the start, our mission has been clear: to help businesses create and grow their digital presence. Over the past 15 years, we’ve proudly partnered with some of El Paso’s finest organizations, including Cafe Central, West Texas Chophouse, Tacotote, and Western Playland. Though our roots remain in El Paso, today we collaborate with clients across the USA, Canada, Mexico, and even as far as the Netherlands.
Most recently, we introduced Lucky Little Cat – a subscriptionbased service designed to make professional website solutions accessible to businesses of all sizes. Affordable yet high-quality, it’s quickly become a favorite among clients for creating and maintaining their digital presence without the usual complexities.
We are immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished as a small, remote, and dedicated team that always keeps our customers’ best interests at heart. The impact we’ve made not only in the El Paso region but globally is extremely rewarding not only to me but to my team.
At Phidev, we are constantly evolving, learning, and adapting to new technologies to better serve our clients. We believe in living life fully while delivering creative, efficient, and impactful solutions. Whether you’re a local business or an international entity, we’re here to empower you with your digital journey and help you thrive in the online world.
EL PASO STARS Shine in Hollywood
Under the glitz, glamor, and glitter of Los Angeles, where dreams are both born and realized, few stories are as romantic – or authentic – as that of Abe Bueno-Jallad and Luly James, a dynamic creative couple whose journey from the borderlands of El Paso, Texas, to the heights of Hollywood spotlights is as heartwarming as it is inspiring.
Abe Bueno-Jallad, an actor with deep roots across the American Southwest and Mexico, has taken the entertainment world by storm.
With a unique blend of mixed-race heritage – speaking Spanish, English, and Arabic fluently – his cultural fluency and versatility as an actor have made him a sought-after talent in both English and Spanish language films. His role as “Big James” in the wildly successful historical drama “The Chosen,” a multi-season series on the life of Jesus, has solidified his place in Hollywood, with millions
of viewers captivated by his performances. “The Chosen,” which boasts over 253 million viewers and is available on major streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, has pushed boundaries as the first multi-season series about the life of Jesus, making him part of a monumental cultural moment that he refuses to take for granted.
“It’s easy to focus on when someone, quoteunquote, ‘arrives,’ but people often overlook the journey that got them there. The road is paved with failures, trials, errors, and successes,” he explains.
What makes Jallad’s path even more extraordinary is his unusual start.
Before turning to acting, he was immersed in psychiatric research, working on a grant in New Mexico. His background in mental health gives him a distinctive emotional depth and
Additional photography courtesy of: ABE
AND
Editorial assistance: KATHERINE KOCIAN
By: ERIN COULEHAN
Editorial photography by: JORDAN LICON
Hair by: LULY JAMES
Makeup by: GINA MENDIOLA
BUENO-JALLAD
LULY JAMES; “THE CHOSEN” PRESS CENTER
empathy, something that surely contributes to the authenticity of his performances. Jallad views acting as a way to bring people together through storytelling, a mission that aligns perfectly with his work on “The Chosen.”
Though constantly traveling between California, New Mexico, and Texas, he maintains deep ties to his roots while exploring creative opportunities in Los Angeles.
On the other side of this power couple, Luly James is a force in the world of beauty and celebrity hairstyling.
Growing up in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, her passion for connecting with people and expressing creativity through hair started at a
young age. From braiding dolls’ hair as a child to creating iconic looks for the Oscars, her journey has been one of continuous evolution.
Today, she works with some of the biggest names in Hollywood under the mentorship of celebrity stylist Adir Abergel, known for his innovative red carpet hairdos for stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Marion Cotillard, and Kristen Stewart (to name a few).
James’ career is not just about hairstyling; it’s about building connections and empowering women to feel their most confident.
“When I get a new client, I build a mood board of what she feels and who she is,” she shares. “What does she do on her day-to-day? Where
does she get her coffee? How am I going to make this color accentuate her beauty and be part of her life?”
Her spiritual outlook and dedication to her craft have earned her a place among Hollywood’s elite.
“Luly’s journey is unique. She was already on my radar, doing fashion weeks in New York and LA,” Jallad recalls.
Whether working on the red carpets or crafting editorial looks for fashion week, James brings a mix of soulfulness and precision to her work.
“Luly has been such an instrumental part of building the Hair by Adir empire,” Abergel tells
The City Magazine. “She is an incredible hair stylist, but her gifts are being able to bring in an entire community of hairstylists to Hair by Adir by creating educational programs to inspire the next generation.”
James’ impressive range in the beauty industry extends from product development and marketing to haircuts, highlights, and more.
“One of my favorite projects the first year I was working for Hair by Adir,” she recalls, “is when I was able to make my first mood board – for Anne Hathaway.”
While working on the film, “The Idea of You,” starring Hathaway and Nicholas Galatzine,
James created a Silver Lake chic look for the star’s character.
“She was a gallery owner in Silver Lake, California, and she had long, flowing, hair that she would put up for bedroom scenes with her new lover,” she explains. “All of those things were explored in the mood board, then we got to see it come out years later.”
Meanwhile, Jallad’s life took a turn toward the nomadic, bouncing between filming locations from Louisiana to Italy. During this whirlwind of career highs and global travel, they managed to stay connected across time zones, their bond deepening despite the miles.
The couple’s reconnection in Los Angeles was nothing short of serendipitous.
Growing up in El Paso, Jallad and James were childhood friends and classmates at Polk Elementary through Franklin High School, their paths crossing in the sprawling, sun-drenched landscape of their shared Texas border town.
However, it wasn’t until they both found themselves in L.A., immersed in their respective fields, that their friendship evolved into a powerful partnership.
“It was such a surreal experience – living the dream – so to speak,” says James. “At one point, I was crashing at a friend’s place because I had work during L.A. Fashion Week,” she explains. Her friend, a mutual high school friend, lived across from Jallad, narrowing the gap between time and distance.
After that, he’d often meet her upon her arrival in L.A.
“Abe picked me up from the airport, and we’d go to different events, parties, and meet-ups. That was life from 2015 until the pandemic hit. After that, I went full-time with Adir, who was looking for an assistant. It was perfect timing because I was burnt out from working behind the chair,” she says.
Their shared journey from the Borderland to the glittering lights of L.A. gives them a unique perspective on their work, one that is grounded in their mutual heritage and deep respect for each other’s creative process. “It was wild,” he agrees. “We were living this dream, running into people who were doing the same. I remember Luly needed a place to crash during L.A. Fashion Week, and –somehow – it all lined up with her staying with a mutual friend who lived near me. That’s how it’s been: constant movement, meeting up in random places, working hard, and making it all happen.”
Their love story, a mix of spontaneity and planning, became part of that travel lifestyle. They set a rule to check in with each other every 10 days, figuring out where in the U.S. they’d meet next. It wasn’t the typical dating story, but it was perfect for them. They embraced romantic getaways in places like Utah and Big Bend, enjoying nature and deep conversations as they learned more about each other. “We had these beautiful escapes into nature: Utah, LA, New Mexico, Marfa, Big Bend,” he says, reminiscing about their unique path.
