June 2020 Issue by The Bend Magazine

DISCOVERY. RECOVERY.

The Texas State Aquarium transports you to the fascinating habitats of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. You’ll explore coral reefs, coastal lagoons, lush jungles, and the open sea and get up-close and personal with sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, flamingos, and hundreds of other species. Wonder at jumping dolphins and soaring birds during daily presentations and get a hands-on encounter with a live shark or stingray. Best of all, your visit isn’t just full of inspiration and imagination, it’s helping with wildlife conservation. That’s because your visit helps support wildliferescue and conservation, including our Wildlife Rescue, which rehabilitates and releases hundreds of birds and sea turtles every year in the Coastal Bend. At the Texas State Aquarium, you’ll save more than memories.

Dr. Vijay Bindingnavele completed Plastic Surgery training at the University of Southern California. He has been practicing in Corpus Christi, TX, since 2008 with a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Dr. Vijay, as his patients call him, is Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Cassidy Hinojosa grew up in San Antonio, TX, and attended Texas A&M University for both her undergraduate and her medical degrees. She completed her training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. Dr. Cassidy joined the practice in 2018 and is Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

How have you used creativity the last few months while social distancing?

Being an Art Director full time, I've continued to use creative design while working from home. Though to take my mind off my everyday tasks, I have been getting crafty with my home bar, mixing up some complex concoctions.

Although I’m a full time photographer, I found that venturing out from that has been the most satisfying thing about staying creative in a quarantine setting. I've been learning more about cooking and it's rewarding because at the end, you get to eat a great meal that you chose to treat yourself to!

I’ve started writing social media copy for a photographer, and I love coming up with a few lines to pair with her art. It’s an opportunity to write something like poetry again.

SUBMISSIONS: kylie@thebendmag.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS: thebendmag.com

PRESIDENT: Jordan Regas

VICE PRESIDENT & EVENTS DIRECTOR: Kaley Regas

PUBLISHER: Chris Knapick

ART DIRECTOR: Jarred Schuetze

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Kylie Cooper

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Gloria Stauber

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Benavides

COPY EDITOR: Steve Gill

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Jason Page

Lillian Reitz

Aaron Garcia Maude Côté Davis

SENIOR WRITERS: Emma Comery

Kirby Tello

DESIGN INTERN: Sierra Lutz

CONTRIBUTORS: Justin & Kayla Butts Jillian Becquet JoAnne Howell Jacqueline Gonzalez Julieta Hernandez Jessie Monsivais Alexis Harborth Katy Jones-Gulsby

THE BEND OFFICE

309 N. Water Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.792.3606

On the Cover:

My go-to when I am home-bound is music. I can spend a lot of time at my piano; composing, practicing, learning new things. This has been a more intensive time for me.

I've been exploring different writing styles and experimenting with poetry and word play. I’ve been compiling these works into short stories that resemble journal entries to work through the emotions of giving birth during a pandemic and the grief of being socially isolated.

I have found social distancing to be incredibly creative. I’ve been using this time to organize my massive stash of vintage fabrics and trimmings. The colors, patterns, and textures have been so inspiring and my sewing machine has never seen so much action!

ADVERTISING: gloria@thebendmag.com

ADVERTISING: chris@thebendmag.com

Creativity in isolation is a topic that’s been on our mind for the past few months. For this year’s Artist Issue, we wanted to explore that concept with our featured artists. The cover photo depicts various hues on a color palette from Robin Hazard’s studio. The cool tones of blue, green, and yellow come together to give us a calming feeling, a feeling of hope – one that understands creativity has no boundaries – even in crisis. (Photos by: Lillian Reitz)

CREATIVITY IN CRISIS

Creativity in isolation is a topic that’s been on our mind for the past few months. Does the process of creation look different in solitude? Do our usual methods of finding inspiration still work when spending more time alone or at home? We were curious what other creatives might think – and in an example of perfect serendipity, we dedicate our June issue each year to local artists, filling our pages with their pieces and attempting to share their stories with all of you.

Almost unanimously every year, The Artist Issue ends up being our team’s favorite. Perhaps that’s because we’re creative thinkers and produce art on a regular basis – but I’d like to think it’s also due to the fact that art, in any form, provides us with the words we don’t always have. It’s a language we can all understand. It allows us to tangibly see someone else’s perspective.

This year, with the concept of isolation on the top of everyone’s minds, we decided to ask our featured artists what this time has looked like for them. Those questions we’d been asking ourselves – about inspiration and processes and how they might have changed – we found were being pondered by others, as well. In “Creative Dispatch” beginning on page 28, Meg Aubrey, Mark Clark, Robin Hazard, and Joe Peña send us a message from isolation. In late April, we asked each of the four artists a slew of questions ranging from their first cognizant memories of art and their preferred mediums to how COVID-19 has impacted their work and what solitude has done for them and their creations.

For example, Meg Aubrey describes her domestic imagery and how the point of it all is to suggest that acquiring and maintaining pristine or idealistic lives demands a heavy price. This notion instantly made me think of The Truman Show. Truman Burbank (spoiler alert) is the sole pawn in a game he doesn’t even know he is playing. His entire existence has been predetermined for him. And as the only structures he’s ever known slowly begin to crumble down, he begins to question things.

I feel as though that is rather relatable today. How we all previously operated has had to change drastically in the last three or so months. When the structures we previously knew began to dissolve, we too had time to think, to question. We do our best to protect ourselves from the unknown, but most times, we really don’t have as much control as we think we had in the first place. My advice? Embrace the change and find a way to modify and restructure in a way that works best for you. Don’t worry, I am still working on it, too. But if there is one thing you take away from this issue after reading it, I hope it’s one of the common threads weaving our four artists together this year: The fact that imagination and creativity persist, even in crisis.

– KYLIE COOPER, Editorial Director kylie@thebendmag.com

THREE TAKEAWAYS:

1. Local Eric Calvert, of Frost Giant Electronics, has been producing top-notch, custom guitar pedals for the past three years. His unique creations result in a sound unlike any other. Page 26

2. Producer Mariano “Nano” Herrera is a man of many talents. His extraordinary skills, passion, and work ethic led him to his first Grammy in 2017 and his second in 2019. Page 40

3. Photographer and TAMU-CC professor Jennifer Garza-Cuen is one of the 168 artists to have received the prestigious honor of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship for Photography in 2019. Page 68

AROUND THE BEND

HEELING POWERS

the essentials - part four

Embellished heels are not only beautiful to look at but fun to wear as well. While most women's day-to-day style verges on the simple, adding a bejeweled shoe can turn any outfit from boring to breathtaking in an instant. Never underestimate the power of a pop.

BY: JARRED SCHUETZE ARCHIVED PHOTO BY: BRYNN

OSBORN HEELS: JULIAN GOLD

Blocks from Ocean Drive | 3850 S Alameda | Corpus Christi, TX

we are proud to be home for the best of south texas

winners of the 2019 “the local’s list” from THE BEND magazine

the best craft cocktail | THE POST the best new restaurant | BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR the best brunch | HESTER’S CAFE

the best date night | BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR the best health food | HESTER’S CAFE

the best sandwich | HESTER’S CAFE

the best asian cuisine | BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR

the best catering | HESTER’S CAFE the best girls night out | THE POST the best tea | HESTER’S CAFE

the best children’s clothing | FOUR CHICKS IN THE PARK the best bakery | HESTER’S CAFE

ALEXIS HUNTER INTERIORS

ANN TAYLOR LOFT

BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR

CHICO’S

FOUR CHICKS IN THE PARK FRANCISCO’S SALON

GOLDSMITH JEWELERS

GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

HANLEY • WOOD

HESTER’S CAFE

JULIAN GOLD

PILAR FASHION & FOLK ART

TALBOTS

THE POST

YOLA COCINA MEXICANA (open fall 2019)

STAY GOLDEN

It’s no secret certain colors make us feel a certain way, and gold is no exception. The color elicits feelings of achievement and triumph, luxury and elegance. Its inherent optimism allows us to feel hope and inspires us. So, with that being said, take a look around your space. See anything gold? If not, might we suggest one of these items? After all, who doesn’t love a little extra confidence boost?

BY: KYLIE COOPER

2. Julie Vos Coin Pendant Julian Gold

3. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Body Shimmer Sephora Shop L&RK 6. Carryall-Mini in Yellow Stanfield 7. Metallic Suede Boot Michael Kors

9. Versace 2208 Sunglasses Dillards

YOUR BEST SHOT

Our Bend followers and friends have certainly been getting their creative juices flowing the last few months. We asked to see your new creations, no matter the kind, and you did not disappoint! Below are just a handful of the beautiful ways Coastal Bend locals have been using their free time to express themselves and get crafty.

The July issue’s photo contest theme is Local Love!

Every year, our July Issue serves as the official announcement of our Local's List winners. Because of that, we want to see what local businesses, services, people, and places you love most. That is the whole meaning of Local’s List, after all! Don’t forget to tag us in your photos (@thebendmag) and use the hashtag #bestbendlife

We Exist to Assist

A MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO AND A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY IN COUNTLESS WAYS

BY: ALEXIS HARBORTH PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

Almost 30 years ago, Tina Butler attended a conference that changed her life – and our community.

In 1991, Butler and her Del Mar College coworkers, Gloria Reed and Dr. Helen Gurley, traveled to Austin for the state conference of the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE).

The three women knew youth in our community needed the support and guidance that the group offered. That’s how Butler became one of the original co-founders of the Corpus Christi Chapter of the TABPHE, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

“We formed in 1992. Our first initiative was to start a mentoring program called The Village at Del Mar. It started with just 35 students.”

The Village at Del Mar assisted students with whatever they needed to succeed, from scholarship information to educational advising.

The group met quarterly, and each person was assigned a mentor, following the students all the way to graduation.

“We organized to fill a void for students,” Butler says. But the group soon realized the help couldn't just be limited to college students. They branched out to also support and mentor elementary, middle, and high school students. “We concentrated on four areas: education, leadership, health and wellness, and the arts.”

As children and students were being aided by TABPHE, Butler’s own child was being brought up in their midst. Her daughter, Simone, grew up around the group and as she became older, she also got involved.

“Growing up, I went to conferences and participated in the group’s events,” Simone recalls. “I saw some opportunities and fundraisers that TABPHE could try. My mother had served as president for nine years, and then the next president had a 2-year term. After that, I decided to run for president.”

Beginning in 2012 at 31 years old, Simone became the group’s president for the next six years. “I wanted to make sure goals were set, and for us to try other events and do more mentoring,” Simone says. “We held more events such as Mandela Day Corpus Christi, and as the community heard of other mentoring and leadership events, we would look into implementing [them] here.”

That was how TABPHE-CC embarked on a new initiative called Barbershop Books. This successful outreach placed libraries of books in barbershops for children to take and read. Its key goal is maintaining reading skills throughout the summertime.

They have been working on a celebration for Juneteenth, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in Texas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, how this important holiday will be honored and celebrated this year is being reworked. Be sure to visit their Facebook and website to stay connected.

This incredible mother-daughter duo is equal parts endearing and impressive. They have made a great impact on the Coastal Bend community, helping to fill gaps as well as blaze new trails. Their passion, dedication, and decades of selfless volunteerism have ensured support and guidance for countless lives, and generations to come. TABPHE’s motto is We Exist to Assist, and it’s clear that mission is lived out and achieved every day.

Contact: tabphecc.org

Association Objectives

Corpus Christi's chapter of the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education aim to:

• Act as advocates for minority students

• Award scholarships to undergraduates

• Hold observances of historical and ethnic holidays

• Inform the community on current issues in higher education

• Hold professional development workshops

• Present information at local school districts

Coastal Bend Authors

BY: JULIETA HERNANDEZ

What’s next on the bookshelf? In a city flooded with new creatives, a book (or e-book) that derived some inspiration from home sounds like a page-turner. Here are five different local authors who you should definitely add to your summer reading list.

DIANA LOPEZ

Diana Lopez is a Corpus Christi native who writes youth fiction novels, based on things a lot of young teenagers can relate to. From her first novel, Sofia’s Saints, readers are taken on a fantasy narrative involving a woman’s hardship and her artistic muse: saints. Her more renowned work, inspired by the insanely popular Pixar film, is her book Coco: A Story about Music, Shoes, and Family. Besides writing, Lopez now teaches English in San Antonio.

BRET ANTHONY JOHNSTON

Bret Anthony Johnston is an internationally renowned, award-winning author with a wide background of studies. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, the familiar city is where most of his fiction takes place. His book Corpus Christi: Stories will have locals recognize the elements they’re used to. His best-selling novel Remember Me Like This ended up being a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. Currently, Johnston is Director of the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas in Austin.

MILES ARCENEAUX

The best part about reading Coastal Bend native Miles Arceneaux is that you’re actually reading the work of three different people! Miles Arceneaux’s persona is crafted by the minds of Brent Douglass, John T. Davis, and James R. Dennis. Under the name Arceneaux, the group has published five funny and fast-paced novels all set on the Texas Gulf Coast. The series consists of titles like North Beach, Ransom Island, and La Salle’s Ghost.

