June 2022 by The Bend Magazine

LET'S TAKE A TOUR A GUIDE TO MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES AROUND THE COASTAL BEND

THE ARTIST ISSUE

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6.22

CONTENTS THE ARTIST ISSUE AROUND THE BEND 5 Best ..................................... 15 Trending.............................. 16 Discoveries .........................18 What’s Online.................. 22 Giving Back ......................24 Person of Interest......... 26

F E AT U R E S The Artist Feature.............. 30 Museums & Galleries.... 42

H E A LT H Be Well.................................50 Beauty....................................52

HOME & GARDEN Open House...................... 58 Gardening ......................... 66 Spaces ................................. 68 Entertaining ...................... 71

OUT & ABOUT Arts & Culture..................74 Datebook .............................78 Social Hour........................80

CUISINE

HISTORY Looking Back ..................98

The Bend Magazine is published by Bend Holdings Sub, LLC. Copyright © 2022 Bend Holdings Sub, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. The Bend is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. The Bend reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community's best interest or in questionable taste. Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.

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The Ivy Sand Martian Abducted Her from Common Ground 3ftx2ft - Paper - Millicent Alvarado. Pg. 38

artwork by M I L L I C E N T A LV A R A D O

Farm to Table...................84 The Drink ...........................92 Dining Guide.....................94 The Dish .............................96

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PRESIDENT Jordan Regas VICE PRESIDENT Kaley Regas PUBLISHER Chris Knapick EDITOR IN CHIEF Kylie Cooper ART DIRECTOR Jarred Schuetze ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Gloria Stauber PRODUCTION MANAGER Meagan Matthews D I G I TA L M E D IA C O O R D I N AT O R Tyler Schultz

Q: Who is your current favorite local artist and why? KC:

Right now, I am really fascinated by Leticia (Letty) Ernestina Gomez's work. Her current show, "Affectionately Called" at K Space Art Studios is a beautiful collection of vibrant and playful pieces. Whether she is working in black and white or bold colors, her art always leaves an impact.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lillian Meador SENIOR WRITERS Kirby Conda Jessie Chrobocinski

TS:

I would say my favorite local artist at the moment is Maclovio Cantú IV. As an artist and professor, it’s evident he truly has a passion for creating. Plus he’s taught me everything I know about printmaking!

KC:

At the moment, Jennifer Arnold is my favorite local artist. Modeled after a real fig tree she got during the pandemic, her emerging series of canvaspealed fig plants are all unique based on the current state of her living fig. There is a simplicity in her work that makes me feel like she understands even the most mundane complexities within the viewer.

COPY EDITOR Steve Gill LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Rachel Benavides PHOTOGRAPHY Jason Page Lillian Reitz

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ON THE COVER: Sunfish King, Louis the Fishteenth Acrylic on Canvas 24" x 18"This is the 7th piece of Griffin's Sovereigns of the Sea series artwork by

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The Bend, Vol. 9, Issue no. 6, is published monthly by Bend Holding Sub, LLC, 309 N. Water Street, Suite C, Corpus Christi, TX, 78401. Periodicals Pending at Corpus Christi, TX and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions are one year (12 issues) for $12.95 in the U.S. POSTMASTER send address changes to The Bend, P.O. Box 16765, Hollywood, CA 91615.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Thinking (and Feeling) in Color I have a small assortment of artworks hanging throughout my house. It’s certainly not a collection consisting of household names — pieces range from a few of my favorite local artists to a blue cat my husband painted for a contest when he was in second grade. A favorite of the bunch came to us in the form of a wedding gift: Oil paint on an unframed canvas depicts an almost spacelike composition with bold colors, centered around a head posed in side profile with one large eye shedding a few tears. We’ve done a bit of research on the piece, and the most we’ve come up with is that we think the artist is Ethiopian. While we are still searching for its origin story, the painting speaks to everyone who enters our home. Why is the subject crying? Are they happy tears or sad? It communicates a different narrative and feeling to each person who gazes upon it — and when it comes down to it, although it is nice to look at, that really is the whole point.