They are an unstoppable duo in L.A.’s creative circles and beyond, as well as newlyweds and new parents.
“Our baby? He’s such a sweetheart, the chillest little guy. He cries when babies cry, but he loves being around music and groups of adults. He’s perfect, man. It feels like everything was meant to be,” says Jallad. “Luly and I had deep talks about family; her grandma passed away, and I had just lost
my grandfather, along with other family members to COVID. It was a year filled with grief and realizations, but now, here we are with this beautiful baby in El Paso, surrounded by community.”
Whether he is preparing for his next major project or she is styling a client for fashion week, the couple supports and inspires one another, sharing a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs that come with creative careers.
“We’re still figuring out how the hybrid life works, traveling between El Paso, Albuquerque, and LA. Bringing more work to El Paso would be ideal,” says Jallad. “Luly’s enjoying her time in the editorial world and isn’t rushing back to studio life. We’re constantly talking about how to make this lifestyle click. Once I’m done filming The Chosen, I’d love to see an El Paso to Albuquerque to LA life – dream big, right?”
Together, they embody the spirit of reinvention, their journey from El Paso to the glimmering
El Paso Stars Shine in Hollywood
El Paso Stars Shine in
I auditioned four times, not even for the role I have now. It all felt so fortuitous. When the pandemic hit, I left L.A. and moved to New Mexico, thinking I might start over, maybe even leave acting. But then
lights of Hollywood is a testament to the power of following your passion.
“I want to continue to develop the educational program for our team of assistants – I want to keep that team always growing and flourishing,” says James. “When it comes to myself, I still dream of working on campaigns for Chanel – which I’ve done before – but I also really want to work on a runway show for Chanel.”
For Jallad, the success of “The Chosen” has been a defining moment in his career.
“The show’s success has been wild, going from independent production to resisting offers from Amazon and Netflix, then becoming our own studio. It’s opened me up to a whole new audience, but I’m still passionate about acting and even want to get back into theater. It’s been an incredible journey,” says Jallad.
The series, which boasts over 253 million viewers worldwide, has transcended language barriers, with plans to dub it in 50 languages and subtitle it in more than 600. It’s a historic production, and for Jallad, being part of this groundbreaking show is deeply personal. He’s not just telling a story: he’s bringing to life narratives that resonate across cultures, much like his own story. Jallad’s background in psychology adds a unique layer to his work as an actor, enabling him to dive deeper into the complex emotions of the characters he portrays.
“I auditioned four times, not even for the role I have now,” he explains. “It all felt so fortuitous. When the pandemic hit, I left L.A. and moved to New Mexico, thinking I might start over, maybe even leave acting. But then ‘The Chosen’ called, offering me a series regular role. I moved out of my apartment, sublet it, and signed a sevenseason contract, unsure if the show would last that long but ready for the ride.”
“I never wanted to just be doing highlights and haircuts, I wanted to exercise that skill, but I also wanted to not be tied down,” she explains. “I also love the idea of creating a space where creatives can come together and collaborate – and it doesn’t have to just be hair stylists – tattoo artists, writers, any kind of creative.”
Her collaborations with Abergel and experiences at elite fashion events like the Met Gala, fashion weeks, and awards shows have honed her skills and elevated her artistry to new heights.
During awards season, for example, James works with fashion magazines like “Cosmopolitan,” “Allure,” and more to break down celebrity red-carpet appearances as part of her work with Abergel.
James’ work, meanwhile, is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the beauty industry.
‘The Chosen’ called, offering me a series regular role. I moved out of my apartment, sublet it, and signed a seven-season contract, unsure if the show would last that long but ready for the ride.
“So, when Nicole Kidman is hitting the red carpet, the whole look has to be dissected and sent out with behind-the-scenes images that Adir distributes to the publications so they can have the first photos,” says James.
Her dream of creating a space to merge editorial styling with behind-the-chair work reflects her vision for the future – one where beauty is about both creativity and connection. Whether she’s braiding intricate styles or perfecting her color technique, her work has become a staple at Hollywood’s most glamorous events.
“Right now is a very beautiful time in my life where I have found a balance between career and personal life,” she says. “I am now a new mother, which has opened up this whole other side of me that I have fallen in love with.”
Additionally, she adds that her home of Juarez has been on her mind.
“I’m so inspired by every opportunity I get to go there and just watch people,” she says. “I want to be more involved and I think that keeps me dreaming of the future.”
As they navigate the whirlwind of their respective careers and family, their shared history and commitment to their crafts bind them together. From the border town of El Paso to the heart of Hollywood, their story is one of passion, resilience, and the magic that happens when two creative forces reconnect and rise together.
“We’ve invested so much in freedom – the freedom to follow our careers wherever they take us while staying rooted in what it means to be in El Paso,” says Jallad.
Their love story isn’t just about romance – it’s a partnership built on shared creativity, mutual respect, and a deep connection to their roots. Together, they are not only making waves in their industries but also creating a legacy that reflects the beauty of collaboration and the power of chasing one’s dreams.
Visit El Paso Named Texas DMO of theYear
El Paso is making waves in the world of tourism. Visit El Paso, the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of El Paso, has just been honored with the prestigious DMO of the Year award by the Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (TACVB). Founded in 1972, the TACVB is a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes tourism across Texas. With a mission to provide education, resources, and networking opportunities for DMOs, tourism bureaus, and chambers of commerce, the TACVB helps communities like El Paso thrive by boosting their tourism sectors. Visit El Paso’s award was announced at the TACVB’s annual conference in Austin, Texas, on August 21, spotlighting the city’s dynamic role in Texas tourism.
But that’s not all.
Visit El Paso also took home the award for Best Website Design & Effectiveness for their beautifully revamped website, VisitElPaso. com. This win is another feather in the cap for El Paso’s tourism leaders, proving that innovation and engagement are key ingredients in promoting the Sun City as a must-visit destination.
The DMO of the Year award celebrates Visit El Paso’s outstanding work in driving tourism to the vibrant border city. Their efforts go far beyond marketing—they offer comprehensive convention, tourism, and event management services that enrich the visitor experience and bolster El Paso’s economy.
Thanks to their diligent promotion, the Sun City has seen a surge in both visitor numbers
| By: ERIN COULEHAN |
and community engagement. From helping large conventions find a home in El Paso’s state-of-the-art venues to showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage, Visit El Paso is elevating the city’s profile on the national and international stage.
Winning the Best Website Design & Effectiveness award recognizes Visit El Paso’s forward-thinking approach to online engagement. In partnership with local development agency Hello Amigo, the team gave VisitElPaso.com a complete makeover this past May.
The result?
A sleek, user-friendly website packed with engaging content and intuitive navigation, making it easier than ever for potential travelers and locals alike to explore what the city has to offer.
With its fresh new look, the site features everything from events and itineraries to travel tips and insider guides, offering a seamless digital gateway to El Paso. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply looking for something fun to do this weekend, the redesigned website has become an invaluable resource for all things El Paso.