RENE S . PEREZ II

Rene S. Perez II grew up in Corpus Christi, an avid reader of Chicano literature. Along These Highways, his first publication, is an award-winning collection of authentic, Texas-based short stories. Following its success, Seeing Off the Johns is a coming-of-age novel, dealing with grief and teen angst. Perez II works as an experienced editor and creative consultant as well, happy to work with other novelists or playwrights.

EDWARD A GREEN

Edward A. Green, a former native of Rockport and graduate of Rockport-Fulton High School, spent his time traveling all over the United States and earning a variety of job titles before recently settling on one: author. Hannibal’s Foe, Green’s young publication, is the first in a trilogy that details historical fiction in the Republic of Rome. Green resides in Germany now as he writes the next installment.

Eric Calvert

HOW CHANGING A HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS ALLOWED FOR THE MOST EPIC GUITAR PEDALS TO BE MADE RIGHT HERE IN THE COASTAL BEND

CONVERSATION

BY: KYLIE COOPER

First, tell me a little about yourself and how making custom guitar pedals comes into that story.

Well, I've been playing music for most of my life, but I come from a tinkering kind of background. As a kid, my dad would strip the paint off this and that and change the hardware on his guitars constantly. I was always there, either helping out – or losing screws and parts.

Growing up, I wanted to find ways to get more out of whatever I was playing. So, I would always take things apart just to find out how they worked. At one point, I needed to fix my pedals because they were constantly breaking. So when my main distortion pedal died (ProCo Rat) I ordered one off eBay and by the time it came in, I had my main one fixed. I noticed they sounded different – that's when my inquisitive-self kicked in. I started looking for broken ones and decided to make myself the best Rat pedal ever made, and that became “The Mountain” (the first pedals sold for Frost Giant Electronics). That’s when people began to take notice.

PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

So, after you created The Mountain, Frost Giant Electronics began to take shape?

Frost Giant Electronics actually started as a clothing company for bootleg shirts for my buddies! I would make 5-10 just to make grocery money. I made a few Mountain pedals because an enclosure company accidentally sent me five cases instead of two and told me to keep them. Those then became the start of what Frost Giant is now. I made them just to see the interest and once I put them up on Facebook, they sold the same day. Then I moved on to the Massif build. Then last year, I was able to quit my job, and have been doing this fulltime and loving every moment of life.

So what really was the deciding factor to launch your own business?

The push of my friends, honestly. I was just doing this as a hobby because I really like to learn different things and always try to grow, but a lot of people pushed me to really focus on this full-time. I felt like I had a solid product and a good name behind it, so it was time to go from hobby

to business. You know, that's one of the hardest things ever, and if anyone who’s trying to break on through is reading this – just do it, man. If you have the clientele and a solid product, just take a chance on yourself.

What do you hope a customer of yours feels when they purchase one of your custom pieces?

That it is the best Fuzz Box they've ever had! I'm a little OCD, so I wire and put together every pedal. I test every single one, and all my builds are uniform and clean. I take pride in what I do, and want the customer to see that. Everything has to be good: the box, art, color of the pedal, solder joints, high grade parts, like, EVERYTHING has to be solid as hell, so when the customer gets it, they think a machine made this, and is blown away it's just done by one dude with one soldering iron. I want them to have to call Guitar Center and ask when they are getting a shipment in. I want to serve up the best fuzz pedal you've ever had, and guarantee you'll be back for seconds.

How do you feel about the company's growth since its inception?

I've only been in this game for three years, and fully [only] this year. I'm in love with the growth. I've put the work in the beginning, and now I'm seeing the clouds clear. It took it a few years to build the foundation, but I'm glad I worked at it. I hope in two years you'll see my builds in Guitar Center, that's a goal. Also to have a full shop here in town and get some help, I'm running on steam, son! But yeah, a shop where me and my buds can build and I can grow this into something real, and by that I mean it can support people and maybe get people insurance. Just dreams, but ones I want.

You've done collaborative work with this as well. Do you have a favorite collab?

Man, there are so many, The Maryland Doomfest is definitely a favorite one. Every year they get a new artist to design the flyer and I use that art on the pedal. This year is such a cool design; I'm stoked to put it on a pedal. The Pedalboard of

Actual Doom Massif is a big one. That one was a green Massif with an old piece of art of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse – a demo was done by an individual called Does It Doom and that pedal took off, which became a purple version that was shipped off a few weeks ago to customers and dealers.

You're a pretty innovative guy and dab ble in other creative outlets. What are some of the other artistic projects you're involved in?

I'm the vocal and guitar for Switchblade Jesus, which is my heart and soul, and also an artist. I do album art and layouts for band, art and flyers for a lot of local bands including my buddy Hec from Per iwinkle. Graphic art has been a main fo cus of mine, but last October I got an iPad with a pen and got heavily into Procreate and have a blast with that. Also, I just got into figure making with silicone molds and resin. I would like to create a figure to put in with my limited-edition pedals, I think that would be rad to get in a pack age. I'm constantly into stuff.

Contact:

fuzzworship.com

@frostgiantelectronics

BY: KYLIE COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: LILLIAN REITZ

What does creativity in crisis look like?

The answer is undoubtedly different depending on whom you ask. Some have flourished in the solitude, while others found mental roadblocks in the unknown, impeding their inspiration. Curious about art and creation amidst isolation, we looked to four local artists, with vastly different points of view, to extend the discussion. Beautifully gifted artists Meg Aubrey, Mark Clark, Robin Hazard, and Joe Peña sent us a message – a dispatch from isolation, if you will – to help describe how we might all be feeling right now. And when those words fail, thankfully, we’ll always have tubes of paint to communicate with.

Joe Peña’s rich depictions of Mexican heritage are undoubtedly recognizable. Ideals such as family, tradition, and culture are strung through each of his paintings, creating an identity within the artist’s works that feels relatable and familiar – like opening a window into his home and life. From a series of meat paintings inspired by his culture to urban landscapes, his work tells a story. One you feel compelled to shut up and listen to. Even prior to COVID-19, his work stimulated the notion of isolation. Now that remoteness is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, the theme feels especially relevant and allows not only his work, but also his own self, to feel more open to interpretation than ever before.

Original piece inspired by working in isolation.

20” X 13”, INK ON YUPO PAPER, 2020

CLOSURE,

KYLIE COOPER: What is your first cognizant memory when it comes to creating art?

JOE PEÑA: My mother, Elva, was always sketching beautiful little portraits and I was mesmerized by what she could do. My father, Nelson, also drew these funny little cats. I would trace both of their drawings constantly. After that, I continued to draw all the time. I guess it was working, because I remember in the fourth grade, we were given an assignment to draw something from a children’s book, and I drew a small mouse in a boat. It was a simple little sketch, really, but knowing that I would often trace drawings, some classmates accused me of doing so for the assignment and informed the teacher. She then took my drawing and placed it on the page of the book to see if I had indeed traced it, [but] my image was larger than the one in the book. I still remember how to draw that funny little mouse in that boat.

KC: What would you say is your main medium, and is it the same as your favorite medium to work in?

JP: Really, I’m a fan of all mediums and have worked in a majority – from acrylic to encaustic. However, my primary medium is oil paint and my other favorite is ink. Oil is rich, luminous, and forgiving. Ink is intense, transparent, and can also be forgiving if used properly. The funny thing is that I went back to ink as a primary medium when my twins were born, as I wasn’t able to get to my studio as often to continue my oil paintings. After struggling with it for some time, I finally gave up and allowed the ink to do what it wanted to. I eventually enjoyed the results so much that I am now trying to get my oil paintings to look like my ink paintings!

KC: Were there ever moments of doubt about being a career artist?

JP: There were, and still are, constant doubts. In my skillset, in my choice of imagery, in my materials, in the direction of my work, etc. But I think self-doubt can be a good tool if harnessed correctly. It can propel you to strive for improvement, which is what it has done for me.

KC: What message are you trying to convey to observers? Does it change per piece/collection, or would you say all of your work follows a general theme?

JP: On the whole, my work deals with the notion of home, family, tradition, and culture. It may not be apparent in some works, but there is an underlying thread that connects all of my pieces.

KC: Of your many accomplishments and accolades, having a piece in Cheech Marin’s collection stands out to me. What was that experience like for you?

JP: I am humbled to be in the Cheech Marin Collection, as a number of the artists who are represented have been, and still are, my heroes in the fine arts. To be in such company is a great honor. He and his associate Melissa Richardson Banks have been so kind throughout the years, and I am truly grateful to them. When I began my series of meat paintings based on food associated with my Mexican heritage, I really didn’t expect positive feedback. I was just making work that I enjoyed. After I heard of Cheech’s similar association with the subject matter, I was thrilled to know he understood its connection – and apparently still does, as he continues to collect my work.

KC: You also teach at the university. What has that experience been like during this time of operating remotely?

JP: It’s been an interesting transition, to say the least, but one that has resulted in fascinating discoveries about the creative process. My colleagues have all come up with remarkable solutions and it’s wonderful to see how everyone is approaching this new (for now) normal. No one certainly would have expected or would have wanted this situation, but now we all have these great resources that we have created. It really is very inspiring.

KC: In this new landscape of COVID-19 and social-distancing, has your perspective of or approach to creativity changed at all?

JP: Interestingly enough, my work prior to our current situation dealt with elements of isolation. If I presented figures in my work, they were usually alone or in very small groups. Now, it seems to be relevant to what we are all going through. More so, this situation has affected how the arts are being viewed.

KC: How do you find inspiration and has it changed at all since quarantining?

JP: Ideas usually come from various resources. From the more obvious, such as a window / street light or a poorly lit sign, to more obscure references such as a family member or a family argument. The method hasn’t changed much. I usually search for inspiration internally. I will say that as I use photographs as distant references, it has certainly added to my imagery.

KC: Has your new daily routine affected your creative process itself at all?

JP: Yes, it definitely has. Between raising three little boys and my responsibilities to the university and to my students, what little time I did have to create work was drastically interrupted to dedicate time to creating content for my online studio courses. I couldn’t have done it without the help of my wife Diana, as well as my family, and I thank them profusely. Regardless, these are first-world problems, and I’m grateful to have a job when so many are left without.

KC: What advice would you give to other artists struggling to create during this time period?

JP: Find a solution to get back onto your creative output. As difficult as this situation is, there is still no reason not to create work. If anything, it’s a great distraction. And besides, who knows where this need for creative solutions might lead you? I had a student who said she ran out of burnt umber (a rich brown color) for her watercolors, and instead used coffee to substitute. It was wonderful to hear! Also, I feel if your content is strong enough, then you should be able to merge it into any medium. Whatever your block may be, find a solution … even if it’s finding coffee to paint with.

Original piece inspired by working in isolation.

FOUR CHAIRS AND A TABLE, 24"X30", OIL ON CANVAS, 2020

When taking a deep dive into the works of Meg Aubrey, one can’t help thinking of The Truman Show. Everything may seem perfect in the faultless world of upper-middle class suburbia, yet the viewer is well aware of the cracks in the effortlessly paved sidewalks. Aubrey’s message? Nothing “perfect” comes without a price, and much of life and the choices we make have been predetermined for us by an overarching structure mass-producing them for every one of us. Sounds heavy, right? But the pops of candy-like colors bring an essence to her pieces that somehow feels contradictory and harmonious at the same time. The isolation experienced in her work prior to 2020 now takes on a whole new meaning: the emptiness of the unknown and how that is affecting our world.

KYLIE COOPER: When was your first cognizant memory of art, and how have you evolved from there?

MEG AUBREY: Art has always been a part of my life – from being the kid in third grade who could draw the best horse, to studying illustration at Rhode Island School of Design, to ultimately earning a Master’s Degree at Savannah College of Art and Design in Painting. Drawing and painting are intertwined in my personal and professional life. As an Assistant Professor of Art at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, I am honored to be able to share my knowledge of art and design with our wonderful students.

KC: What is your main medium, and is it also your favorite medium to work in?

MA: My main medium is oil paint on panel and canvas; but recently I have been rediscovering my interest in printmaking.

KC: Were there ever moments of doubt?

MA: As an artist, there is never a time when I don’t experience self-doubt. That feeling of uncertainty is ever present and an integral part of being an artist. As for teaching, I do not experience self-doubt. I am confident that I have practical and conceptual knowledge to enlighten my students and prepare them for a career in the arts.

KC: How would you describe your general point of view as an artist?

MA: My work centers around a sense of place – specifically the manufactured environment of suburbia. My paintings present domestic imagery and the organized tidiness often found in pre-planned residential communities. Each work, however, maintains visual clues that suggest something peculiar and disturbing is taking place. The manicured lawns and tree-lined streets are a presentation of ideal beauty and security, yet the images suggest that acquiring and maintaining this pristine environment exacts a heavy price.

KC: What message are you trying to convey to observers? Does it change per piece/collection, or would you say all of your work follows a general theme?