Every year, we dedicate our June issue to the local arts scene, and believe you me, the scene is as alive, and as talented, as ever. Inside this month’s cover feature, Senior Writer Kirby Conda invites readers to travel down the rabbit hole and discover the vast and varied fantasy worlds of four different Coastal Bend artists. Ranging from surrealist acrylic works to otherworldly sculptures, Georgia Griffin, Leticia Bajuyo and sisters Franceska and Millicent Alvarado are fine arts forces to be reckoned with. While they each differ in materials and subject matters, all four female artists turn fantasy into reality and have created a realm all their own in an attempt to communicate with the world around them about … well, the world around them. One of the best things about art is the idea of giving tangible shape to our innermost thoughts and feelings. Be it with the stroke of a paintbrush, an X-Acto knife or a charcoal pencil, art brings shape to our contemplations and emotions. Creative output allows complete strangers the opportunity to bond over point of view and gain perspective they might otherwise be lacking. Millicent Alvarado said, “I think in color … I feel I am able to personify my ideas and feelings and emotions into a physical thing through my work.” Thankfully, for those of us who aren’t as artistically inclined as she or the other creatives featured are, these personifications provide us all with a unique language. While I would certainly credit each of our issues as being artful — due in large part to the team of wildly talented creatives who put this magazine together, especially our Art Director, Jarred Schuetze — I can confidently say our annual Artist Issue is a work of art. Although we’ve prepared quite a few words for you within these pages, we understand that where words sometimes fail, art allows us to communicate with one another in a deeper, more profound way. With that, I hope you enjoy the masterpieces awaiting you.

Kylie Cooper, Editor In Chief kylie@thebendmag.com

V.IX 6.22 THREE TAKEAWAYS

POI: JOSE FLORES The Corpus Christi Area Youth Orchestra has returned to regular programming after a two-year hiatus. Director Jose Flores shares his thoughts on working with the younger generation, the new season and more. PG. 26

TWO LOVERS' PERSONAL GALLERY From the design of the house to the art hanging on the walls therein, the Anderson home doubles as an art-lover’s paradise. The family’s well-curated art collection acts as the perfect complement to their thoughtfully designed home. PG. 60

OBSERVING & (RE)LEARNING Local mixed media artist Joshua Duttweiler uses challenging concepts and extensive research to ask viewers difficult questions. Recent pieces from the artist cover topics such as rising sea levels and how systemic racism has affected historic neighborhoods. PG. 74 thebendmag.com 11

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Corpus Christi FC looks to make waves as the new season brings exciting potential

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AROUND THE BEND 5 BEST

Art Activities for Kids ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS FOR YOUR LITTLEST CREATIVE BY: KYLIE COOPER

Whether you’re looking for a collaborative craft for you and the kids or simply want to find a summer camp perfect for your little art lover, here are five different kid-friendly art activities in the Coastal Bend.

Paint a Pot at Desert Flower

LISABE LLA' S BIST RO & B A R

4642 Kostoryz Rd.

This local shop has a potting station and grow kits for your kids to design their own flower pot and watch their creation grow. Grow kits come with a pot, soil, succulent, paint and brushes, instructions and care cards to help you and your little one create something together. Do the activity in the shop or take it home!

Fine Art Camp at AMST

1902 N Shoreline Blvd.

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS

Geared for children ages K5-12, AMST’s summer camp sessions run from June through August. Campers partake in a variety of art activities such as drawing, painting, ceramics, improvisation and musical theater. On the final day of each camp, an exhibition and performance is held. Registration is limited and required.

Paint Party at It’s ART Time 4001 Donaho Dr.

Host a paint party for your family or a kid’s birthday party at this local studio. It’s ART Time’s two-hour paint parties include everything needed to create a masterpiece – from the materials to the instructor.