“Receiving these awards is an outstanding honor and serves to recognize the effort, dedication, and passion of our team,” says Jose Garcia, President and CEO of Destination El Paso, who couldn’t be prouder of his team.
“We are honored to represent El Paso on a statewide, national, and international level, and to be recognized for our efforts by the TACVB.”
Visit El Paso’s impressive performance at this year’s TACVB conference underscores its commitment to excellence and innovation in the tourism space. As El Paso continues to grow as one of Texas’ most exciting destinations, the organization remains at the forefront, dedicated to showcasing all the city has to offer, from breathtaking desert landscapes to rich culture.
Whether you’re a convention-goer, a casual traveler, or a local looking to explore new parts of the city, El Paso is a destination that continues to shine – and Visit El Paso is leading the way.
Studio Sigilo
The Fashion Revolution
| By: YOALI RODRIGUEZ
Additional Photography courtesy of: STUDIO SIGLIO |
Editorial Photography by: ANNABELLA MIRELES
Fashion is the language of representation, freedom and expression that craves the warmth of community.
Understanding the tongue, University of Texas at El Paso student Andrew Hughes, gave life to Studio Sigilo in 2023, an organization dedicated to fashion design and styling. Invoking a new era for UTEP fashion creatives.
After moving from San Antonio to attend UTEP and pursue Mechanical Engineering, to his surprise, Hughes found himself elected as president of a club that changed the university’s involvement in the local fashion scene.
“I have always really been into fashion and reading books about the industry. I was kind of new to El Paso at the time, and it was when I was looking for clubs to join but no sort of organization already existed in that space,” Hughes said.
Hughes said he noticed El Paso’s hunger to grow the fashion scene with the rise of local designers and shows.
“My biggest goal became to bridge the gap between UTEP and the El Paso fashion scene,” Hughes said.
Before joining the organization, Vice President of Studio Sigilo and Business major, Penelope Terrazas, also felt uninvolved in college. She said there were no hubs to help her build her portfolio and reach her dream job as a fashion entrepreneur.
“When I entered school, I got really discouraged when I noticed that there was no fashion at UTEP,” said Terrazas. “As a kid, my mom always told me about fashion. She used to be a fashion designer, and she had a store here in El Paso called Deborah Cisneros.”
Inspired by her mother’s beginnings to pursue a career in fashion, once she became aware of Studio Sigilo, she decided to take a chance on Hughes’ vision to help him build the first fashion organization at UTEP.
Ever since she has been helping him encourage students in the organization to feel just as creatively nourished.
“This organization showed me that everyone has a connection to fashion,” Terrazas said. “It doesn’t matter what you’re studying, you can have a passion for anything, and I feel like that mentally opened the creative eyes of our members.”
Throughout its first year as an organization, Studio Sigilo crafted its first collection from scratch titled “Drifters Regalia.”
Terrazas said the collection was made of three pieces, incorporating everyone’s talent.
The first was a male white linen romantic flowy top, with a deep cut V-neck, and a collar connected by red ribbon. On the sleeves of the top, ribbon details can be spotted creating a split dimension between each.
The female pieces were made up of two dresses:
The first is a blood-red full-length hand-knit see-through dress with flowy sleeves.
The second was considered the showstopper of the collection. A satin burnt red mermaid gown with a tulle bouncy layer in the bottom. Some key features of the dress are the wraparound bow, which sits at the back of the waist, and a headscarf made up of the same satin fabric.
“We wanted to do retro/vintage meets modern El Paso,” describes Terrazas, “The male look we said felt like a Frank Sinatraesque outfit. For our knit dress, we wanted to do something outside of the box, and androgynous. And lastly, the gown had more of that retro/vintage feel.”
Hughes said each member played a significant part in brainstorming the patterns, sewing, and styling the designs.
Studio Sigilo debuted “Drifters Regalia” in May 2024, at local boutique IM NOVELTIES’ “Fashion Show on Texas.”
The show was accompanied by other brands such as Fairway Collective, darkcastle club, Paranoid, and GAUCIN Couture. The organization watched its pieces strut the runway down Texas Ave. and also helped style parts of the show.
Former member of the club and UTEP Alumni, Sofia Alonso also believed in the passion everyone at Studio Sigilo brought to the table. Her involvement in the organization became significant for its flourishment, as she had a background in El Paso’s fashion scene.
“It was at the start of my senior year at UTEP, and I was experiencing feelings of senioritis, thinking ‘Did I do enough? Could I have been more involved?’” Alonso said. “When I showed up to the first meeting, I was very impressed
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by Andrew’s drive and his insight on what he wanted to bring to UTEP.”
At the time, Alonso was a professional stylist for the local brand GAUCIN Couture.
“The first thing that Andrew [Hughes] had said in the meeting was he wanted to do a collection and a show, and I said, ‘let’s do it,’” Alonso said.
After hearing Hughes’ aspiration for a show, she said she could not help but to jumpstart the project; part of her passion was to craft fashion shows and media in the industry.
Alonso said her time in the organization brought out the best of her skills. She considered putting the show together as the biggest triumph she accomplished (so far).
“It was my second time organizing a show independently without any big funding,” she said. “This experience helped me to elevate my skills as a creative because it made me understand
it was possible to do a lot of things at once and bring people together to execute big projects.”
According to Alonso, the best part of the show was watching as all the members saw their collection close the show.
“It was a milestone,” Alonso said. “It sets the bar high for Studio Sigilo’s future projects and endeavors. It was great to see how many people were hungry for such a locally based event.”
Even though Studio Sigilo reached a big break in its first year, Hughes emphasized behind all the glitz and glamour, the true meaning behind the organization was community.
Hughes said he hopes to see the organization outlive his time at UTEP and remain a place where people can go and express themselves freely.
“The deeper meaning of the club was to allow students to collaborate with other people,” said
Hughes. “To learn how to come up with design and just do stuff they wouldn’t necessarily be able to do within their curriculum.”
Hughes said he hopes to see the organization outlive his time at UTEP and remain a place where people can go and express themselves freely, regardless of their major or experience in fashion.
As Studio Sigilo enters its second year, they have begun to brainstorm new projects and are excited to see what opportunities the city will bring in.
As leaders of the organization, Hughes and Terrazas said they look forward to getting their members more involved in the local fashion scene and solidifying a space for UTEP students who are seeking opportunities in the industry.
Meanwhile, carving a fashionable mark in El Paso.
WRITING BEYOND BORDERS
Sergio Troncoso has become a household name in the field of literature. His many books and stories focus on the border region and its inhabitants. Born on the east side of El Paso by Ysleta, Troncoso attended Ysleta High School and often visited his grandmother on Myrtle Street.
He knows what it means to grow up on the border, and how Mexican and American cultures blend beautifully to create a unique El Paso identity.