MA: My paintings have a candy-colored palette that belies the loneliness, disquiet, and isolation that I am rendering in my exteriors and interiors. Plastic toy furniture is substituted for the real, alluding to the commodified lifestyle that our culture participates in, suggesting that what we believe to be our personal choices are actually predestined and mass-produced by external forces. My realistically rendered but psychologically surreal paintings confront challenges such as identity politics, socioeconomic expectations, and a loss of autonomy within our modern society.

KC: Your work in the past has had a sense of isolation attached. How have you incorporated that same sense of separation into your current period of creation?

MA: My work has always had a sense of isolation associated with it. Since the current Coronavirus crisis, my imagery has taken on new meaning. The empty spaces, once referring to the emptiness of modern society, can now be interpreted as a metaphor for the social distancing and unknown outcomes affecting people worldwide.

KC: You also teach at the university. What has that experience been like during this time of operating remotely?

MA: Since we have transitioned to online teaching starting in March, both the students and professors have needed to readjust and be flexible. The situation is not ideal, especially in studio art, but we have all risen to the challenge.

KC: What is one lesson or piece of wisdom you always try to instill in your students?

MA: The practical wisdom that I find essential to success is self-direction and motivation. This situation requires students to work hard and progress without the structure of a classroom setting.

KC: In this new landscape of COVID-19 and social-distancing, has your perspective of or approach to creativity changed at all?

MA: Social distancing is part of being a studio artist. This situation is very hard, to be apart from friends and family, but my studio practice has not changed. I spend countless hours alone in my studio, thinking, sketching, and painting.

KC: How do you find inspiration?

MA: My inspiration comes from the suburbs that I grew up in and later where I raised my children. I considered that environment my laboratory that was full of inspiration everywhere. Even after moving to Corpus Christi almost 4 years ago, I am still inspired by the suburban environment I left. This current situation, where our consumer culture has been essentially shut down, has renewed my interest in the aspect of my work that deals with our hyper consumer culture and the house of cards our society is built on.

KC: With a big aspect of art revolving around the notion of people gathering in a space to observe it, has this time of distance influenced the way you think about gallery spaces, and how we might bring pieces of the technology we are currently depending on into the art space once this is all over?

MA: Art openings and the social connection are such an important aspect of being an artist, and this current situation has ended all that. I truly miss the relationships with other artists and the conversations and collaborations that these encounters can produce. I know we will be back to a new normal at some point in the future, so I am taking this time to relax and discover things about myself and my work.

Mark Clark possesses a certain kind of “cool.” Having never met in person, our first phone conversation still felt natural and authentic. An easel painter at heart, Clark’s point of view can be described as both rebellious and anti-elitist; but in the same sentence, he might use the word “traditional” to describe his own work. Taking an axe to the shackles of Colonialism seems to be one of his top priorities as an artist. Along the winding road of his professional career, he’s made it a point to help pull young artists up along with him. Clark’s eccentric, yet at the same time, you speak to him and are instantly pulled in by his wisdom. He’s used the last few months to really spend time with his work – injecting more color, more magic, into his paintings. The outcome has lent itself to extraordinary pieces with a life of their own.

Original piece inspired by working in isolation. CHALCHIUHTOTOLLIN, THE TURKEY GOD OF PLAGUE AND DISEASE, 30"X30", OIL ON LINEN, 2020

KYLIE COOPER: When was your first cognizant memory of art, and how have you evolved from there?

MARK CLARK: My first memories of art as a kid growing up in Texas were framed reproductions of Van Gogh paintings, religious art (Praying Hands, The Last Supper, crucifixes), photographs my father took, and my mother’s Paint by Number pictures. I began my professional career in Washington, D.C., as a photorealist, and then moved into fool-the-eye still life and appropriation art.

In 2005, when I moved to the border, I developed a style based on tattoo flash and Texas prison art. Five years later, I drifted into painting Aztec and Mixtec deities, using the codices as models. It is presentational, rather than representational, non-European religious art based on photomechanical reproductions, done in a method very similar to Paint by Number. So, I guess I wound up right back where I started.

KC: What would you say is your main medium, and is it the same as your favorite medium to work in?

MC: I work with oil paint on linen. I don’t use turpentine or solvents. Occasionally, I will get a commission or a wild notion to do something different. I’ve done polychrome cement relief sculpture for the zoo in Brownsville, papier-mâché or wood sculpture and murals, but I am an easel painter at heart.

KC: Were there ever moments of doubt about being a career artist, or just general self-doubt?

MC: MOMENTS of doubt? It’s more like a lifetime of doubt. I keep setting the bar higher with each picture. It takes about six months for me to see anything but the flaws in each new picture. The most self-assured artists I’ve encountered have been egotists cranking out boring product for public consumption. They stick to their formula year in, year out. I’m glad it works for them.

KC: How would you describe your general point of view as an artist?

MC: My P.O.V.? Outsider, rebel, traditionalist, populist, dilettante. That’s a pretty complex bundle of contradictions. Right now, I’m following the rules of the indigenous arts of the Americas. For me, it’s far more interesting than the traditions of Picasso, Miro, and Dali or of Rembrandt, Caravaggio, or Zurbaran. It’s my own feeble attempt at throwing off the shackles of Colonialism.

KC: Your time in Brownsville really allowed you to create a space for artists that might not have existed previously. Why was cultivating an art scene there so important to you?

MC: In 2005, I moved to Brownsville and bought an 1852 commercial brick building downtown, restored it, and started showing Rio Grande Valley art. I’d come of age in D.C. in the ’70s in a robust gallery and museum scene, and wanted to give others an opportunity to publicly express themselves. Painting and sculpture are forms of non-verbal communication, and if no one sees them, there is no exchange of ideas. Galeria 409 also did a lot of music events, and it resuscitated nightlife in historic downtown Brownsville and opened up a lively cross-border exchange of ideas with Matamoros. It really opened up my mind and improved my own painting.

KC: What ultimately led you to reside here in Corpus Christi?

MC: I followed my heart to Corpus Christi. I met the Love of My Life at K Space Contemporary. She’s the only sober and sane lady I’ve been involved with in mi vida loca, and it only took me 69 years to find her. She appreciates and accepts my peculiarities and imperfections.

KC: In this new landscape of COVID-19 and social-distancing, has your perspective of or approach to creativity changed at all?

MC: The COVID-19 situation has afforded me the luxury of spending more time perfecting my painting. I’m trying to put more life, more magic, and more brilliant color into my pictures. I’m a prime candidate for the bone yard, and if my number comes up, I’d like to leave something of lasting value behind for people to admire. I really want to do my best and inspire others to do theirs.

MC: I’m afraid I’m still a technophobe. I worked in museums for many, many years, and objects speak to me through their cracks, chips, scars, and imperfections. A glowing image on an LED screen is only a shadow of the original object. I think we do need more public art – murals, monuments, and a remarriage of art and architecture. Art should be everywhere, available to everyone. My favorite venue for displaying my paintings is the Zocalo subway station in Mexico City. 10,000 people a day saw my show there in February and March of 2015.

KC: What advice would you give to other artists struggling to create during this time period?

MC: First of all: Get your paint brush moving. If you’re waiting for inspiration to strike, you’re wasting time. Set the bar higher with each picture. Encourage others to succeed. You are competing with yourself, not other artists.

KC: What have you learned about yourself through the practice of social-distancing?

MC: You know, social distancing actually reduced the chaos in my life. It gives me time to be thankful for all the good and bad things that have brought me to this serene place where I can create what I want.

The bright and saturated works of Robin Hazard immediately force the onlooker to feel something when gazing upon one of her electric pieces. Both abstract and expressionist, her obscure nature and still life-esque depictions of the world around her have been displayed in countless museums and galleries throughout the years. Pastels are her love language – their vibrant colors and ability to tell a story in vivid detail seemingly put her pieces in a world of their own, one with blue trees and red water. Hazard’s main goal? Sharing the joy she has for this life with anyone who will listen. When it comes to creating from isolation, Hazard has learned that she is who she thought she was. While the current unknown has brought anxieties to our everyday world, this has allowed her to remove those anxieties from her consciousness and focus on what matters: creation.

Original piece inspired by working in isolation.

VENUS, THE MOON AND ME MAKE 3, 20.5"X 14.25", PASTEL, 2020

KYLIE COOPER: When was your first cognizant memory of art, and how have you evolved from there?

ROBIN HAZARD: My first memory, outside of coloring, was wanting some PlayDoh. From there, it evolved into colored pencils on a white mat board. I couldn’t wait to hit the drugstore for that perfect, pristine board and a new box of colored pencils. I dabbled in acrylics, pen, and ink, and made my way to SMU in 1973 with a major in studio art. I left in 1974 and returned in 1982. It was a much better experience to return to school as an adult; I was ready and hungry to learn. I moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1992 and connected with the arts community there. My work was so different from everyone else’s that it began to get some attention. I studied drawing under Roger Winter, who featured my drawings at the Kimbell Museum’s “Creative Process Drawing Symposium” in 1983. Since then, I have had the great opportunity to exhibit my work in various galleries and museums through group and solo exhibitions, and have continued to push myself and my creativity through it all.

KC: What is the main medium you prefer to work in?

RH: My main medium is pastel. I still enjoy it very much and it is usually my go-to – except when I want to go really large, then I go to oils. Pastels are quick, oils are slow. Then somewhere in the middle for a quick, large piece I go to acrylics.

KC: Were there ever moments of doubt?

RH: Doubts? Yes. I always thought I was supposed to have a “real job” like everyone else. I kept trying to find that, and I did for a while, but I didn’t have a degree. No advancements without a degree. I was fortunate to go back to school, and graduated with a BFA from SMU.

KC: What message are you trying to convey to observers? Does it change per piece/collection, or would you say all of your work follows a general theme?

RH: I like to convey to viewers what I see. I enjoy a viewer’s questions, and not understanding why my trees are red or blue. I enjoy the surprise in their eyes when they look at my work. I had one viewer tell me, “Hey Robin, I like your carrots!” I had painted trees in orange. Some viewers just don’t get it – hey, it’s not Norman Rockwell (one of my dad’s favorite artists)! I just want to share the joy that I see, whether in its habitat or from my imagination. I guess if you call landscapes a general theme, I suppose so. I’ve also been known for my large abstract expressionist paintings.

KC: Your work is so rich in color. Have you always been particularly drawn to color, and how has that influenced your art?

RH: I was born in color. I love color. Color excites me. I went through a period in college where everything I did was in black and white. Then in printmaking, I discovered monoprints. POW! I landed in Oz!

KC: The artist community in Rockport is so amazing. How has being involved in that scene affected you as an artist?

RH: The arts community in Rockport is such a dynamic force of artists. I have been through a lot since I moved here in the fall of 2015. I feel like have been accepted into this community, and their support has been amazing and has given me opportunities and strength.

KC: In this new landscape of COVID-19 and social-distancing, has your perspective of or approach to creativity changed at all?

RH: I have found it very, difficult to create during this time. By that, I mean time in the studio. I was looking forward to a time without interruptions, and instead I have been doing everything else or nothing. I have been working a lot in my garden. As far as art goes, I have been doing a lot of thinking about future pieces.

KC: Has your new daily routine affected your creative process at all?

RH: Most definitely. I spend a lot of time trying to be prepared – then trying to give myself time to rest.

KC: Do you possibly feel more connected to your creative process and your pieces as a whole because of the time of solitude?

RH: This solitude really isn’t solitude for me. There is a constant nagging unknown that steals my solitude. I have to very consciously remove these thoughts to find peace; I have started meditating again.

RH: I’m grateful for the technology. It’s pretty amazing. But I have to say, there is nothing like the experience of art face to face. I’ll never forget getting off the elevator in the Museum of Modern Art and being face to face with Matisse’s “Red Room!” That was in 1983, and it seems like yesterday. I try to encourage people to let go of the posters when you can, and buy original art. There is nothing like it.

KC: What advice would you give to other artists struggling to create during this time period?

RH: I would give the same advice I give to myself: Take your time. Don’t force it. Keep your mind open. Make notes of ideas. And one I am starting – just spend time in your studio.

KC: What have you learned about yourself amid the chaos?

RH: I have learned that I am who I thought I was. I am very comfortable on my own. I love my time alone – with my two Aussies, Scout and Texas Sky. I’ve learned I still have a lot to learn. I’m not sure the Camp Fire Girls prepared me for this!

Whether you’re looking for a happy hour spot with a view or a nightcap after a fun day at the beach, look no further than Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. From craft cocktails and casual fare at Topsider to poolside sips, we take refreshments to a new level.

Is your child nervous about the Dentist? If the answer is yes, then you will be happy to meet Scout, Kennedy Dental Care’s very own therapy dog. Scout’s job is to take the edge off of nervous and uncertain patients or parents. She is being trained to provide comfort and affection (and detect when it is needed). She will place her head on your child’s lap, climb onto the dentist chair, or offer her soft fur to calm your child’s nerves.