Art Space at Rockport Center for the Arts 401 S Austin St. Ste. B

Art Space is a summer camp experience with four upcoming sessions to enroll your children in. The camp is free for Aransas County students and open to grades first through eighth. Instructors will provide the most upto-date art education concepts to students. Registration is open and required.

Family Art Time at Art Center of Corpus Christi 100 N Shoreline Blvd.

Every Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM, the Art Center of Corpus Christi hosts arts and crafts workshops free for the whole family. All materials are provided for a 30-minute session per family to work on a creative project together.

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AROUND THE BEND TRENDING

Living Artistically

There’s nothing that reflects the style of an artist more than their space. Here are some local items to help creatively curate your home. BY: TYLER SCHULTZ

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OUT & ABOUT DISCOVERIES

A Catalyst for Local Soccer CORPUS CHRISTI FC LOOKS TO MAKE WAVES AS THE NEW SEASON BRINGS EXCITING POTENTIAL BY: LUIS ARJONA PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

ith two new young coaches, Ignacio "Nacho" Dicun and Manuel Iwabuchi, boasting impressive resumes, local soccer team Corpus Christi FC (CCFC) is looking to continue its upward momentum. Iwabuchi is a local, having played for RockportFulton, Texas A&M International and the local Dynamo Academy, where he has been coaching the youth team. Dicun has experience playing for Eastern New Mexico and CCFC before transferring to his coaching position after a coaching camp at the FC Barcelona facilities. With a new season ahead, the fresh coaching duo is looking to make strides this year. Building off CCFC's first USL2 playoff appearance since the team’s genesis in 2017, the 18 The Bend

“CC Sharks” plan to improve and make a run in the playoffs this year. Dicun and Iwabuchi have a vision for the team. They are providing the Coastal Bend with an opportunity to foster the talent we have in the area and promote the game's culture. "The youth game has been growing so much in the city,” said Dicun. “We want to provide the youth environment with a chance to see the highest level of soccer in the area. People go see pro games, but we have an amazing program for the youth to learn from the experts [right here].” Currently, the club is comprised of players from all over the world. CCFC has attracted talent — ranging from Uruguay to Spain, Germany and

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Canada — to be competitive. However, the current composition of the team does not disregard the fervor the coaching duo has to encourage locals to strive and play for the club. A portion of the roster consists of local high school students. Focusing on player development and showcasing talent, the purpose of CCFC is to help players make it to the next level. "The beauty of CCFC is that it provides a pathway to manage the local players and develop them so they don't have to travel," said Iwabuchi. With so much emphasis on providing an opportunity to the Coastal Bend, CCFC is pushing to improve the local talent with its youth academy as well. The goal is to create a successful farm for local players to get noticed and achieve their aspirations. Though some players are not from the Coastal Bend, the club members proudly wear the emblem and represent our slice of Texas on the pitch.

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"I'm excited and honored to play and represent Corpus Christi in the USL2 Championship this summer,” said Deni Cresto, the central midfielder and captain of CCFC. “With the support of the city and fans, along with our efforts on the field, I'm sure we can make something special happen this year.” As June passes, the CC Sharks will be in the thick of the season, looking to qualify for the playoffs again. Proudly representing the 361, CCFC wants to provide a wonderful experience for fans, and this fresh coaching duo aims to deliver. Improving year over year is challenging, but with CCFC's enthusiasm and talent, the seeds are planted to chase a playoff run and increase soccer’s support in the Coastal Bend.