Troncoso is an influential voice in contemporary literature, who draws from his personal experiences growing up on the U.S.-Mexico border to explore the blending of cultures and the struggles of marginalized communities. His fearless approach to taboo topics and commitment to inclusivity, both in his writing and through his leadership in literary spaces, highlights his dedication to giving a voice to the underrepresented. As a trailblazer for Mexican-American writers, Troncoso’s recent induction into the Texas Literary Hall of Fame cements his legacy of advocating for diversity and elevating the rich talent of border communities like his own in El Paso.
“The Texas Literary Hall of Fame showcases top literary writers across the nation. This group of inductees follows a long list of others who demonstrate how Texas has shaped the
cultural landscape of their writings,” said Sonja Watson, Ph.D., Dean of the AddRan College of Liberal Arts.
Troncoso’s works include novels like The Last Tortilla and Other Stories, From This Wicked Patch of Dust, and Nobody’s Pilgrims, as well as essays such as those in Crossing Borders: Personal Essays.
Through these, he brings attention to the struggles of the poor and the underrepresented, particularly Mexican Americans, while advocating for their inclusion in broader literary and cultural conversations. His work is celebrated for its bold, insightful commentary on social justice and its nuanced depiction of border life.
He’s always had a passion for writing, and – it turns out – it runs in his family.
His paternal grandfather, Santiago Troncoso (who he refers to as a “rabble-rousing Mexican journalist”), was the editor of El Dia newspaper in Juarez, and he was known for getting in a bit of trouble while fighting for journalistic freedom. His grandson followed his example and has been working in writing in some form since he was 18, starting as the yearbook editor at Ysleta High.
He’s especially fond of writing about unconventional topics and characters.
“You know, if you write about taboo subjects, if you write about the real thing, you get people angry, but that’s actually real writing,” he explained. Troncoso is not afraid to acknowledge hard truths or difficult topics, which is one of the reasons his writing is so effective. Troncoso also believes in making a difference through inclusion, and he knows that representation is important.
Among his many accomplishments is his status as the first person of color to be a fellow of the Texas Institute of Letters.
When he served as president of the organization, he used his platform to advocate for inclusivity in literary spaces. His passion lies in giving voice to marginalized people. As someone who grew up poor and on the border, he understands the importance of including disadvantaged groups in the literature world.
“What mattered to me was starting to induct and give prizes to communities that had been overlooked, particularly Mexican Americans, African Americans, LGBTQ communities,” he explained.
His story is about to become even more inspiring with his induction into the Texas Literary Hall of Fame, which recognizes a select few Texas authors who have contributed significantly to literature, which Troncoso has been doing for his whole career. Troncoso shares that he was surprised when he first learned of his induction, and he is very excited to continue sharing his work with as many people as possible.
“I’m very proud of being a member of the Texas Literary Hall of Fame. I think it helps open people’s minds about the kind of talent you have on the border, especially in a place like El Paso, absolutely, especially among poor kids. I mean, I was a very poor kid. There is a lot of talent on the border in the very poor communities and it just needs a chance. The kids need a chance, just like I got a chance. If my life is about anything, it’s about paying attention to places and people from Ysleta.”
Bobby Gallagher
A Decade Behind the Lens
| By: ERIN COULEHAN Editorial
ANNABELLA MIRELES
Photography by:
Additional Photography courtesy of: ENRIQUE LOZANO and LINDSEY TOVAR |
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the stories of an acclaimed photographer speak volumes in praise of the culture of our community.
For the past decade, Bobby Gallagher has been capturing the essence of the Southwest through her camera lens. Her journey as a photographer began with an innocent love for snapping casual photos of her friends using a simple Sony Cyber Shot but gained momentum. Photography started as a fun hobby and evolved into a rewarding career, though it wasn’t something she originally planned. Her first step into the professional world came at 16 years old when she began working for online magazines like Enfiestate, Topmetro, and Niche, documenting the vibrant bar and restaurant scenes in Juarez and El Paso.
“I had a blast, met so many people, and got to have a little fun at a young age,” she recalls fondly. What began as a side gig for extra cash soon became an immersive experience that shaped her future in photography.
Now, as she reflects on the last ten years, Gallagher’s career is filled with significant milestones. From discovering her passion for food photography to hosting her first solo show at The Falstaff, her journey has been a series of triumphs.
“One of my favorite highlights was winning Best Photography in The Best of the City 2023,” she shares, though her true love lies in the unexpected niche of food photography. “Food photography is my favorite thing to shoot. It’s tricky but rewarding.”
Her work goes beyond capturing beautiful images; it is a continuous evolution as an artist.
“What stands out to me the most is how much she cares about our region and how she just wants to continue to see it grow, whether that’d be helping a local entrepreneur with her amazing photography work or simply covering a server shift at a local restaurant,” says Chef Enrique Lozano. “She’s multi-talented, and I’m super proud to call her a best friend.”
Gallagher’s style, which she describes as intimate and rooted in formalism, has grown with her deepening appreciation for symmetry; a passion influenced by filmmaker Wes Anderson. Over the years, she has mastered the art of transforming everyday subjects into visually striking compositions that feel both familiar and elevated.
In an industry filled with talented photographers, Gallagher’s unique perspective, especially in food photography, helps her stand out.
“It’s definitely a competitive industry, but I believe my passion for food photography sets me apart,” she explains. While many overlook the intricacies of photographing food, she embraces the challenge, expertly capturing the flavors, textures, and artistry of each dish.
Of course, her journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
One particularly tough moment during a wedding shoot was when a guest accidentally knocked her camera to the ground.
The damage was only realized later when reviewing the photos.
“The groom even said I was a horrible photographer,” she recalls, laughing at the memory.
Despite the pain of the setback, she turned it into a learning moment, understanding the importance of preparation and resilience in her craft.
Additionally, while photography technology continues to advance rapidly, she remains loyal to her tried-and-true equipment.
“I’ve been working with the same gear for the last decade,” she admits. Although she is aware of the allure of newer tools, her deep knowledge of her equipment allows her to produce high-quality work without feeling the need to constantly upgrade.
During moments of creative block, Gallagher turns to her favorite source of inspiration, books.
“I like to take myself on a Barnes & Noble date and read all the books and magazines I can find,” she says.
This simple ritual helps reignite her passion and creativity, enabling her to produce work that resonates with her audience.
Among the many subjects she’s had the pleasure of photographing, one name stands out, Taylor Swift.
“I remember it all too well!” she laughs, referencing the pop star’s famous song lyrics. But whether she’s photographing a celebrity or a dish at a local restaurant, she approaches each project – and relationship – with the same level of enthusiasm and care.
“Being friends with her is epic,” explains longtime best friend Lindsey Tovar. “As for her career path, it’s been a blessing
to witness. I know she prefers culinary photography overall but seeing her photograph all aspects and ventures of life is to observe a chameleon adapt to any environment. In the beginning, the opportunity to watch her work was in a very social setting and always kept light, over the years I now see the depth she strives to achieve and translates into her film.”
Looking ahead, her aspirations are far from slowing down. With a “photographer’s bucket list” in mind, her next goal is Ireland, where she hopes to capture new landscapes and experiences.