“Scout knew I needed a little extra comfort for my visit and laid with me to calm me down.” -- Heather, 7

EL QUE NO ARRIESGA, NO GANA

A LOCAL MUSIC PRODUCER AND HIS ROAD TRAVELED TO TWO LATIN GRAMMYS BY:

RIANNA TURNER

He who does not take risks, does not win. It’s what Mariano Herrera’s father told him in his youth, what he tells his son and daughters now. And to Herrera, this isn’t an empty lesson he passes to his children like the last dichos, but an aphorism he embodies. Herrera took risks in his career, and won Grammys for it.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Herrera grew up in Aurora, a large suburb of Chicago known as the setting of the ’90s comedy Wayne’s World He grew up listening to Tejano musicians like Jimmy Gonzales and Los Palominos. By the age of nine, he’d learned the guitar in order to play with his father in the church band. For most of Herrera’s youth, music was a means of communicating with God, a means of “giving back the blessing he provides for us,” Herrera says.

Since Herrera felt musically fulfilled in his religious life, he did not initially pursue a musical career. He took what he referred to as a “regular” job fixing computers for General Electric – until 2001, when the Aurora branch was sold and multiple workers were laid off. Frank Zuniga, a Corpus Christi-based producer and agent, put Herrera up with the band La Sombra. The band, originally from Aurora, moved to Corpus for access to its label, Freddie Records.

By 2006, he was playing with La Sombra and DJ Kane of the Kumbia Kings, and he’d met Freddie Martinez, the founder of Freddie Records. Martinez, a six-time Grammy winning artist and producer, would eventually become Herrera’s mentor. “I didn’t know much about the studio other than how to press record,” Herrera says, but the experienced sound engineers trained him quickly. Herrera picks up anything musical with rapidity — according to El Dusty, who

also played with DJ Kane’s band in the early aughts, Herrera was known as the guy who could play anything.

“He would play bass with one hand and keys with the other,” Dusty says. “You hear bass, and horns, and drums, and keys, and you turn around to see Mariano and just one other guy. He’s really a sponge.”

But Mariano is a family man, a homebody, and the touring life wasn’t his style. His whole family resided in Aurora, more than 1,000 miles away. And although his family supported his dreams, the costs of pursuing music appeared to outweigh its benefits. So, in 2007, Herrera’s family moved back to Aurora.

“IT WAS WORSE THAN WHAT WE HAD IN TEXAS,” HERRERA SAYS. “THE GRASS WASN’T GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE.”

After three years in Aurora, without luck and without music, Herrera called Freddy Martinez. At the time, the label needed a sound engineer to work with the band Siggno. Herrera took another risk, and came back to Corpus.

Herrera began to pick up the essentials of sound production from Martinez, from instrumentation to work ethic. “[Martinez] is 80, and coming in and out of the studio,

when he could be on vacation,” Herrera says. They worked efficiently, morning to night, starting instrumentation on Monday so they could move to vocals by Wednesday. Herrera credits his current savvy and knowledge of the business to Martinez’s mentorship. Soon, he was working with artists he idolized in his youth. He played tracks for Los Palominos, and shared tacos at 7 a.m. with Jimmy Gonzales, who would take morning sessions against his circadian inclinations just so he could record with Herrera.

“What tripped me out is that all the blessings started after I started the church,” Herrera said. He’d been religious his whole life, but failed to find a church in Corpus during his first stint in the city. Upon moving back, he joined Solid Rock church, and began working sound at their services. “It was 15 years without God, and we struggled a lot,” Herrera says. “I have a lot of faith, and I think the church is what’s motivating me to keep going.”

By 2017, the blessings begat Herrera’s first Grammy, for Los Palominos’ album “Piénsalo,” soon followed by his 2019 Grammy for Elida Reyna y Avante’s album “Colores.” Herrera wonders how the 1995 version of himself, listening to Los Palominos and Elida and Jimmy on the radio in Chicago, would react to his current self.

Current Herrera may feel blessed with success, but he works harder than ever before.

Three years ago, trap-cumbia trailblazer El Dusty signed with Universal Records. Dusty said he “bribed” Herrera to run his new studio, and the two have worked in tandem ever since. In the mornings, Herrera still works at Freddie Records, but the afternoons and evenings are with Dusty at PRODUCE. And his process changes along with the studio – while at Freddie, Herrera often writes music to match a set of lyrics, Dusty’s hip-hop influenced compositions often begin with a beat or sample, and the sentiment follows.

Herrera said that he and Dusty share the same vision. They both love being at home, so touring occurs on weekends, and Herrera makes it back on Sunday for church. But although they share the same passion, they don’t share strengths. Dusty comes from a sample-based musical background, in which producers layer sound without much attention to formal categories like scales and keys. Herrera is a trained acoustic musician, who can hear a dissonance hidden beneath layers of sound. When the two musicians collaborate, they merge their methods, and teach one another new tricks.

“He’s definitely in my corner, fixing keys, making sure we have the proper chord progressions,” Dusty said. “For him, I’ve simplified things. When he first came around, he’d

have nine fingers on the keys to play a G minor. And I told him, ‘Pick this one up, this one up, this one up, and this one up.’ He’d be left with a less-lavish G minor that fit easily with hip-hop.”

The two also complement one another on tour. Herrera prefers the background work; he drives the car, wakes up the band, gets people showered and paid. Humility is his defining characteristic, and he wants to make sure Dusty has an opportunity to shine when he performs.

“I’M THE OLD GUY IN THE BAND, THAT’S WHAT I NEED TO DO,” HERRERA SAYS. “THE ENGINEER’S JOB IS REAL TEDIOUS, AND IT GOES UNNOTICED SOMETIMES BUT IT’S WHAT I LOVE TO DO–IT’S MY PASSION.”

Herrera often expresses gratitude for being able to do what he loves to support the people he loves: his wife and three kids, all of whom stumbled upon musical talent. During quarantine, Herrera is helping his college-age son engineer his own beats, and Herrera’s daughter is teaching herself the ukulele. The path to success may have been rife with risk, but Herrera won in more ways than one.

Artist Joey Blazek

My work is a product of what I have lived and learned the past 60 or so years. Being a native of Southeast Texas, I consider myself primarily a regional painter of the Coastal South. I focus on its abundant wildlife and its coexistence with the Gulf Coast’s industrial, maritime and agricultural landscape. I also sometimes include urban pieces such as scenes from New Orleans and other southern coastal cities and towns.

I received my BFA from Lamar University in 1976 in graphic design that also included extensive studies in the fine arts. After graduation, I began working as an art director, later serving as creative director for an advertising agency. By the early 80s, I started my own design firm, Blazek Design that produced print and electronic media for clients in Southeast Texas, Houston and Louisiana.

Throughout my time as a designer I have worked to create images that are quick to communicate and pleasing to the viewer’s eye. I have continued on this path with the fine art side of my career. Everyday subjects that people might overlook are captured on canvas in a way that I hope conveys the beauty I see.

I paint in studio from photographs I take as I travel along the Gulf Coast. I build and stretch my canvases and make my frames from reclaimed wood.

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From My Heart toYours

THE ARTISTS OF MEMORIES ON CANVAS ARE PAINTING THE UNFORGETTABLE BY:

EMMA COMERY

About 15 years ago, Gloria Gooding was struggling to navigate her father-in-law’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis when a retired schoolteacher named Marge walked into her Senior Friends art class at North Bay Hospital in Aransas Pass. Despite living with both macular degeneration and dementia, Marge was a prolific painter, and always signed her work with the phrase from my heart to yours. Funny how the little details stick, like oil on canvas, with Gooding even today.

Working with Marge was Gooding’s first experience of being engaged with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and it not only helped her understand her father-in-law’s disease, but taught her about the value of art for those losing their memory, and for those who love them.

Fast forward seven years. Gooding was working in home-health marketing when Dr. Nestor Predario, who had heard of her pro-

gram at North Bay, reached out to ask if she’d start a similar art program for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients in Corpus. “I wrote the program in three days,” she says. The final product she presented to Dr. Predario was “a program focused on patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s to give them identity and value through painting.” They named the program Memories On Canvas, and Gooding designed a palette and paint logo featuring colorful sponge blotches in honor of Marge.

That was nearly eight years ago. Today, Memories On Canvas is active in more than 25 nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the Coastal Bend. At each, Gooding has trained the local activities directors to facilitate the program with their residents, to whom Gooding always refers as artists. “I didn’t want anyone to think of the artist as first being a dementia or Alzheimer's patient,” she explains. “An artist is a person who creates.”

Painting, she said, helps the artists express their thoughts and emotions while living with a disease that’s actively working against their ability to do just that. “You need to be patient, and converse and nurture them,” Gooding explains. In fact, the program calls for a caregiver or volunteer to work one-on-one with each artist in whatever capacity necessary, from companion to conversationalist to painting assistant.

“It’s so powerful to see someone’s art and go back through their journey in time and see what, for them, is unforgettable,” Gooding says. Perhaps it’s a story of the artist’s family, a past home, or their time in the Coast Guard … whatever it is, their unforgettable is all the more precious in the context of Alzheimer's and dementia.

In 2013, Gooding approached the Art Center of Corpus Christi to host a monthlong exhibit of Memories On Canvas, plus a reception for the artists and their families. The exhibit is now an annual tradition at the Art Center during November, and to date more than 500 pieces of original art have been exhibited in its galleries. After the exhibit, the art is given to the families. “You can’t put a dollar amount on this,” says Gooding. “It’s priceless.”

Priceless for the healing powers of art and creating, yes. But priceless also for art’s innate ability to tie together the past and present, memory and imagination, selfworth, value, identity – and its ability to keep you connected to your loved one, even if they don’t recognize you anymore. Gooding tells the story of one artist who said, “Painting gives me a purpose to wake up every morning so that, before I die, every member of my family has something from me.”

Today, Gooding and Dr. Predario are expanding Memories On Canvas into Portland and Rockport, and hope to engage professional artists to “adopt a senior” through the program. The growth and impact of the program they credit entirely to Marge, who Gooding wishes could see “what she has done for everyone who walks the path she walked with dementia.”

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THE STORE DIRECTOR OF JULIAN GOLD MAINTAINS HER BEAUTY REGIME

BY: ALEXA GIGNAC

PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

Making time for self-care during life’s many daily demands is the key to a successful beauty regime. When you are always on the go and your mind is occupied with countless things to be done, it is not always easy to make yourself a priority. Figuring out a self-care regimen that works perfectly for you is crucial.

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with anything and everything to do with style, fashion, and beauty. It is my true passion! Helping women select styles that leave them feeling more beautiful and more confident inspires me. I am a firm believer in the maxim, “If you look good, you feel good!” (And, of course, beauty is not only external, it is also found in a kind heart and spirit, but for today, we are going to focus on the tangible.)

Over the past couple of years, I have become enthusiastic about working out. Physical exercise is so important to feeling good in mind, body, and spirit. My daily go-to is Orangetheory Fitness, their engaging and intense cardio program really changed my outlook on fitness. And it is important to build flexibility into your exercise program. During the past couple of months of “distancing”, I have taken advantage of our beautiful bayfront and run a few miles every morning on Shoreline. An hour workout provides great mental clarity and confidence. Plus, that designer dress looks 1K times better on a healthy, confident woman.

And a few of my essential products include:

Vintage Chanel Earrings

Find and use accessories or pieces that you love – it fosters great energy! These earrings are my most prized possession. They are my favorite pair because they give me an automatic boost of confidence as soon as I put them on. If I know I have a big day ahead, these are the earrings I automatically gravitate toward to conquer my day.

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Natura Bisse Diamond Mist

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Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

My skin tends to be on the dry side. This Advanced Night Repair from Estee Lauder has hyaluronic acid in it. Its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well-lubricated and your skin looking bright and lively.

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Gucci Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a MUST for me! Whether I am in athleisure wear or in a suit, an outfit is not complete without the right sunglasses. The shape I wear depends on the vibe I am feeling that day. When I am feeling fierce, I love a good shield shape. And, if I am feeling a little extra drama, I will throw on a pair of cat eye shaped shades.

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Tracking my goals and numbers is a fun part of my fitness journey. I love to see how my pace changes during my runs, or the number of calories I have burned after a long sweat. The stats not only motivate me to keep pushing, but also remind me of how far I have come.

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Gua Sha

I love to put a face oil on before I go to bed. Rolling my Gua Sha stone over my skin with a facial oil is the most therapeutic way for me to ready my skin and mind for bed. Gua Sha is a natural, alternative therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your circulation. This is an ancient Chinese healing technique and I totally swear by it.

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FARMHOUSE DÉCOR OFFERS A UNIQUE TAKE ON COMFORT AND SIMPLICITY FOR THIS CHILDHOOD HOME RENOVATION

BY: JAQUELINE GONZALEZ

PHOTOS BY: JASON PAGE

As a child, Christy Snodgrass grew up in Flour Bluff, on a home sitting at the edge of a 30-acre ranch that has been in her family for more than 20 years. She recalls the joy of growing up in the middle of nature around a bunch of animals, so when her parents decided to downsize and purchase a new home, she and her husband, Blake, decided to buy the home so their sons Liam and Eli could grow up in the same environment.