CONTACT: corpuscfc.com

2022 Adult and Youth Season Tickets are available for purchase online.

Rehabilitation and Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It’s the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. The majority of Alzheimer’s patients are 65 years of age or older, but it doesn’t just affect older adults.According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 200,000 people in the United States who are under the age of 65 also have early-onset Alzheimer’s. Symptoms usually develop slowly and become more severe over time. The most common early symptom of the disease involves difficulty in remembering newly learned information. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may present that include disorientation, confusion about information, mood changes, behavior changes, unfound suspicions about known individuals, and even difficulty in walking, speaking, or swallowing. While there’s currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s, treatments for symptoms are available. At Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, our specially-trained, interdisciplinary team works with Alzheimer’s patients and their families to help them maintain their abilities and independence for as long as possible. This in turn can help to decrease caregiver stress. Depending upon the stage of the disease, we create individualized treatment plans with patients and family members, which can include: • • • • • • •

Physical Therapy – Focuses on improving balance, muscle strength and mobility; fall prevention Speech-Language Pathology – Focuses on cognitive and communication skills; swallowing difficulties Occupational Therapy – Focuses on daily living activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting Neuropsychology Counseling—Helps patients and family members adjust to emotional and physical changes Home Evaluations – Identifies necessary modifications to provide a safe home environment Family/Caregiver Education – Teaches caregivers about disease process and how to best help Community Resources – Provides patients and caregivers with educational resources, including respite care

For more information on Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital’s Alzheimer’s services, call 361-906-3700. Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital provides specialized rehabilitation services to patients recovering from or living with injuries, illnesses, or chronic medical conditions. The hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for its Stroke Rehabilitation program and Brain Injury Program. For more information, visit CCRH.ernesthealth.com.

5726 Esplanade Dr • Corpus Christi, Texas 78414 • P 361.906.3700 • F 361.906.3797 thebendmag.com 21

AROUND THE BEND WHAT'S ONLINE

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AROUND THE BEND GIVING BACK

A Mighty Pen and a Big Heart FOR KIDS’ SAKE PUBLISHING COMBINES READING AND CREATIVITY TO SUPPORT A GREATER CAUSE BY: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ ARTWORK BY: ALITA BUCK

rior to launching For Kids’ Sake Publishing (FKSP), Debra Young Hatch knew two things: She wanted to write a children’s book and she wanted to find a way to give back to the kids in the community. A journalist by education and profession, Young Hatch spent a great portion of her career writing stories about children, their families and their health struggles for Driscoll Children’s Hospital. During this time, she was introduced to a world of children with longterm illnesses and felt in her heart she was meant to help them in at least some capacity. After earning her master’s in communication, she felt inspired to create a business by which she could marry both desires, but she kicked it up a notch and aimed to create a business model wherein each book sold would make a contribution to kids. FKSP allowed Young Hatch to have control over publishing her own books, but more importantly, it provided a vehicle to help kids with long-term illnesses while helping ease some of those challenges. Each book published is dedicated to a child living with a long-term health struggle, and for every book purchased, a portion of the proceeds will be given to a hospital or organization dedicated to helping other children facing similar issues. 24 The Bend

Giraffes in My Closet is dedicated to Heath Naumann, a young boy diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Today, he is 6 years old, happy and living his life to the fullest.

Unfortunately, with the pandemic in the way, her efforts were halted, and it took roughly four years in total to get the ball rolling. Luckily, everything began to fall into place, and she was able to begin promoting her first book, Giraffes in My Closet. Giraffes in My Closet follows three giraffes who find their home in a closet when an unsuspecting boy accidentally leaves his door open. That night, Mildred, Seth and Emily sneak inside and take up habitation in the closet. Once inside, the boy discovers these gentle giants who often feel awkward, and are actually a bit shy, and quickly become comfortable in their new home. A portion of the proceeds of this book will go to the Driscoll Children’s Hospital Heart Center to help young children on their heart health journeys. Thanks to the support from the community, FKSP has been able to make two major contributions to the Driscoll Children’s Hospital Heart Center. Young Hatch’s hard work and dedication continues to pay off. Her efforts have extended from Corpus Christi to The Valley, San Antonio and Austin, where she visits Barnes and Noble stores for book readings, and health organizations to raise awareness for these children. This is just the beginning. Young Hatch is currently working on a sequel to Giraffes in My Closet, and another author is working on her own story to dedicate. We look forward to more of these inspirational stories, and to helping FKSP carry out its mission.