Eager to continue evolving as an artist, Gallagher is excited about the next phase of her career.
When asked what advice she has for aspiring photographers, her response is thoughtful and genuine: “Don’t think that your competition are also your enemies. It’s a competitive world, but not an evil one.” Her approach to photography is one of community, and she’s built lasting relationships with collaborators and subjects throughout her career.
Gallagher’s decade behind the camera has been a journey of growth, creativity, and connection.
From her early days capturing El Paso’s nightlife to her work being featured in national publications like Urban Outfitters and Nylon Magazine, she has consistently pushed herself to create images that are both inviting and thought-provoking. With her love for food, fashion, and music driving her art, Gallagher’s photography celebrates the beauty found in both the extraordinary and the everyday.
As she looks to the future, one thing remains certain: Bobby Gallagher will continue to create, inspire, and click that button for a living – one perfectly composed shot at a time.
BREW - TIFUL
Local Coffee Shops to Savor This Autumn
| Words and photos by: ELISHA ÑUNEZ |
W BREW - TIFUL W BREW - TIFUL
W
hile El Paso’s scenery starts to change as autumn enters the city, local coffee shops are preparing for a season of pumpkin spice and everything nice. With some familiar favorites and newer shops preparing for the chillier weather and yellow leaves, fall flavors are starting to return to the menu. From Mexican to Middle Eastern, here is a round-up of some coffee shops and their autumn flavors ready to satisfy your coffee and tea needs.
Kinley’s House Coffee and Tea
For all the university students or El Pasoans near downtown, this local favorite is just one coffee shop to be at this fall. Taking a seat at the wooden tables while enjoying a Mexican hot chocolate or pumpkin spice latte are just a few of the goods you can have while enjoying the setting. The wooden furniture enhances the cafe’s rustic theme, adding to the feel of fall. While watching nearby trees change colors or an autumn rain makes its way through the streets of the Rim-University neighborhood, you can sip on a few fall refreshments while enjoying the surrounding environment.
Caffe Fioretti
Walking into this cafe is like being instantly transported to a quaint cafe in Europe. Housed in a bungalow within the Pershing-Government Hill neighborhood, this shop offers customers a European vibe that makes a perfect setting for the fall weather. With intricate teapots and teacups filled with seasonal beverages and tiered plate stands complete with different foods, Caffe Fioretti offers a variety of treats that make fall fun. Even the building’s front and back yards are home to plants and cute tables that make a great seating place for every time of year. From the Fall Harvest Soup to more than ten different teas, Caffe Fioretti is one place to spend the autumn.
Summer Moon Coffee
Locally owned on the East Side, Summer Moon Coffee is a Texas-based business with locations throughout and beyond the state, with only one in El Paso. Distinguished through its oak-roasted coffee and sweet cream called “Moon Milk” this cafe is one to visit during the fall. With their seasonal beverage, the Autumn Moon Latte, and other flavors like everyone’s favorite pumpkin spice. Their pastries are also some to enjoy during the fall with berry flavors and spices. The cafe is dotted with small decorations to celebrate the transition from summer to fall, adding to its country feel. With comfortable couches and wooden tables, one can really take in the fall at Summer
Moon Coffee The House Coffee Shop
Take in the fall flavors with the new downtown business The House Coffee Shop, which opened up in June. On the corner of N. Stanton and E. Mills is this new space with Middle Eastern flavors. Sip on some lattes with cinnamon and cardamom like the Yemeni Latte and even some of their different chai lattes. You can look forward to their upcoming autumn menu, featuring new hints of pumpkin and nutmeg among many other new tastes. At this cafe, you can soak up the fall feelings from looking out the big glass windows at passersby downtown, and looking at the outside colors change. You can also enjoy some of their delicacies like knafeh, a traditional Arabic dessert.
Bee’s Pastry Café
Bringing Puerto Rican and New York City seasonings to El Paso is Bee’s Pastry Cafe on Pellicano. With its variety of specialty coffees and meals, this shop is sure to arouse feelings of comfort and warmth as the autumn chills roll in. You can enjoy traditional Puerto Rican food from tostones to arroz con pollo while sipping on a hot or cold café con leche. Being in this shop will remind you of the art-deco vibe sprawled across the walls in murals of the New York City skylines and neighborhoods. As the fall breeze comes in with dark clouds and a slight chill, so will the flavors from Bee’s Pastry Cafe to warm you up on the inside.
Wake and Bake
If you want to escape the weather changes autumn brings, then you can find yourself at Wake and Bake, a cafe in Montecillo with delicious drinks and specialty treats. Immerse yourself in the natural atmosphere, helped by the numerous plants and natural hues in the cafe’s furniture and decorations. If you want to step into a different delicacy direction, you can try some of the cafe’s treats infused with a healthy and regulated amount of CBD: hence the name, Wake and Bake. Customers can have their drink infused with some CBD upon request, in case you are feeling like you need an extra pick-meup in your pick-me-up. From a wide array of coffee drinks and other beverages to CBD specialty treats, you can find yourself at Wake and Bake for a little extra fall fun.
Science & Art
The of
ine has appeared in art for centuries.
But from its inception, winemaking has been thought of as both art and science.
We all hear that medicine is both a science and an art. But winemaking?
Wine is a unique combination of both art and science – one that we can all enjoy without a degree in medicine, engineering or enology (making wine). However, when studied in its components, wine is a challenge in both science and art in seven basic steps. The seven steps include:
1. Growing the grapes
2. Harvesting at the right moment
3. Crushing and pressing
| By: VIC POULOS |
4. Fermentation
5. Filtering and clarification
6. Aging and bottling
7. The wine label itself
Let’s begin this journey of wine juice with the adage: “You can’t make good wine out of bad grapes, but you can make bad wine out of good grapes.”
It all begins with farming.
Good grapes for wine require science in soil, vineyard orientation, the number of vines per acre, and watering control. However, it’s an art to determine when the grapes have reached the proper stage to harvest, usually based on the winemakers’ scientific test of sugar level or “brix,” as it is called, and an instinctive or artful judgment as to color, ripeness, and taste (including seed taste).
Science rules, but knowing exactly when to harvest will determine the quality of one’s wine.
Once the grapes are harvested, the pressing of the wine after destemming becomes science when one determines the pressure of the press and the quantity of juice to be gained from the harvested grapes.
Is your goal quantity or quality when pressing? To ensure quality and not quantity, I press our grapes to achieve about 150 gallons of wine per ton of grapes. Once pressed, the producer’s art begins in determining the
Winemakers are required to adhere to strict protocols of science, regulations, and laws on determining additives and preservatives. Recent new world advancements in sanitation, equipment, data, and testing methods in the lab add a scientific level to the art of how much time the wine spends on the skins in maceration, at what temperature, and whether in closed or open tanks. While this stage of winemaking is seldom mentioned to consumers, the art of blending and aging in barrels is romanticized by the press.