Although the home was filled with many childhood memories, Christy and Blake wanted to modernize it, too. They hired Justin and Amy Brandt of Brandt Design Co. to renovate the entire house, from top to bottom, transforming their home with modern farmhouse décor. They preferred to be hands-off in the execution of the design, but knew exactly which color palette, décor, and furniture style they wanted, and presented a plan to Amy before letting her execute their dream design. Throughout the six-month process, Amy presented different options to Christy and Blake, and together, they selected the best items to transform the home into the perfect balance between classic comfort and modern flair.

Christy and Blake chose light colors, industrial inspired pieces, wooden furniture, and rustic-looking décor, still modern enough to suit their tastes. Local shops are the best place to purchase unique quality furniture, and although much of the furniture was purchased locally, due to the stay-at-home orders that were put into place during the COVID-19 pandemic, some furnishings and décor were purchased through Wayfair and other online retailers. Luckily, they found some amazing pieces!

The most eye-catching space on the inside of the home is the open kitchen, dining area, and bright white living room. Together, this area boasts solid white walls to contrast with the large windows, creating a brightly lit space and a fabulous backdrop for the gray, brown, black, and light blue shades of the décor.

TIPS TO ACHIEVE THE FARMHOUSE LOOK:

OPT FOR A NATURAL WOOD FLOORING TO RESEMBLE UNFINISHED OAK. INDUSTRIAL CAGED LIGHTING FIXTURES ADD A PERFECT VINTAGE TOUCH. USE BLACK OR BOLD COLORS FOR LARGE PIECES TO CREATE A CONTRAST WITH THE SOFT NEUTRALS.

Upon entering the home, guests are greeted by a brightly lit living room with a large gray L-sectional couch and brown leather accent chairs that add a masculine touch to the soft color palette. The wooden coffee table with blackrimmed, lantern-style candle holders brings in the rustic barn style that Christy opted to place throughout the home. The metal on both the lantern centerpieces and the accent chairs adds a distinctive touch to the décor.

In the kitchen, Christy opted for bright white and wood tones, with cabinetry that Amy designed herself. The style of cabinets chosen for your home will have a huge impact on the look and feel of the space, so Amy selected a combination of closed, open, and patterned glass door cabinets. The iron-inspired caged light fixtures in the kitchen and throughout the home echo the industrial inspiration of the perfect farmhouse style.

A custom-made wooden table by Retro Revival, a local woodworking shop, sits in the breakfast nook that the Snodgrasses turned into a dining area. Christy found a dark stain that worked for other pieces in the home, such as the mantle and coffee table, including them in her chosen design, and they created a functional masterpiece with bench style seating that works really well for a home with small children.

When they bought the home, Christy’s parents left be hind a black Kimball grand piano that she had while growing up, and it was perfect for Blake, who enjoys playing. They decided the formal dining area was the perfect place for it, and the shape in which the room was built works fabulously for the sounds reverberating off the walls.

The master bedroom also has many elements of farm house décor, including an iron-inspired bedframe, plush white sheets, a khaki-colored armchair, and wooden floating shelves. A large black sliding barn door conceals a spacious white master bath with a walk-in shower and stand-alone tub.

The master bedroom also has two glass doors leading out into the pastures. After a neighborhood was built right up against the ranch, Christy’s parents purchased the closest lot, so Christy and Blake now have ample space for outdoor grilling, a large play area for the kids, and the perfect view of a large pond.

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The many different elements used in the Snodgrass home to create a modern farmhouse make it warm, cozy, relaxing, and full of charm and character.

70 YEARS OF BUILDING

It is true that the history and architecture of a city are often intertwined, many times in very special ways. Think of New Orleans and its Spanish Lace balconies in the French Quarter – in each building’s architectural detail, there is an indelible mark left by the people who made the city what it is, today.

For Corpus Christi, the Braselton family has had the privilege, over the last 70 years, to be a part of this city’s history, and architecture, as Braseltons built many of the iconic buildings that make our city special, and thousands of the homes, and neighborhoods, that give its residents a unique place to call home.

My family’s history began in this area in 1945, when my grandfather, Guy Braselton, a West Texas carpenter, came to Corpus Christi to build a children's home destroyed by fire. In his book, he states that when he saw Corpus Christi Bay for the first time, he proclaimed, "This is the place!" And, my family has been here ever since. After the children’s home was completed, he stayed, and built his homes, his family and his businesses here, in our city

And, between my grandfather, my 2 uncles, my cousin, and my father, our family has had the chance to build and work on some of Corpus Christi’s landmarks, including the Corpus Christi International Airport (both times!), the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, the Texas A&M University Library, One Shoreline Plaza, and the old City Hall Building. The Braselton family also built some of the most well-known high rise residential projects, including the Cliff House Condominiums and Marina del Sol. Additionally, we built places for our city’s visitors to stay, including the Emerald Beach Resort and the Best Western on the Bayfront.

Braseltons also made our mark in education, and houses of worship, building many schools, including Mireles Elementary School, as well as the Temple Beth El, and many churches. Family members also built iconic retail locations like the old Gaines

Chevrolet building (now Corpus Christi Electric) with its soaring concrete roof peaks, the Alan Samuels Chevrolet dealership on Crosstown, and the Corpus Christi Main Post Office.

My family was even at the forefront of developing Padre Island as a vacation destination, building, among others, Mustang Towers, as well as the first homes of Cinnamon Shore.

As one of the city’s oldest neighborhood developers, the Braseltons have built thousands of homesites across Corpus Christi, including one of the Corpus Christi’s best known Master-Planned communities, Rancho Vista.

And, Braselton Homes has built New Homes in the city’s best known neighborhoods, including Country Club Estates, Hewitt Drive, Buckingham Estates, The Lakes, Kings Crossing, and of course, Rancho Vista.

Over the years, Braselton Homes has grown from a small custom homebuilder, to a Building company that has now been consistently ranked as one of the Largest Home Builders in the United States. Plus, in the process, winning numerous local, state, and national awards. Thousands of families in the Coastal Bend have trusted the Braselton name with their new home, and generations of Corpus Christians have lived, worked, and vacationed in our many projects.

You can visit any of our eight fully-furnished model homes all across Corpus Christi. Also, you can take a virtual tour of our model homes, as well as our homeowner’s favorite floorplans, in our new Gallery page. Just visit us at Braseltonhomes.com I am so proud of the heritage I have been blessed with; 3 generations of my family have helped build the architecture, and history of Corpus Christi. I can’t wait to see what the next generations can do!

See you in the Neighborhood, Bart Braselton

Bart Braselton is the Executive Vice President of Braselton Homes, the Coastal Bend’s oldest and largest Homebuilder and Neighborhood Developer. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Bart is the third generation of The Braselton family building in the Bay Area. Returning to Corpus Christi after earning a BBA in Finance, as well as a second degree in Real Estate, from the University of Texas, at Austin, Braselton began working in the family business as a construction superintendent. Since then, Braselton Homes has won numerous local, state, and national awards, including the Energy Star Leadership in Housing Award, as well as the Environments for Living Diamond Award for Energy Efficiency. And, the company has grown into one of the Nation’ s Largest Homebuilders, earning consistent rankings in the annual lists compiled by both Professional Builder, as well as Builder Magazine. Bart, a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 18, has served on numerous local community and business boards, including the Coastal Bend Green Built Initiative, Bay Area Smart Growth, and the Police Foundation. Presently, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Development Corporation, the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the Builders Association and the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation. Braselton and his wife, Michelle, have 2 young children at home, and are active, with Braselton Homes, in community and church organizations throughout the city, including the American Heart Association, the ECF Community Center, and the Food Bank.

BART BRASELTON

Space aloe at 12” to 24”. The tender leaves grow to 20” or more in height. In winter, gorgeous yellow flowers may grow on a stalk up to 36”. Grows best outdoors in full sun with afternoon shade in summer. Does well in any soil, but must have perfect drainage. Fertilize in spring or not at all. Mulch with rocks. The leaves grow in a circular pattern called a rosette.

Older aloe plants (two years or greater) have higher concentrations of medicinal benefits. To harvest, clip a leaf at the base from the outer band of the rosette. Never clip more than 2/3 of the plant at once, then allow it to regrow. Have several aloe plants available to harvest from if using often, to allow regrowth. Squeeze gel from leaves or split and open leaves to from a poultice.

ALOE, it's me

THE MIRACLES OF A DESERT PLANT

BY: JUSTIN BUTTS

PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Aloe is a miracle plant. It is one of the most beneficial and medicinal plants in nature, yet also one of the easiest plants to grow!

A succulent native to warm, dry climates, aloe is easy to care for, but has a few specific requirements to help it thrive.

The biggest hazard is too much water. Aloe should be watered deeply and infrequently. Overwatering causes the leaves to become yellow, soft, and weighted down. Also, aloe cannot stand wet feet. If the soil or pot does not allow perfect drainage, the plant will die.

Although it’s a desert plant, aloe can get too much sun in the blistering summers of the Coastal Bend. Plant it outside in a space with afternoon shade and a windbreak to prevent freezing from the north wind – a frost or freeze can kill it.

The ideal temperature range for aloe is 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it the ideal indoor potted plant. Give indoor aloe as much sunlight as possible, and water only once per month or so in summer and even less in winter. Use your finger to check to the soil to know when to water. Outside aloe plants, depending on heat and wind, need more frequent watering.

The list of uses for aloe is exhaustive. It’s commonly added to cosmetics, skin care products, sun tan lotions, and other commercial products. Aloe can be used as a mouthwash for oral health, as a lotion to treat acne, and especially as a balm for sunburn relief. But be careful of ingesting even small amounts, as it will act as a purgative.

LOCAL RECS

Aloe vera is known for it's soothing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Aloe is also an excellent natural moisturizer, rich in minerals, amino acids, and enzymes all of which strengthens skin tissue, preventing premature aging. For a natural skin enhancement, try Aloe-Rose Toner. This easy recipe consists of 3-TBL aloe vera gel and 1 TBL rose water, mix thoroughly, and pat onto your face with your fingertips.

- Tina Lain @golddustcosmetictattooing

FUN FACTS

Aloe are easy to propagate. Clip a shoot from the base of a mature plant when the shoot is a few inches long. Leave out to dry for a couple days, then prepare a pot with holes at bottom and a sandy soil or cactus soil blend. Plant the shoot and add rock mulch at top to hold shoot upright. Do not water for one week, then care for plant as normal.

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RAISE THE BAR

I love a well-styled bar cart in a home. Evocative of glamorous Art Deco interiors featured in Old Hollywood movies, it’s one of the easiest ways to elevate a room. It’s hard to think of anything more chic than a grouping of classic bottles and beautiful vintage barware.

What we think of as a bar cart has its origins in the Victorian teacart. But once Prohibition was over, using a small rolling cart to bring out the liquor became all the rage. We’re much more laid-back in our living areas and entertaining these days, but I think a bar cart is the perfect

SERVING STYLISH COCKTAIL ACCESSORIES

Keep an eye out for vintage barware in local antique and vintage stores. You can often find cocktail shakers, bar tools, and glassware for incredible prices. Think about glass colors and metals that will pop with the colors in your room.

I love good typography, and have a soft spot for antique and vintage promotional materials. Ashtrays, match strikers, champagne buckets, and other branded materials from liquor companies bring a layer of graphic interest to your bar cart.

If you don’t have a cart to use, don’t worry! A sideboard, buffet, countertop, or small side table can also be used to create a home bar area. Separate the area by using decorative trays to corral items.

Find a signature cocktail that uses bottles you find aesthetically pleasing. Some might call it silly to purchase alcohol based on the label, but if you enjoy it and find it pretty, then you’re getting more bang for your buck. I’m loving a classic Bicyclette cocktail this summer, using my favorite Aperol bottle.

way to inject some lost elegance into our lives. No stylish bar setup is complete with a perfectly mixed drink. Here is one of my favorites.

Bicyclette

3/4 oz Aperol (or Campari)

3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

3/4 oz St. Germain Champagne

Shake the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Pour into glass, top with champagne.

get the look

All items from Katy’s personal collection, but vintage barware, glassware, and decorative items (including bar carts!) can be sourced locally from vintage and antique shops, including:

Shell & Pine

Inside Red Crow Antiques

4325 S. Alameda

Antiques Row

4333 S. Alameda

Olive Blue Resale

1612 Agnes St. Suite C

RECIPE

OUT & ABOUT

Recently receiving the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship for Photography, Jennifer Garza-Cuen is a force to be reckoned with. Here she discusses the prestigious award, recent work, and how her students influence and inspire her.

A PLACE OF INSPIRATION

TAMUCC PHOTOGRAPHY PROFESSOR WINS PRESTIGIOUS GUGGENHEIM FELLOWSHIP

BY: KIRBY TELLO

PHOTOS BY: JENNIFER GARZA-CUEN

By now, we should all be accustomed to the fact that some pretty spectacular artists and creators can be found right in our own backyard. Nevertheless, discovering a new prodigy never loses its brilliance. Though our town may be small in comparison to other major art hubs in the world, artists such as Jennifer Garza-Cuen, photographer and Assistant Professor of Art [Photography] at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, remind us that regardless of our size, Corpus Christi is home to dynamic creatives who have earned their rightful place in the big leagues.