CONTACT: forkidssakepublishing.com

thebendmag.com 25

AROUND THE BEND PERSON OF INTEREST

based. There are no tests except for auditions for ranking; we call those “chair auditions.” Everyone is responsible for learning the material for the benefit of the ensemble. We don’t give grades like in school programs. The students that enroll are the ones that are truly interested in advancing their knowledge of music. KC: Why do you think something like the youth orchestra is important to the community? JF: The nature of this ensemble provides the community a place in which students feel comfortable doing something extra musically with others that think and behave in the same way. Since this is not an elective subject like in school, the orchestra becomes a place where they feel they can give more as musicians and not just get a grade in music class. This creates a different kind of person in the long run. Their behavior will have an impact in the community and in their own families. For musicians that are homeschooled, it is a wonderful opportunity for them to further their musical instruction.

Jose Flores

CORPUS CHRISTI AREA YOUTH ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR ON THE RETURN OF THE PROGRAM, WORKING WITH THE NEXT GENERATION OF MUSICIANS AND MORE BY: KYLIE COOPER PHOTO BY: TYLER SCHULTZ KC: How is this youth orchestra different from other music programs for youth, in-school programs or otherwise? JF: The [program gives] students the opportunity to experience being in a symphony orchestra at a very early stage in their musical career. In the school programs, with very few exceptions, they are restricted to play in either band or string orchestra. The main purpose of the youth orchestra is to combine all instrument families in one ensemble — the string players experience playing with wind, brass and percussion and vice versa. The program has two string ensembles that provide preparatory training for being in the symphonic group. Another difference is that the membership in the different ensembles are mostly based on the level of expertise of the players and not the age. While it is true that in the advanced group we have older players, we have very young students in the advanced orchestra as well. Another difference is that membership is by audition and attendance, and accountability is honor26 The Bend

KC: What is your favorite part of working with the younger generation? JF: The trust students and guardians deposit in the instruction we provide is something we treasure and enjoy. I know for a fact the work we do in the youth orchestra shapes lives. I feel good that I am feeding them with my best knowledge. I work together with Dr. Melissa Melendez and Dr. Carrie Pierce, and they both have the same commitment. They know the importance of what we do. We all agree we have a big responsibility; however, we are not afraid but delighted to provide a highlevel musical education to the members of the youth orchestra. KC: What do you hope the musicians in the youth orchestra take away from their time playing with you? JF: Love for music and citizenship. They may not know about the citizenship part, but a person that holds himself or herself accountable for the benefit of a common goal without being forced to earn a grade will be an exemplary citizen in their adult life.

Rapid Fire Q's – Is there an instrument you've always wanted to learn to play but haven't? I wish I could sing better, but my voice is not so good. What is your favorite symphonic work? This is a very difficult question for most musicians. I can say the symphony orchestra is my favorite musical ensemble. It's a miracle of humankind. Who are your favorite musical artists, classical or popular, and what have you been listening to this month? My favorite artists are usually violinists from 20 or more years ago. I love Daniel Barenboim and Claudio Abbado as conductors. Henryk Szeryng, Salvatore Accardo and Anne-Sophie Mutter are some of my favorite violinists.

KC: What are things you look for in great youth orchestral musicians when you’re conducting? JF: Commitment to the task. I can do the teaching, but if there is no commitment, I can’t do anything for the student. My best players are not always the most talented but the most committed. KC: How can the community help to support or get involved with the youth orchestra? JF: Through the Corpus Christi Symphony organization, we have different levels of donations for community members to get involved. This is a non-profit organization that will always need support from all members of the community. Get in contact with us and express your desire to support us, and we will give you options and opportunities within your possibilities. KC: Going into the 2022-2023 season, what are you most looking forward to? JF: We just want re-activate the program after more than two years of inactivity. Depending on the results, expansion of the program is part of future plans.