While economic considerations play a role in the use of barrels, the art of taste, style, and a winemaker’s preference becomes paramount once their economic limitations are made clear by the winery CPAs.
level of alcohol, the choice of yeast and the length of storing in barrels, along with the art of choosing barrel makers and the level of “toasting” by the cooperage.
Fermentation itself is clearly science. Length of fermentation, temperature, and the number of times per day the winemaker pumps the wine over the skins rising to the top is an art that determines the color and intensity of the wine, both red and white.
A nice barrel from the U.S. costs one half of a barrel from France or eastern Europe. The sourcing of bottles is a blend of science based on how much they cost, and the art of form and color. While labels may run from $.50 to over $1.00, depending on quality, quantity of paper, this science of pricing becomes secondary to the marketing quality of the art of the labels.
Wine label art is a study of its own.
From the “critter phenomenon” of animals on the label to emphasizing the geographical location of the winery, to stating the varietal and alcohol level, not to mention the ever-present science of the government warning on pregnancy, the sulfite level and recently the calories or organic nature of the wine has become somewhat of a producer’s nightmare. While I believe a label should contain a warning that “drinking this wine can lead to pregnancy” the U.S. government requires the typical warning not to drink wine while pregnantwhich of course should be heeded.
Winemaking in education is clearly science.
Viticulture, farming, and winemaking are sciences, while the coalescence of the wine with its local history and culture is art.
Whether winemaking is art or science continues to be debated, and is dependent on the winemaker, the winery brand and certain economic and climate factors, the better wines are a combination that requires a perfect balance of art and science. Wine has been featured in artworks from medieval tapestries to still life to modern art. Wine art itself is a visual suggestion of taste, divinity, work and enjoyment.
Now the most important part of wine – drink what you like and enjoy. Not what some so-called wine “expert” tells you that you should like or enjoy! So have a drink to both art and science! Salud.
RHINO HOCKEY 2024-2025 HOME SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Friday and Saturday games at 7pm and Sunday games at 4:30pm
NAHL Home Games
SEPT. 20-22
OCT. 11-12
OCT. 18-20
NOV. 1-2
NOV. 8-9
NOV. 15-16
NOV. 29 -DEC. 1
DEC. 6-7
DEC. 13-14
JAN. 3-5
JAN. 10-11
NA3HL Home Games
JAN. 17-19
LONE STAR BRAHMAS
TEXAS ROADRUNNERS
COLORADO GRIT
NEW MEXICO ICE WOLVES
COLORADO GRIT
NEW MEXICO ICE WOLVES
SHREVEPORT MUDBUGS
AMARILLO WRANGLERS
AUSTIN ICE BATS
VS VS VS VS VS VS VS VS VS VS VS TEXAS BRAHMAS
ODESSA JACKALOPES
JAN. 24-26
JAN. 31-FEB. 1
FEB. 7-8
FEB. 14-15
FEB. 21-22
FEB. 25
MAR. 7-9
MAR. 14-15
MAR. 21-22
MAR. 28-29 VS VS VS VS VS VS VS VS VS VS VS
ATLANTA CAPITALS
LOUISIANA DRILLERS
AMARILLO WRANGLERS
COLORADO GRIT
ODESSA JACKALOPES
LONE STAR BRAHMAS
NEW MEXICO ICE WOLVES
TULSA OILERS
OKLAHOMA WARRIORS
NEW MEXICO ICE WOLVES
CORPUS CHRISTI ICE RAYS
Military Members, Veterans, and their families receive free entry to home games! Thanks
Progress Through Pages
| By: NICOLE DEROUEN |
Literature is essential to the well-being of communities, including those of the El Paso region. Sometimes, however, inspiring communities to be more involved in the literary world is harder than it may seem. El Paso Community College is keenly aware of this and has been part of the solution for almost two decades. Every October for the past 16 years, EPCC has hosted the annual Literary Fiesta.
Part of the Salute to the Arts initiative, the Fiesta focuses on celebrating reading and writing throughout borderland communities.
With everything from speakers and writing workshops to activities for little ones, the Literary Fiesta promises to be quite an event. This year, there will be presentations by local author Yasmin Ramirez and Books Are Gems, both of whom are receiving awards for their contributions to literacy in El Paso. Ramirez will be receiving the Literary Legacy Award for her outstanding achievement in the world of books. According to EPCC, “The award commends an author who is committed to empowering readers of all ages and backgrounds, as well as public service in support of education.”
Ramirez has certainly done this, as she has received multiple awards for her writing and contributions to the field of literature. She was honored with the 2023 Southwest Book Award as well as several awards for her work in Latino and young adult literature.
The winner of the Community Spirit Award, Books Are Gems, has made significant contributions to literacy in the Borderland and has been serving the community for just over 20 years. The organization’s mission statement explains, “Our all-encompassing vision focuses on placing a free book in the hands of every child, achieving essential change one book at a time.” Books Are Gems distributes roughly 100,000 books a year and they more than deserve the recognition of the Community Spirit Award.
The event will also feature a talk by Leon Blevins, a former political science professor at the college. He will be presenting his new book, a romance called “Shapes and Shadows,” to the public and discussing the importance of literature.
Saralah Aguilar, the coordinator for the event, says that the Literary Fiesta is one of the most important ways for the college to connect with the El Paso community. Aguilar loves the uniqueness of the event, and she especially enjoys acknowledging the talent in El Paso and Las Cruces.
“I love listening to the author’s workshops and then presenting the awards to the author and to the community spirit award winner. It’s just wonderful to be able to recognize them and for all the wonderful and outstanding work that they do,” she explained.
The Fiesta will be offering henna tattoos for the public, a writing workshop from EPCC’s Chrysalis, and readings from EPCC students, as well as soda and food. The EPCC Literary Fiesta will take place on October 23, 2024, from 11:00 am – 3:30 pm at the EPCC Valle Verde location.
|
Nurse Art
Transforms Badge Reels into
| By: AMBER LANAHAN
FFor creative Laura Karth, the world of art and creation is interwoven in her DNA. With a sculptor mother and a painter stepfather, she was surrounded by creative minds from a young age.
“I don’t know how it started, to be honest. I just remember looking at my badge reel and thinking about how boring it was and wishing I’d had something a little more personalized,” she recalls.
Little did she know that this curious question would propel her into the world of custom badge reels, and she would become so adored by El Paso nurses that her creations would find themselves in the halls of topranked Mayo Clinics and fly to nurses as far as Washington state.
(A standard nurse badge reel is widely used in healthcare environments. It usually has a retractable cord that extends up to 34 inches, enabling nurses to easily swipe their ID cards or access tools without needing to detach the reel from their uniforms.)
Without intending to, Karth’s journey into badge reel creation began and would quickly evolve into something more.
Dabbling into the hobby of resin crafting and with the help of her trusted Cricut, she could design, mix, and cure custom badges that provided a pop of her fiery personality as soon as she stepped on the floor. Like moths to a flame, Karth’s nurses would continue to ask their charge nurse where she’d gotten her unique badge reel.