Garza-Cuen comes to the Coastal Bend by way of the Pacific Northwest. Her resume is showered with educational honors from nearly every university, school, and program she has attended. She is also the recipient of numerous grants and fellowships, most notably the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship for Photography in 2019. To put this prestigious award into perspective, only 168 artists receive this honor from the Guggenheim out of 3,000 applicants, and just three from the state of Texas were awarded the fellowship. One might think that an accolade of such notoriety would catapult an artist into an untouchable stratosphere – but Garza-Cuen does not shy away from expressing her appreciation. “The Guggenheim Fellowship is such an extraordinary honor, it’s incredibly validating,” says Garza-Cuen. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation and to all the institutions and individuals that have supported my work over the years.”

For the past 10 years, Garza-Cuen has focused on “myths of place,” exploring the role images play in defining people and photography itself as a medium of expression. For her most recent collection, Imag[in] ing America, Garza-Cuen explains her creative process as starting with “research followed by a period of one to three months’ residence in the city or town [she is] photographing.” She is no stranger to life on the road. In fact, she spent 15 years living and traveling abroad, delving into the idea of “home,” and questioning the role geographic origin plays in shaping a person’s identity.

“Using my own experiences, loose family ties, and those I’ve inherited from films, songs, and literature, I make images and build them into a series in order to create an idea of place as I imagine it,” says Garza-Cuen. And there is no shortage of inspiration flowing through Garza-Cuen’s consciousness. That child-like curiosity that allows us to seek new answers to age-old questions is what Garza-Cuen calls being “inspired by inspiration.”

Perhaps that is how she is able to honor the unique life experiences each of her students brings to the classroom. “They come from a different space, a different time, and they carry different traditions, views, and opinions,” she explains. “The beauty of the classroom is that at its best, it provides the safest possible space for those differences to collide. Just as they are there to learn from me, I learn from them, constantly – and that is an incredible gift.”

Jennifer Garza-Cuen by Asa Gilmore (PR8x10)

COUNTER CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT

Untitled - Amtrak Waiting Room, Reno, NV

Untitled - Piano Room, Detroit, MI

Untitled - Ranch Hand, Buffalo, WY

Untitled - Girl with Snake, Rabun, GA

Untitled - Town Hall, Eden ,VT

Growing More Than Meets the Eye

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF NATIVE

PLANTS

BY: JESSIE MONSIVAIS

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Gardening offers a way to connect with the land, and brings a sense of peace as we dig through the dirt to sow seeds of our favorite plants. If aspirations of testing your green thumb have prospered with rose bushes or succulent planters, one local nursery is shining a light on the beauty and benefits of investing in local flora.

NativeDave Landscape & Nursery is a fullservice sustainable landscape firm located in rural Aransas County. Originating from Dallas-Ft.Worth-Denton, NativeDave relocated to the Coastal Bend nine years ago, bringing a landscaping perspective founded on principles of sustainability by using native plants. David and his wife Christy say they realized the importance of getting involved with the local food movement.

“We’ve created plants with [Grow Local South Texas] and supported them with pollinator plants at their learning gardens,” Christy says. “We grow our produce at Sage Hollow Farm, which is on our property. We deliver produce to multiple clients. Our purpose in growing local food is to help support that system, especially in uncertain times. We’ve discovered how ‘food scaping’ is really the future of horticulture.”

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A combination of David’s background in fine gardening and Christy’s interest in local food, NativeDave landscape services include consultation, award-winning custom design, installation, and maintenance of an ever-expanding palette of subtropical and temperate food-producing plants.

“The foundation of our business has always been about sustainability, and it’s an environmental movement,” says David. “We’ve always been interested in using native plants to restore the natural balances of nature. From an aesthetic sense, we want to replicate the natural beauty of a particular region. We want to bring back the natural form and function of nature.”

Specializing in native plants and habitat restoration, NativeDave also offers vegetable gardening, which David and Christy say is an extension of their personal lifestyle.

“We live in a tiny house that we built ourselves on five acres. We’re off-grid, powered by solar, and have rainwater harvesting,” says Christy. “The way we live is an extension of the way that we work. Businesses are businesses providing a service or a product, but our business is an extension of our personality. It is consistent, whether we’re at work in the nursery or we’re out in the garden.”

Their signature plant, Wooly Stemodia, is a beautiful silvery gray plant that is endemic among the Coastal Bend region. This plant doesn’t require much water because it grows right in the sand – it can be recognized as the groundcover outside Benjamin’s Surf Shop. NativeDave features edible native flora, too, such as Church Cap, a little flowering plant in the hibiscus family. With sweet-tasting flowers and berries that are popularly used for making jam, Church Cap can be found growing on the beach and in the woodlands in Rockport.

“It’s important for people to learn how to grow their own produce. It’s easy to do, and it’s enjoyable,” says David. “You know what you’re putting on your food. It’s healthy and it’s not shipped from the other side of the world.”

At NativeDave, education is a crucial component in building a sustainable lifestyle. Dave and Christy plan to organize educational programs at their farm and nursery to demonstrate how these principles are applied.

“I think education is the key to making changes toward sustainability,” Christy says earnestly. “It’s important for the community to make our area attractive to newcomers and help us move forward as a community. Gardening is an environmental movement.”

NativeDave not only helps beautify our community, but also sets the example for adopting a sustainable lifestyle. Water conservation and food security have proven to be essential in times of crisis. Learning about the benefits of local plants delivers an opportunity for building a life of health and resourcefulness.

Contact: nativedave.com | @nativedavecom

Graduates

3 BED • 2 BATH • 2 LIVING AREAS • 2 DINING AREAS

LISTED BY

“ ROOKIE OF THE YEAR ” - ANDREA DELGADO

Diane Gardner

Sue Hutton

Vanessa Murray

Polly Blazer

Andrea Delgado

Jason Atwater

Tom Saenz

Marta Castenada

Jean Marie Geigerich Owner/Broker

Jean Marie Giegerich

Splashesof COLOR

BY: JO ANNE HOWELL

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Color Party. This party was no stranger to color. Pops of bright pink, blue, yellow and red were spread throughout every corner of the space. The florals were bright and cheery with tropical touches! You can paint the ends of your greens for an extra splash of color.

Sculpted Air. Extravagant balloon work is a definite trend in the party décor world. These structural pieces of art not only make for a fun statement, but also instantly add a burst of color to your event space. They can be sculpted around an entryway, used as a photo backdrop, or even placed in the pool for extra drama.

parting words

This special party was curated for a wonderful first birthday! Friends and family gathered at the Sunflower Beach Pool to spend a day of fun in the sun to celebrate. Party trick: When throwing a pool party where there will be tons of little ones, add inflatable pools to the shallow end, filled with pool toys and beach balls. It makes for great entertainment! In lieu of gifts, guests were asked to bring their favorite childhood books for the birthday girl!

Summer Bites. For this pool party, we kept the food light and summery. Wraps, flat breads, a fish taco bar, and fruit were just some of the tasty treats for the guests. We also carried the tropical floral theme over to the delicious birthday cake.

CHARITY

1. Bill Pettus, Jennifer Meares, and Carol Pettus 2. Laureen Pedrotti, Sara and Michael Morgan

3. Katherine Dain, Mary Catherine Ocker, and Amanda Kocurek 4. Stephanie & Fidel Fernandez, Laurelynn Pohlmier, and Lillian Sorrell

5. Greg & Dolly Trolley, Michelle Locke, and Chuck Giffin 6. Kelly Koch, Haley Bennett, and Diane DeCou 7. Michelle Ezell and Kae Berry 8. Michael Sasser, Sara Eastman, and Ryan Eastman

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

DURING THIS TIME OF SOCIAL DISTANCING, GRADUATING SENIORS ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND CELEBRATIONS, TAKE SENIOR TRIPS OR GO TO COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES.

THE BEND MAGAZINE PARTNERED WITH PARENTS, FRIENDS, SCHOOLS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES TO CONGRATULATE THESE SPECIAL GRADS THROUGH OUR “SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS” SPECIAL SECTION.

WE WANTED TO RECOGNIZE THE CLASS OF 2020 FOR THEIR INCREDIBLE ACHIEVEMENT! THESE HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE SENIORS IN OUR COMMUNITY WILL MISS OUT ON SO MANY EXCITING MOMENTS THEY HAVE LOOKED FORWARD TO FOR YEARS. WHILE WE CAN’T REPLACE THOSE MEMORIES, WE CAN THANK THEM FOR THEIR SACRIFICES AND OFFER A WAY FOR PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY TO HONOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS WITH A SPECIAL MESSAGE.

WE ARE SO PROUD OF THE CLASS OF 2020!

Congratulations to the Class of 2020

FROM THE BUCCANEER COMMISSION

The Buc Days Port of Corpus Christi King & Queen Leadership Program is a 6-month training designed for high school seniors. These twenty seniors participated in a tailored Dale Carnegie Training while also learning about civic and business development opportunities within the Coastal Bend.

All have been awarded collegiate scholarships totaling $62,500.

We are so happy to have gotten to know each of you. We are excited about your next steps and know that the future is in good hands. We hope to see all of you in November when we are able to get together again for the rescheduled Buc Days 2020.

PICTURED: (top row) Alison Duncan, Incarnate Word Academy; Alyssa Friudenberg, London High School; Xitiali Gallegos, W.B. Ray High School; Cierra Garcia, Veterans Memorial High School; Elizabeth Kemp, Flour Bluff High School; Lauren Lindemann, Flour Bluff High School; Holley Nelson, Woodsboro High School; (middle row) Kristan Rodriguez, Taft High School; Caitlin Sannes, Calallen High School; Mallory Wilcox, Tuloso-Midway High School; Nic Balboa, Veterans Memorial High School; Holden Biediger, Gregory-Portland High School; Matthew Cantu, Moody High School; Jeremy DeGaish, Incarnate Word Academy; (bottom row) Gabe Garcia, H M King High School; Lukas Graf, W.B. Ray High School; Connor Hein, Incarnate Word Academy; Chence Hull, Tuloso-Midway High School; Anthony Matl, Incarnate Word Academy; Nico Trujillo, Veterans Memorial High School

Ashlyn Elizabeth Madry

W.B. RAY HIGH SCHOOL

We are so very proud of the beautiful young lady you have become. Congratulations on all your accomplishments and we are so excited to see what the future has in store for you. May your contagious smile, outgoing personality and determination continue to set you apart. Gig’em!

Alexis L. Atkins

VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

Congratulations to a loving and beautiful young woman who takes on every day with strength and passion. We are so proud of you and are blessed to call you our daughter.

Kylee Barwise

PORT ARANSAS HIGH SCHOOL

Kylee came into this world determined. She grew up in Port Aransas and played an active role in her school and community. Her academic and athletic achievements include National Honor Society, TGCA and TABC Academic All State Award, 1st team All District Player in basketball and Best Defensive Player in softball.

Madison Belle Nurre

RICHARD KING HIGH SCHOOL

"Kid, you'll move mountains. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting so get on your way!" - Dr. Seuss We are so proud of you!

There’s a learning destination like no other –and it’s right here!

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi oﬀers nationally recognized programs and faculty along with hands-on learning opportunities and a supportive environment designed to help students succeed. It’s a close-knit community with big opportunities. It’s everything you want, and it’s right here!

Find out what the Island University has to oﬀer at tamucc.edu/virtual-island.

CUISINE

Have you ever made a dish so pretty, you almost couldn’t bear to eat it? We’re cooking up edible art in the form of grilled artichokes, fried plantains, and coconut tres leches cake with dragon fruit filling! What’s Inside

edible art

a trio of recipes for delectable elegance

BY: JUSTIN & KAYLA BUTTS

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

Certain occasions call for heightened culinary elegance: a first meal with the in-laws, an anniversary dinner, or a very special date. The art of the dish elevates the beauty and sophistication of the atmosphere.

Presentation sets the tone of the meal, just as candles and subdued lighting create a certain ambiance. The beauty fosters conversations around the table that can lift the mood and engage the diners until the wine does its work.

In fine restaurants, presentation is as important as preparation, and sometimes takes as long. However, creating art on the plate does not have to be an ordeal. A little attention to color, shape, and form goes a long way.

Dragon fruit can transform a tame, white tres leches cake into an exotic and evocative dessert. In addition to its vibrant pink skin, dragon fruit has startling white flesh speckled with black seeds and is loaded with antioxidants and subtle flavor. The delicate pink hues of this dessert balance nicely with the airy flavors and subtle coconut finish.

Artichokes are an artist’s delight of form, color, and texture. The lines and curves are rhythmic and sensual. The

gorgeous, earthy green tones of an artichoke are versatile and fit easily into the color palette of any fine tableware. This preparation of artichokes with roasted garlic dip is as delicious as it is beautiful.

Plantains are a lovely fruit not used nearly enough in the kitchen, which gives them a slightly exotic feel. For campfire dinners, we love to mash plantains into masa, fill with pork carnitas, and steam by the fire in a banana leaf. But for this lovely presentation, we brighten these beauties with cool green colors.