CONTACT: ccsymphony.org | 361.883.6683 thebendmag.com 27

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thebendmag.com 29

CURIOUSER CURIOUSER FOUR LOCAL ARTISTS INVITE US INTO THEIR COLORFUL & FANTASTICAL WORLDS by Kirby Conda

photography by Lillian Reitz

The Coastal Bend is producing heavy hitters in the art world. Fresh-faced and seasoned creatives alike, it seems as though the area is finding its place on the map. That is to say, what once felt like an emerging underground art scene — which has been present and nurtured for decades — has grown into a place where the fine arts being produced within the region are gaining respect and recognition as just that: fine art. In this feature, we explore four women, each of whom has a distinct approach to her work, while also exhibiting a few shared denominators: a fostering of creativity from a young age, a desire to explore thought-provoking topics and a seemingly intrinsic curiosity to turn fantasy into reality. So, tumble down the rabbit hole with us, and experience a world all their own.

30 The Bend

thebendmag.com 31

FRANCESKA ALVARADO FINE ARTS PAINTER

or as long as she can remember, Franceska Alvarado has been an artist. Growing up in a household where creativity was encouraged and fostered, it didn’t take much for Alvarado to feel comfortable exploring the act of making and creating. She excelled at art classes in school, and was often called upon when teachers and classmates needed someone to draw something. “I would get asked to draw something or make a sketch since I was the ‘artist’ in the class,” Alvarado recalled. And while that recognition felt special and welcomed, she knew even then her passion went far beyond making doodles in primary school. “I took my art more seriously than my peers,” she said. “My art education didn’t stop at the classroom; it continued at home.” For Alvarado, art was always more than just an extracurricular activity, and she often refers to her family home as a “creative community” where ideas were shared and critical feedback was given regarding the work each family member produced. Because art was valued

so highly among the people she loves most, it provided her the motivation to pursue her Bachelor of Fine Art. Now in her senior year at TAMU–CC, Alvarado has fine-tuned her skill set to a point where she finally feels it is appropriate to call herself an artist. Alvarado has used her time in school as an “experimental place,” where there is space to allow her to discover who she is as an artist. When it comes to art, her culture acts as a starting point. “A lot of my early work was about self-identity and tying my Hispanic roots to art and exploring those avenues,” she said. “Versus in my everyday life and living in Corpus, there are [Hispanic] influences everywhere. Putting it into a fine art perspective, it’s something different for me … it’s about going beyond identity and focusing on my internal feelings apart from my Hispanic heritage, which you’ll see in my new body of work.” Next on the horizon for Alvarado is her senior showcase, which she will have completed by the time this issue goes to print. In front of the entire art faculty, Alvarado will prepare a 20-minute talk about her craft and present her latest body of work, which she describes as highlighting the mental state of anxiety and big internal emotions she’s dealt with, exploring them with a subtle aesthetic. It’s not often we get a chance to witness an important artist in the making — though quite frankly, in many respects, Alvarado has already arrived. Young, driven and superbly talented, Alvarado’s work is poised to transcend Corpus Christi’s fine art circles.

Rapid Fire Questions Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaborator?

What is your favorite historical art period or movement?

What art form (other than your own) do you find fascinating?

María Izquierdo

Baroque

Victorian Hair Art

32 The Bend

If you could only carry one artistic tool, what would it be?

What is your dream venue to showcase your work?

What color inspires you the most?