“I think it’s because they allow you to express yourself, “ she shares, “For example, hospitals like UMC and Las Palmas have no expression in their uniforms, they’re usually colors like navy blue, so I think these badge reels provide nurses with a little personality to what they’re wearing.”
As more nurses from hospitals placed orders for badge reels, Karth quickly discovered limitations in customizing her creations. In her search for a solution, she came across a laser cut that allowed for intricate item customization and design.
“When it arrived, I freaked out a little bit,” she shares, “It was a big investment, and I waited six months for it to get delivered. After they set it up, I started talking to myself, saying things like, ‘Who do you think you are?’ and, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’ The stand is 500 pounds, and the laser is 500 pounds. It’s a pretty big laser that takes up a third of the room I’ve set it up in. So I was a little overwhelmed.”
However, trepidation was quickly cast aside once Karth turned on the laser and
sales jumped from 40 to 300 in a month,” she explains.
With this expedited method of development and elevated customization, Karth received a surge of orders from nurses locally and nationally. For her, this rush only served to fan the flames of her creative bonfire as she no longer found herself restrained by the design limitations initially denying her the opportunity to create custom orders.
Create custom orders she did, as badge reels quickly branched out into intricate wooden Christmas ornaments and Easter paint kits.
acrylics, wood, and leather pieces to study the intricacies of what she could create. Much like a chef who remains in constant motion as they prepare the finest delicacy, Karth, too, developed a production method that would produce products of outstanding quality and quantity.
“My laser is a heavy piece of machinery. Despite all the fun things you can do with it, you can’t just turn it on and walk away. The system I’ve developed has allowed me to cure and assemble my pieces while the machine cuts out the next batch. Within my first month of having the laser, my badge reel
was so happy with what I’d created that he paid me an additional sum on top of what I’d already charged.”
Despite these successes, Karth had her share of challenges as she produced her designs.
As with every piece of machinery, there comes a time when one finds oneself tasked with the struggles of repairs and troubleshooting. For her, these instances would have her reaching out to her laser user community online or calling her laser’s repair support network.
“I was on a FaceTime call with the technician for 2 hours one time,” Karth shares. “They
One experience with an abstract request rom a fellow hospital team member would allow the creative juices to flow.
“It was around the time I was working on these paint kits, and one of our doctors came up to me asking if I could design a kit that had princesses and looked like a unicorn threw up all over it,” Karth chuckled. “I had to take a moment and think, ‘Princesses and like unicorns threw up on it?’ Initially, I was at a bit of a loss. I even ended up completely redesigning the design I’d started with, but when I showed him the finalized product, he
went through it with me step by step, even going so far as to tell me the specific tools that I’d need to use to repair the laser and get it working. They helped me understand the steps needed with my own hands should I face the dilemma again. It’s a unique machine, so you can’t just call a repair tech to come and fix it like you would for a laptop or phone. You need to know how your machine works to resolve the problems.”
While the quality of her work draws customers to purchase her creations, Karth’s consideration keeps them coming back.
She has come to know the distinct preferences of her clientele, even giving them endearing nicknames for specific design styles, such as “bougie girls” for the customers who desire a little more “sparkle.”
Karth’s understanding of her loyal clientele goes so deep that should a customer forget to request a desired detail to a design, she will have the forethought to prepare the desired detail beforehand. The materials used for her products are not to be ignored either, as meticulous trial and error over the years have allowed her to select the pieces that best complement the works she creates.
“I use a specific glue, resin, and mica powder when I make my reels, so I know what the quality control is supposed to look like for the final product,” Karth explained. “Recently, I’ve found myself looking at a new machine that will take on the role of printing and cutting my stickers and decals, a role my Cricut is currently tasked with. However, with the Cricut, I tend
to have the occasional bubbling during the resin pour, so with this machine, I’m hoping to curb the amount of bubbling and, with it, faulty products.”
After reading about her journey, one would think that Karth would be well on her way to perfection at this point, but when asked about what it was like when she first started on this journey, her response was, “What do you mean when I first started? I’m still starting out! There is still so much that I have to learn, and I feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface of what I can create.”
For Karth, the box of creativity and design has only just been opened, and she aspires to continue developing her creations further as she traverses new creative paths. Never fear nurses of El Paso and beyond. She has no intention of leaving badge reels behind in search of “greener pastures.” “I love my badge reels, I love creating the little things that make people smile. My reels allow me to expand my creativity as I work on new designs that challenge what I’m already creating. So I say bring it on, send me your request. I want to take on the challenge.”
6655 Gateway Boulevard W. 915.778.6411
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3 Minutes from the El Paso International Airport
Near Cielo Vista Mall, The Fountains at Farah, and Bassett Place
The beauty of our city is that every season is an opportunity for our community to embrace the arts and culture we have. Who can forget about The Nutcracker play at UTEP in the winter, poppy season in the spring, Kermes season in the summer, and school carnival season in the fall?
As the fall enters the sun city, El Paso comes alive with one of its most cherished traditions: school carnivals.
Inside the Magic of Fall School Carnivals in El Paso
| By: ANA L. DIAZ |
These fall carnivals, organized by schools across the city, are much more than events for students and families: they are celebrations of art, community, and unity. As a PTA mom who’s been part of coordinating these carnivals for over six years, I’ve witnessed the magic that all of these events bring to our schools and the amazing role they play in bringing together families, teachers, and the larger community.
Fall school carnivals are more than just events, they are part of our community.
Carnivals, such as Mesita Elementary carnival which has been occurring for years, Eastwood High hosting an evening of fun and fundraising among other schools take the spotlight in the days between September and November. What sets these carnivals apart is their deep connection to local culture, our school spirit, and the opportunity for anyone to enjoy our Chuco traditions. It brings a lot of joy to see families, together whether by setting up a booth or visiting the carnival, seeing teachers play games with the kids and our local food trucks selling their treats.
There is no small task behind the scenes in organizing these festivals.
We go through every single detail we can, including finding ways in which our teachers
who help are fed, our students who can’t afford an entrance ticket can go, and our local businesses can have a spot. Months of preparation go in extended hours to ensure that we cover, security, food, music, volunteers, and activities. Our schools and PTAs have the opportunity to seek the best ways to find sponsors and get support for it. All these labor-intensive duties for the planning of a carnival are priceless because, on the day of the carnival, the energy and joy from all the attendees show us how our community simply deserves the best.
One of the most inspiring aspects of coordinating these carnivals is seeing the true impact of the words “El Paso Strong” and “Paying it Forward”, our community comes together in so many ways. Our local businesses like InterXtreme ensure they provide the service, liability, and quality of inflatables for our carnivals. Our families donate time and/or money to decorate activity booths, our teachers coordinate and plan the most fun activities that kids will love and our stores like The Brown Street Market cheerfully showcase our flyers on their windows.
The community comes together to support our schools.