Plantains are barely sweet, much lower in sugar than bananas, which makes them an excellent side. This savory version is deep-fried and served warm with a cilantro cream sauce – a stunning dish with its green and golden colors, and the flavor will win over even the most discriminating food critic.

It is true that we eat with our eyes. A sophisticated presentation certainly enhances the appreciation of the dish. Even better, your guests will look at you with a new appreciation for the art and beauty and elegance you create.

Fried Plantains with Cilantro Cream Sauce

Serves 4-6

PREP TIME: 15 minutes

COOK TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS :

3 plantains, peeled and cut into 1/2” slices

1 cup peanut oil

1 tsp fine salt

1 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

CILANTRO CREAM SAUCE:

1/2 cup plain greek yogurt

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

2 tbsp whipping cream

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Juice of 1 lime

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat. Mix salt, paprika, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder together in a small bowl. Fry plantains for 3-5 minutes, until golden and tender, and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Season with salt mixture. Continue in batches until all slices are fried.

Add ingredients for cilantro cream sauce to food processor or blender and pulse until smooth. Serve plantains warm with cilantro cream sauce.

Grilled Artichokes with Roasted Garlic Dip

Serves 4

PREP TIME: 10 minutes

COOK TIME: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

2 fresh artichokes

1/2 cup fresh herbs (recommended: rosemary, basil, oregano, or parsley)

1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

1 head garlic, halved width-wise

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

Juice of 2 lemons

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400°F and grill to medium-high heat. Trim the tips of the leaves from each artichoke. Cut artichokes in half lengthwise, and remove the chokes. Brush artichoke and garlic halves with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.

Place garlic on a baking sheet and transfer into preheated oven. Meanwhile, grill artichokes for 7 minutes on the cut side. Transfer artichokes to the baking sheet that garlic has been roasting on and cook for an additional 20 minutes, until artichokes and garlic are tender.

Blend garlic with herbs, olive oil, salt, red pepper, and the juice of one lemon. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on artichokes and serve with roasted garlic dipping sauce.

RECIPE

Coconut Tres Leches Cake with Dragon Fruit Filling

Makes one 9”x9” Cake

PREP TIME: 30 minutes

COOK TIME: 40 minutes

INACTIVE PREP TIME: 2 hours

INGREDIENTS:

SPONGE CAKE:

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup coconut flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

5 large eggs, separated

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup whole milk

1 tsp vanilla

TRES LECHES MIXTURE:

1 13.5-oz can coconut milk

1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk

1 12-oz can evaporated milk

DRAGON FRUIT FILLING:

1 fresh dragon fruit, peeled

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tbsp corn starch

WHIPPED TOPPING:

1 pint heavy whipping cream

3 tbsp coconut sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8”x8” or 9”x9” cake pan. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients for the sponge and whisk until combined.

Separate eggs, placing whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and yolks in a medium-sized bowl. Add sugar, coconut oil, milk, and vanilla to yolks and mix well. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.

Stir yolk mixture into dry ingredients until smooth. Fold in egg whites carefully to achieve a light, airy batter. Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating cake 180 degrees 15 minutes in.

While the cake cooks, combine three milks in the tres leches mixture and stir well. Transfer sponge to a cooling rack and prick the surface of the sponge liberally with a fork. Pour tres leches mixture over cake and transfer to the refrigerator for about 2 hours to let the liquid absorb.

Meanwhile, pulse peeled dragon fruit in a food processor. Combine ingredients for dragon fruit filling and whisk well, cooking over medium heat. Continue to stir regularly until filling starts to thicken, for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Beat cold whipping cream and coconut sugar on high until stiff peaks form. Remove the cake from the refrigerator and cover with dragon fruit filling. Finish cake with whipped cream and toasted coconut. Store in the refrigerator and serve chilled.

When in Doubt, MIX IT OUT

OWNERS OF BUS SHARE DRINK RECIPES DEVELOPED DURING STAY-AT-HOME ORDERS

BY: BEN LOMAX

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL

BENAVIDES

We’ve all been spending a significant amount of time inside our abodes these days, and working from home for us entails experimenting with new drinks! We aren’t quite sure whether both or either will make it onto the BUS menu when we open up our doors, but here are a couple of my favorites I’ve come up with.

The first cocktail is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. It’s a brunch libation that’s as well suited for a Sunday morning as a Margarita is for a Saturday afternoon. The name is a nod to a late-19th-century tradition in which the same single sandwich was recycled, served with every cocktail, to get around the Raines Law – which forbade serving drinks without food on a Sunday. It’s spicy and briny, and a cure for what ails ya.

RECIPE

Raines Sandwich

MAKES 1 DRINK

1 oz Ancho Reyes Verde poblano liqueur

1/2 oz Cointreau or other orange liqueur

1/2 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice

2 oz fresh celery juice

Pinch of kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

Shake all ingredients on ice and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.

This second drink has a tropical vibe and a refreshing taste for the hotter days. I’ve been playing around a lot with Sotol lately; the sotol plant is very different from the agave, but the liquor seems to play well with the same sort of ingredients as the agave liquors. It’s less smoky and more vegetal than a mezcal, and it can be found and distilled in Texas as well as Northern Mexico.

Mixologist Martini Tip

ALTHOUGH THESE SPIRITS ARE LOCALLY AVAILABLE (WE BUY FROM LIQUID TOWN ON ALAMEDA), I REALIZE NOT EVERYONE WANTS TO GO OUT AND BUY A BUNCH OF NEW BOTTLES, SO HERE’S A TIP ON A GREAT WAY TO MAKE A DRY VODKA MARTINI, NO SHAKING OR STIRRING REQUIRED.

IF YOU HAVE A 750ML BOTTLE OF YOUR PREFERRED VODKA AT HOME, REMOVE 250ML TO BRING IT DOWN TO 500ML. ADD 150ML OF FILTERED WATER INTO THE BOTTLE, AND STORE IT IN THE FREEZER. WHEN READY, JUST RINSE A GLASS WITH DRY VERMOUTH AND POUR IN THE VODKA/ WATER COMBINATION.

GARNISH WITH LEMON PEEL.

RECIPE Canary in a Coal Mine

MAKES 1 DRINK

3/4 oz Desert Door Texas Sotol

3/4 oz yellow Chartreuse

3/4 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice

1 1/2 oz fresh-squeezed pineapple juice

DIRECTIONS

Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with plucked pineapple leaf.

DINING GUIDE

AMERICAN

8TE $

A shabby chic interior that features classic comfort dishes with a modern twist! Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. 1220 Airline Rd. #250, (361) 723-0261, facebook.com/8tecctx

ANDY’S COUNTRY KITCHEN $

You will feel right at home just like eat’n in mom’s kitchen. Great southern comfort food that gets back to the basics! 5802 S Staples St, (361) 993-0251, Andyskitchen.com

ATOMIC OMELETTE & GRILL $

Enjoy down-to-earth dining, with American style eats including burgers, sandwiches, and of course, delicious three-egg omelettes. 6646 S Staples St, (361) 334-3942, atomicomelette.com

EATS EPICUREA RESTAURANT + BAR $

Eats Epicurea takes a creative approach with inventive coastal cuisine and unique spins on Texas favorites all while overlooking the on-site Schlitterbahn Waterpark. 14353 Commodore Dr, (361) 589-4230

HAMLIN FOUNTAIN & GIFTS $

The last soda fountain in Corpus Christi, TX! Although they've expanded and changed over the years, their old fashioned values and friendly service remained the same. 3801 Staples St, (361) 853-7303, hamlinfg.com

HOEGEMEYER’S BBQ $$

Smoked fresh barbeque on a strong German heritage background and a satisfaction for something unique. South Texas barbeque that comes from the heart. 711 Concrete St, (361) 884-4227, Hoegemeyers.com

IRIE’S ISLAND FOOD $

With bold purpose and flavor craving taste buds, they set forth a new twist on local fare and many culinary delights from islands around the globe. 503 N Alister St, (361) 749-2310, Iriesislandfood.com

LANCE'S BLACK SHEEP BISTRO $$

A unique, trendy atmosphere that transcends age and style with a menu full of foods rich, colorful, and full of flavor. 15201 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-4819, Blacksheepbistro.net

PADRE ISLAND BURGER COMPANY $$

Burgers, burgers, and burgers! Build it yourself or choose from their handcrafted menu. 11878 TX-361, (361) 949-3490, Padreislandburgercompany.com

POETS FAMILY RESTAURANT $

A hidden gem among life-long locals, Poets is a family style restaurant serving up a wide array of delicious home cooking. You’ll be greeted with smiling faces, laughs, and of course their complimentary chips and salsa. 4825 Saratoga Blvd, (361) 993-2170

SURFSIDE SANDWICH SHOPPE $

CORPUS CHRISTI PADRE ISLAND

PORT ARANSAS

Dine inside or outside on the patio, and enjoy their large assortment of sandwiches and sides or have a nice cold beverage. Don’t forget the homemade desserts! 15113 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-0505, surfsidesandwichshoppe.com

THE BLUE CLOVE $$

Indulge in the art of food with The Blue Cove. Family owned and served with love, this quaint little place will soon become your go-to spot for a weekend bite. 1945 Horne Rd, (361) 8552927, facebook.com/TheBlueClove

THE GLASS PAVILION $$$

Casual hotel eatery offering simple American mains and views of the sea. Did we mention they also offer a breakfast buffet? Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! 2nd Floor Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, 900 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 887-1600, Omnihotels.com

THE POST $$

Enjoy this popular gastro-pub with delicious dishes that are meant to be shared, along side a beer or cocktail of course! 3850 S Alameda, (361) 452-0907, thepostlamarpark.com

TOWN & COUNTRY CAFÉ $

This down-to-earth diner serves the best in homestyle American comfort food for breakfast and lunch. 4228 S Alameda St, (361) 9920360, Facebook.com/town-country-cafe

ASIAN

DOKYO DAUNTAUN $$

Creative and daring rolls, bold cocktails in an edgy atmosphere. Their authentic Asian cuisine is made by a master chef with scratch recipes that will blow your mind. 424 N Chaparral St, (361) 462-4620, doykodauntaun.com

ROCK & ROLLS SUSHI LOUNGE $$

At Rock & Rolls, they’re dishing out the most delectable and delicate fish from islands all over the world. Delight in a cold appetizer then “plug in” for some rolls and sashimi! 15121 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 949-1110, Rockandrollssushi.com

SANG’S IMPERIAL CAFÉ $$

Culturally dynamic décor brings an international ambiance to the atmosphere. Their commitment to the freshest food shows through from the dishes to the sushi bar. 4650 Corona Dr, (361) 808-8881, Facebook.com/imperialcafe

VIETNAM RESTAURANT $$$

Local fine dining restaurant with an extensive menu and eye catching Vietnamese culture spread throughout the dining area. 701 N Water St, (361) 853-2682, Vietnam-restaurant.com

Z COUNTER $

It is all about combining fusion concepts with the authentic flavors of famous street dishes from Asia, including Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, China and more. 51220 Airline Rd #155, (361) 991-1115, z-counter.com

BAR&GRILL

BOATHOUSE BAR & GRILL $$

The best thing about the Boathouse Bar & Grill is that there’s something for everyone; a mouthwatering menu, full bars with HDTVs, all on waterfront patio dining. 15241 Leeward Dr, (361) 589-9601, Boathousepadreisland.com

BREWSTER STREET ICE HOUSE $$

Who says that you can’t have 4-star food in a casual environment? Not the Brewster Street Grill! Bring your kids or stay for a concert, they have it all. 1724 N Tancahua, (361) 884-2739, Brewsterstreet.net

EXECUTIVE SURF CLUB $

The most beloved casual dive dining spot serving up the best in burgers, beer and live music. Make sure to stop by on Tuesday nights for $2 Pints! 1724 N Tancahua, (361) 884-2739, Brewsterstreet.net

FINS GRILL AND ICEHOUSE $$

For years they’ve featured fresh seafood, 1/2 lb. Angus beef burgers and delicious chicken dishes plus a full bar. They’re also home to the “You Hook ‘Em, We Cook ‘Em” service for all the fisherman out there. 420 West Cotter, (361) 749-8646, Finsgrillandicehouse.com

CAFÉ

CORAL BEAN CAFE $

A true triple threat, CBC features a coffee shop, full bar, and delicious bakery in a trendy, casual atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends. 7426 S Staples St. #107, (361) 334-0194, facebook.com/coralbeancafe

HESTERS CAFE $

This legendary local cafe and coffee bar serves up invintive breakfast and lunch dishes with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients. 3812 S Alameda St, (361) 855-1892, hesterscafe.com

JB’S GERMAN BAKERY $

Committed to maintaining the highest German standard, every product is handmade following age-old German traditions and recipes. 15137 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-5474, Jbsgermanbakery.com

SUGARBAKERS $

Made from scratch French and European cuisine with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The perfect spot for a simple breakfast or lunch with the family. 2766 Santa Fe St, (361) 884-9541, sugarbakerscc.com