My Sketchbook

A New York Gallery

Venetian Red thebendmag.com 33

LETICIA BAJUYO SCULPTOR

n artist of all trades, Leticia Bajuyo is no stranger to the art of being a career creator. Bajuyo is deeply tied to arts education, and in addition to obtaining her BFA and MFA in sculpture, she has taught art at the university level for over 20 years. Currently, she is the Associate Professor of Art–Sculpture at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. However, to understand Bajuyo, one must absorb the full spectrum of her artistry. Bajuyo is an interdisciplinary artist and object maker whose work is largely site-specific. That doesn’t mean she creates with a specific space, gallery or museum in mind; rather, she can manipulate an installation piece for each unique space, so the narrative she strives to convey somehow remains intact while taking on a life of its own. It is unclear whether her superpower lies in her ability to teach aspiring artists to push boundaries and perspectives, or if it’s the influence Bajuyo creates with her own art that challenges important cultural topics such as the pressure

of assimilation and cultural privilege. Perhaps the force to be reckoned with is simply that no one else can or will be Leticia Bajuyo. In many of her recent works, she explores the use of artificial turf and irrigation materials to examine how we as a culture have a competitive desire to maintain a well-kept lawn. Bajuyo digs past the surface of this concept to ask the question, “Why is this such an ingrained component of the American dream, about being able to contain but also comparing?” She grapples with the concept of wanting the yard to look pristine while challenging where this want comes from. Earlier this year, Bajuyo contributed her sculpture, Forces of Nature: Blue Skies, Slinkys, and Hurricanes, to the Art Museum of South Texas’s Texas Artists: Women of Abstraction exhibition, which consists of three circular forms that appear to be large “slinkys” perched atop perfectlymaintained “lawns” of artificial grass. “I want to be aware of why this is a system within our culture that is a multi-billion dollar component within our GDP to get us to buy all of those [materials] to be able to have that [idyllic] yard view,” the artist said. Without fail, Bajuyo gives voice to subject matters that are typically discussed in the shadows, if at all, and often left fragmented. However, there is an inclusivity with which she presents the work that encourages the viewer to abandon society’s acceptable limitations and venture into parts and worlds unknown.

Rapid Fire Questions Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaborator?

What is your favorite historical art period or movement?

What art form (other than your own) do you find fascinating?

Louise Bourgeois

Post-minimalism

Performing Arts

34 The Bend

If you could only carry one artistic tool, what would it be?

What is your dream venue to showcase your work?

What color inspires you the most?

A Very Sharp Multi-tool

All of Them

Presently – Green thebendmag.com 35

GEORGIA GRIFFIN FINE ARTS PAINTER

eorgia Griffin is a self-taught artist out of Rockport, Texas, whose preferred medium is acrylic on canvas. Griffin’s work personifies the idea of never losing the magic of one’s inner child. “Whimsical surrealism is my adult brain’s way of dancing in the fairy dust of childhood,” she said, and it’s become a bit of a mantra. Through subject matter, usage of color and dashes of sensible humor, Griffin explores what could be in historical, fanciful and well-researched ways. For many years, the core of Griffin’s work has touched on women’s issues that ranged from girlhood to motherhood, and explored areas of mourning and loss, gender disparities in the political realm and ultimately how the environment and its creatures do or do not affect women’s issues. While she can draw inspiration from just about anywhere, connecting with a concept or theme that can be interpreted over and over again through a collection of paintings is both her great challenge and her innate gift as a creator.

“My brain is my favorite tool,” said Griffin, “it makes everything possible.” And this idea seems to be the breeding ground for her latest pieces. Her most recent body of work, Sovereigns of the Sea, grew out of an amusing sketch she produced for her grandson: a fish depicted as Queen Elizabeth II. Surprise and delight ensued, and Griffin quickly found herself delving into images of past royals to reinvent them with her imaginative eye. She dares to introduce a point of view that draws on realism, hyperrealism and surrealism, and ultimately conjures a sense of childlike nostalgia for the viewer. “Don’t hold back,” Griffin said. “Don’t let anyone get in your way.” Not everyone will understand the work, and at the same time, the work may not be for everyone. "Create for you," Griffin explained, "and let yourself explore the unknown." When it comes to the confines of making someone else’s idea come to life, there is much to be discovered about herself as an artist and as a woman and how that influences her take on her south Texas-inspired themes. “I don’t always feel connected to commissioned work in the same way as I connect with my own,” she said, but she always leaves pieces of herself on each canvas. As in previous collections, the viewer will connect with paintings rooted in an atmosphere reflective of the Coastal Bend; bold colors depict nature’s bounty as the Gulf Coast meets internationally renowned royalty in Sovereigns of the Sea, and the uninhibited use of imagination, bright colors and fantasy serve as the catalyst for her creations realized.