Local businesses are always willing to pitch in, whether by donating prizes, sponsoring booths, or providing food and refreshments. Whether it’s a restaurant donating meals, a bakery providing cupcakes for a cakewalk, or a car dealership sponsoring a grand prize, these partnerships make the carnival possible. And it’s not just the businesses that step up— our parents, teachers, and students all come together to make it happen. The sense of collaboration, of knowing we’re all working toward a common goal, makes these events feel less like a school fundraiser and more like a true community celebration. Every single action behind the scenes is a work of art. The beauty and creation of all these aspects of kindness and local pride form the most outstanding school carnival.
Embracing the Fall Season
School carnivals in the fall just make sense. They have so many fun booths, costume parades, pumpkin decorations, loteria booths, etc. The hot chocolate being sold by the cheer booster, or the delicious aguas frescas in the food truck ahead, make the carnival feel right. Then you get to find a spot in the grass like Polk Carnival where you can sit eat and enjoy the fall crispy weather. You get to celebrate everything at once, from Halloween to Dia de los Muertos, to Dia de la Independencia. No matter what holiday you want, a fall carnival has you covered. The fall season provides the perfect backdrop for these festivities, with cooler temperatures making it comfortable to spend hours outdoors enjoying the carnival’s offerings.
While the fun of fall carnivals is undeniable, they serve an important purpose for our schools.
These events are a vital source of fundraising, providing the extra money that schools need to enhance their programs. Over the years, I’ve seen the funds raised at our carnivals go toward everything from new playground equipment to field trips and classroom supplies. The generosity of the El Paso community shines through in the contributions we receive, and it’s heartening to know that our efforts are helping to create better learning environments for our children.
El Paso’s school carnivals capture the essence of our community – its warmth, its creativity, and its ability to come together in support of our children. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or a local business owner, there’s no denying the magic that these events bring to the fall season. After six years of being involved in planning these carnivals, I can confidently say that there’s nothing quite like the joy of seeing our families enjoy a day of fun and knowing that we’ve all contributed to something truly special.
Tune in and listen to
COUNTY JUDGE RICARDO SAMANIEGO
El Paso County
Tasty
New Chapter
| By: NICOLE DEROUEN photography by: KATHERINE KOCIAN |
There is nothing better than a great meal, ads El Paso catering company and restaurant – The Culinary Studio – knows that better than anyone. Last month, The Culinary Studio opened the doors of its new location to the public. Run by husband-and-wife team Jordan and Tara Freedman, this family business has been serving the Sun City for around three years.
The Studio’s tasty dishes and inviting atmosphere are sure to attract customers from every corner of the city, and their new location means more room for growth and good memories.
Tara is particularly excited about growing the business at their brand-new location on Shadow Mountain. She is the previous owner of the restaurant Nosh, which served salad bowls and other healthy options from 2016 to 2018, with glowing reviews. Her husband Jordan also has restaurant experience as the owner of Jordy’s Curbside Eats, a very successful food truck. The couple opened their first location for The Culinary Studio (which was located on Belvidere) during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
“We had a very, very small kitchen, so we were making miracles happen out of that. I think we sold way more than the space could handle,” Tara explained that the size of the old location was the main reason for moving. This location was simply not big enough to accommodate the slew of orders coming in, so they found a larger option that customers are sure to appreciate.
According to Tara, their new location comes with a lot more space, including a much larger kitchen. Previously, the team was working with minimal kitchen and counter space, but now, they have more than enough room to create anything and everything they can.
Sam Belletete, administrator at The Culinary Studio, added that the team is most excited to once again be around lots of customers.
“The catering is nice, but when you’re having events, they’re always going to be focused on the event that’s happening, or the host or the hostess. But here, you actually have people that want to come in and they want to talk to you,” she says.
This sort of connection is highly valued at The Culinary Studio, especially after the pandemic, and they are very excited to welcome customers into their new location for a relaxed and comfortable dining experience.
One of the best parts of The Culinary Studio is that it’s run by one big family.
Of course, Tara and Jordan are married (with a baby boy on the way), but that’s not all. The space was designed with the help of Tara’s cousin, and a few menu items are inspired by Jordan’s mother’s recipes.
“Jordy’s Mom’s Matzo Ball Soup” is a customer favorite, and comes in chicken and vegetarian varieties.
The Culinary Studio also offers Tara’s famous salad bowls from her time at Nosh. This combination of fresh and tried-and-true recipes makes The Culinary Studio’s menu versatile but also intimate enough to feel like a home-cooked meal.
As for the future of The Culinary Studio, Tara says they are considering adding brunch to their menu, giving customers even more wonderful options to choose from. No matter what happens, she is prepared for whatever may come their way next, and excited to share her family’s passion with the public.
“Everyone’s very excited for everything and excited to roll it out so we can continue to improve it,” says Tara. “Of course, in the restaurant industry, you’re always learning, always taking feedback, always improving.”
The attorneys at Mendez Isaac
Joudi PLLC
are making a remarkable impact on their hometown with a substantial donation to University Medical Center. Proud El Paso natives, they are deeply committed to giving back to the community that shaped them, and their support of UMC’s Level 1 Trauma Program is a testament to that dedication. By investing in this critical healthcare service, they are helping to ensure that the people of El Paso receive the highest level of care when it matters most, reflecting their inspiring spirit of generosity.
| Photos by: ANNABELLA MIRELES |
September Launch Party
The City Magazine hosted a special signature event at La Nube to celebrate the launch of September’s Fun in the Fall issue. Guests enjoyed an adultsonly night at the museum that featured drinks and entertainment by The Reagan and snacks by La Nube’s Little Stars Café for a night that proved you’re never too old to play.
| Photos by: GIBEL AMADOR and ANNABELLA
MIRELES
|
october 2024
Advertiser INDEX
Mendez, Isaac, Joudi PLLC Pg. 13
Novatech IT and Marketing Systems Pgs. 34; 50-51
Octopus Media Pg. 57
Paso del Norte Center of Hope................................................. Pg. 16
Persian Rug Gallery ....................................................................... Pg. 29 Phidev ................................................................................................. Pg. 55 Poe Toyota Pg. 1 RA Digital Marketing............................................................. Pgs. 52-53
Raiz Federal Credit Union Pg. 41 Rejuvene M.D. Pg. 72 Rocky Mountain Mortgage Company Pg. 39 Shell Shocked the Podcast Pg. 44 Southwest Plastic Surgery Pg. 9
State Line .......................................................................................... Pg. 45
Stryker by Spectrum..................................................................... Pg. 66
Sugar Skull Fashion Boutique.................................................... Pg. 95
TechPro Audio and Video Pg. 54
The Best of the City 2024 Pgs. 98-99
The Elmont........................................................................................ Pg. 35
The Lending Ear Pg. 25
The Mix Salon and Spa Pg. 67
Thyme Restaurant Pg. 47
Track One Pg. 26
Walgreens Pgs. 6-7
Warrior’s Edge Boxing .................................................................. Pg. 87
Westar Energy Solutions ............................................................. Pg. 78
............................................................................... Pg. 48
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