FRENCH

BIEN MÉRITÉ $

This female run bakery serves up sensational french inspired pastries, cakes, croissants, and more. Satisfy your cravings at this quaint, and beautifully appointed eatery. 1316 S Staples St, (361) 334-0241, bienmerite.com

DRAGONFLY $$$

A multitude of international backgrounds to the cuisine prepared entirely from scratch daily by the owner and culinary artist. The menu is full of unforgettable flavor profiles to satisfy any craving. 14701 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-2224

ITALIAN

BELLA LUNA DOWNTOWN $$

Authentic gourmet Italian cuisine always made fresh to order in the heart of The Marina Arts District. 429 Schatzell St, (361) 887-4777, Bellalunadowntown.com

BELLINO RISTORANTE E BOTTEGA $$

Comfortable and welcoming with a trattoria style authentic cuisine. You won’t find these delectable dishes anywhere else in Corpus Christi! Perfect spot for your next date night! 3815 S Alameda St, (361) 814-8998, Bellinostexas.com

HOUSE OF ROCK $

Top notch pizza and appetizers, cold beer, cocktails, and live entertainment! Does it get any better? 511 Starr St, (361) 882-7625, Texashouseofrock.ticketfly.com

LUCIANO'S $$

The chef’s recipes and experience, all with a genuine Italian flavor, crafted from traditional practices passed down through generations. 1821 S Alameda St, (361) 882-3191, lucianositalian.com

PADRE PIZZERIA $

For over 15 years, their famous Padre pizza dough is handmade, hand-tossed and prepared daily. 14493 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-0787, Padrepizzeria.com

VENETIAN HOT PLATE $$$

Quality cuisine and a quaint, yet energetic atmosphere, giving a real touch of Italy. 232 Beach St, (361) 749-7617, Venetianhotplate.com

MEXICAN

FRESCO $

This downtown newcomer serves up Mexican fruit cups and antojitos to the on-the-go lunch crowd and bustling late-night scene. Stop by and get yourself a homemade Aguas Frescas, you can thank us later. 619 N Chaparral St, (361) 442-2253

HI-HO RESTAURANT $

One of the oldest, and most cherished taquerias in town, Hi-Ho’s is undoubtedly the go-to place for breakfast tacos. 3703 Morgan Ave, (361) 888-4992

LA PLAYA BY THE BAY $$

A vibrant, bi-level Tex-Mex eatery and full service bar in a contemporary, colorful space

with large outdoor seating right in the heart of downtown Corpus Christi. And that view! 227 N Water St, (361) 885-7702

RESTAURANT SAN JUAN $

A down-to-earth, colorful hacienda-themed atmosphere with an extensive Mexican menu, including whole fish, fajitas, and breakfast! 410 Cut-Off Rd, (361) 749-6521

ROSITA’S TACO SHOP $

This family-owned-and-operated taco shop in Rockport serves up some of the most delicious tacos and Mexican dishes in the Coastal Bend. 402 E Market St, (361) 790-8513

SONNY’S BARBACOA $

This quaint taco shop is the place to go if you’re searching for barbacoa. Using only prime cuts of meat to assure the freshest, a best tasting tacos around, Sonny’s Barbacoa is no joke. 4066 S. Port Ave, (361) 808-7711

SEAFOOD

BLACK MARLIN BAR & GRILL $$

Sit indoors, sit outdoors, enjoy the Gulf Coast while diving into top-quality coastal cuisine, live music, craft cocktails and some of the best views around. 258 Snapdragon, (361) 749-4653, Blackmarlinbarandgrill.com

COSTA SUR WOK & CEVICHE BAR $$

This cevicheria is a true Peruvian party on your palette. The dishes are exciting, fresh takes on traditional dishes from South America. Perfect for ending a long beach day. (361) 945-8303 15113 S Padre Island Dr #101, costasurcc.com

GLOW $$

From a renovated boathouse, they offer simply-cooked bistro fare using the best local seafood and produce. Bright, relaxed atmosphere with white-washed ship lap wood walls and a full bar. 1815 Broadway St, (361) 727-2644, Glowrockport.com

HARRISON’S LANDING $$

Local waterfront treasure serving up the best in casual dining, relaxed happy hour, and leisure shopping experiences. 108 Peoples St, (361) 881-8503, harrisonslanding.net

LATITUDE 28˚02’ $$$

Contemporary dining experience specializing in tasty fresh, local seafood. Eye-catching walls that serve as a gallery space, holding colorful works by local artists. 105 N Austin St, (361) 727-9009, Latituderockport.com

LISABELLA’S BISTRO $$$

Casual coastal elegance with a family-friendly setting. The menu boasts a remarkable gourmet twist to your favorite fare, and a full bar that goes beyond just ordinary. 5009 Hwy 361, (361) 749-4222, Cinnamonshore.com

RED FISH WILLIES $$

Enjoy a casual laid back evening of fine dining, there is something for all seafood lovers at Willie’s. With a vast menu and award-winning dishes, you won’t be disappointed. 322 Huff St., 361.758.9991, redfishwillies.com

ROOSEVELT’S AT THE TARPON INN $$$

Gourmet dining at its finest in a beautiful Louisiana style home that sets the perfect tone for a taste of luxury. Historic background gives

a unique sense of its famous visitors. 200 E Cotter Ave, (361)749-1540, Rooseveltsatthetarponinn.com

SCUTTLEBUTT’S BAR & GRILL $$

Extensive menu makes sure to have something for everyone. Food made from scratch from the dressings to the burger patties. Make sure to stop by during happy hour for drink specials. 14254 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6769, Scuttlebuttsbarandgrill.com

SNOOPY’S PIER $

Outdoor dining experience and local harvested quality with an on-site fish house and shrimp breading facility that enables the freshness. 13313 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-8815, Snoopyspier.com

WATER STREET OYSTER BAR $$

Long-standing and beloved Corpus Christi landmark serving up oysters, sushi rolls and fresh Gulf seafood in a historic, brick building in the heart of downtown. 309 N Water St, (361) 881-9448, waterstreetmarketcc.com

YARDARM $$$

Savory seafood dishes with great bay view seating. Family owned gives off a special ambiance in the atmosphere as well as the entrees. 4310 Ocean Dr, (361) 855-8157

STEAKHOUSE

KATZ 21 $$$

Sets the standard for premier fine dining experience. Prime steakhouse specializes in dryaged prime beef and fresh gulf coast seafood. 5702 Spohn Dr, (361) 884-1221, Katz21.com

NIKOS STEAKHOUSE $$

Committed to the motto “Great Food, Great Times. Great Experience.” Casual and elegant atmosphere that will truly exceed any steak lover’s expectiations. 5409 Saratoga Blvd, (361) 992-2333, nikossteakhouse.com

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS $$$

One of the most exclusive dining destinations in the Coastal Bend. A multi-level steakhouse offers beautiful panoramic views of the bay and exceptional dishes. 900 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 887-1600, omnihotels.com

THAI

BKK THAI KITCHEN + BAR $$

BKK is brining a modern twist to the traditional Thai dishes. Their menu is filled with tasty items you are sure to love. 3850 S Alameda, Ste. 27, (361) 334-0857, bkkthaikitchenbar.com

THAI COTTAGE $$

Unique and refreshing, Thai curries meet teriyaki and Chinese dishes in a cozy pink cottage. 5830 McArdle Rd, (361) 993-0777, Thai-cottage.com

THAI SPICE $$$

Family owned and operated for over 12 years, this restaurant is an intimate fixture providing curries, noodles & other traditional Thai dishes in a upscale relaxed atmosphere. 523 N Water St, (361) 883-8884

Slices of Paradise

COAL OVEN PIZZERIA SERVING UP FLAVOR ALONG THE COAST

BY: JESSIE MONSIVAIS

PHOTOS

BY:

RACHEL BENAVIDES

Pizza, as a concept, began in antiquity – the flatbread with toppings has existed on menus for centuries. After Europeans overcame their fear of the tomato in the 1700s (it’s a thing), adding tomato to yeast-based flatbread became common in the area around Naples. Thus the dish we know and love took off. Pizza, no matter the style, is one of those foods that brings us willingly to the table.

Reminiscent of neighborhood pizza parlors, Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria is a cozy place to enjoy dinner with the family or with a date over a glass of wine. Chefs craft New Yorkstyle pies in two brick ovens that run between 800 and 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit – meaning Dylan’s pizza is cooked to crisp, airy, and slightly chewy perfection.

“One of our signature features is that we believe we have the only genuine coal-burning oven on Mustang Island in Port Aransas,” says Director of Marketing Lauren Kuzminsky. “It enables us to serve perfectly crisp pizzas, and create a unique taste and texture that has been a hallmark of New York City pizzerias for more than a century.”

Opened in the summer of 2019, Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria is immersed in the beachfront community that is Cinnamon Shores. Every aspect of Dylan’s feels thoughtfully designed and comfortable: Natural light fills the dining area during the day, offering a cool respite from the summer heat in an open space with minimalist light fixtures and neutral colors.

Classic salads, pastas, Italian sandwiches, and freshly made desserts also make up menu options at Dylan’s. For starters, the Skillet Roasted Shrimp is a must-try. Wild shrimp roasted in a garlic and white wine butter sauce deliver an herbaceous, buttery flavor that satisfies the palate but keeps you wanting more. The pizza is delicious on its own merits, too. It isn’t merely the basic approach of a pepperoni pizza, but instead offers a selection of specialities packed with flavorful zings. The

Armando Ortiz

Admitting Diagnosis: Acute Renal failure w/ infected wound

Length of Stay: 12 Days

Discharge Location: HOME

Mr. Ortiz was admitted to Post Acute Rehabilitation Hospital of Corpus Christi post op with significant w ounds requiring a wound vac. Upon admission he noted he was in so much pain both physically and mentally that he did not think he would progress to his prior level of function. When Mr. Ortiz initially came in he was only able to walk 10 feet with moderate assistance and after working intensely with the PAM therapy staff he began to progress both physically and mentally to the point of regaining his strength and endurance. Upon discharge he was able to ambulate 150 feet independently and perform his activit ies of daily living independently. Mr. Ortiz stated that not only was the therapy team instrumental in his gains that the staffs attitude and encouragement played a huge role in his gains. The PAM wound care team and nursing staff played a vital role in hi s progression and he was able to discharge home with his wife and family.

“These people showed what a TRUE healthcare professional is!” I want to reinforce that everyone’s smile gave me the encouragement I needed”

-Armando Ortiz

Tradizione comes topped with pepperoni, sausage, roasted red peppers, and red onion paired with sauce and specialty cheese. For a dish with a whole new affect, the Bianca is crafted with creamy ricotta, fresh mozzarella, parmesan, confit garlic, chili flakes, and basil.

“Named after a truly special young man named Dylan, who has a zest for life that is unparalleled, at Dylan’s we practice genuine and sincere service where everyone knows your name,” says Kuzminsky. “Whether you are staying at Cinnamon Shore or visiting for the day, Dylan’s is the perfect place to eat-in or pick up delicious Italian classics.”

Settle into the capacious modern dining room and experience profiles of quintessential New York recipes, while the service at Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria delivers the experience of an extension of dinner at home. It’s local in the best way a restaurant can be.

Contact:

128 Market St. Suite D, Port Aransas, TX

361.416.1844 | dylanscoalovenpizza.com

Cheri Sperling

Betheny Bell

Tara Gallaspy

Mary Scruton

Whitney Noble

Meagan Furey

Elise Lippincott

Patti Finzel

LOOKING BACK

The Many Lives of One Corner

BY: JILLIAN BECQUET PHOTO BY: DOC MCGREGOR, CORPUS CHRISTI PUBLIC LIBRARIES

For nearly as long as Corpus Christi has been a city, the southeast corner of Schatzell and Chaparral – where Dokyo Dauntaun stands today – has been home to commercial businesses. In the 1850s, a two-story wooden building served as the business headquarters for wool and hide dealer William Headen, who was the business partner of William R. Grace, a future mayor of New York City. The building was originally built in New York, then was dismantled and shipped to Corpus Christi in approximately 1859.

After Headen, the building was owned by J.W. Westervelt, a ship chandler. Growing up in Corpus Christi, William S. Rankin aspired to own the Grace-Headen building someday. He did come to purchase it, and also owned several grocery stores throughout downtown. He sold to Hugh Sutherland, who used it for a variety of businesses, including law offices, a grocery, and a café.

In the 1930s, the old wooden building was torn down and a new building, housing the Modern Pharmacy and Hall’s Credit Clothiers, was built. By the 1940s, the Sun Pharmacy moved in, along with the city bus terminal.

Many Corpus Christi residents remember this as the longtime site of Lester’s Jewelry, with Vo-Craft shoes next door. Returning to its earlier days as a grocery, it then became home to a Maverick Market convenience store. In recent years, it has hosted a handful of restaurants, with no signs of slowing down as an important part of Corpus Christi’s downtown. It’s just looked a little different to each generation.

Buses pull up outside the Sun Pharmacy, which also housed the City Bus Terminal, July 22, 1943.

Providing cosmetic surgery in Corpus Christi, TX and surrounding communities