Rapid Fire Questions Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaborator?

What is your favorite historical art period or movement?

What art form (other than your own) do you find fascinating?

Antoni Gaudi

Post-Impressionism

Architecture & Ballet

36 The Bend

If you could only carry one artistic tool, what would it be?

What is your dream venue to showcase your work?

What color inspires you the most?

Sharp-edged 1/2" Flat Brush

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Alizarin Crimson thebendmag.com 37

MILLICENT ALVARADO MIXED MEDIA ARTIST

ntricately poised, subtle and sophisticated, Millicent Alvarado is a creator who deserves recognition alongside some of the most groundbreaking female sculptors of our time. Her fantasy-like sculptures are a world in and of themselves that begs the viewer to take a deep look into the nuances of what's before them. The level of artistry is that of a seasoned creator, yet she is an undergraduate student working towards her BFA. Being a young Latina artist with so much talent, the idea of nature versus nurture is an interesting concept to think about when it comes to Alvarado. While she was raised in a family full of creators, it feels as though she possess intrinsic artistic abilities. Simply put, once seeing her work, you get the feeling she was born to do this. Alvarado draws from childhood influences to create 3-D sculptural experiences that beg the viewer to reconsider sculpture as a form of fine art. Growing up, Alvarado was encouraged to explore her creativity from familial

influences. “[My] mother was always supportive of being creative and trying new things,” Alvarado explains. “Art was something she was interested in and it naturally became something we enjoyed doing, too.” Coming from a family of creators who encourage each other’s work, Alvarado found a balance between self-discovery and self-expression that morphed into an unreplaceable style of infinite layers and precision. Still, Alvarado is humble in her quest to make a big splash in the art world someday soon. The artist draws on the vibrancy of bright colors and produces work that supersedes the expectations of the most seasoned art aficionados. “I think in color,” said Alvarado. “It’s like I can see different shapes and forms and ideas in something as mundane as a piece of gum on the street.” Alvarado creates a fairytale world rooted in the reality of her own thoughts and emotions with her delicate sculptures. “I feel like I’m able to personify my ideas and feelings and emotions into a physical thing through my work,” she said. From abstract shapes and layers of dimension to nostalgic imagery and an intoxicating color palette, she feels as though her art provides a way for people to see what goes on inside her mind, and with a body of work as marvelous as hers, we can’t wait to see what thoughts she tangibly produces next.

Rapid Fire Questions Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaborator?

What is your favorite historical art period or movement?

What art form (other than your own) do you find fascinating?

Peter Max

Pop Art

Printmaking

38 The Bend

If you could only carry one artistic tool, what would it be?

What is your dream venue to showcase your work?

What color inspires you the most?

A Pen

An Abandoned Zoo

Fluorescent Orange thebendmag.com 39

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Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures 1 8 0 9 N o r t h C h a pa r r a l C o r p u s Ch r i s t i , T X 7 8 4 0 1

Come join us at the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures! See the largest public facing Hakata Doll exhibit in the world, hear the story of Oishi Junkyo, the Armless Artist and learn the art of Origami! Interact with exhibits and artifacts from all across Asia, covering culture, art, and history. Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday 12-5, social distancing measures in place. Masks required.

thebendmag.com 41

LET'S TAKE A TOUR

Art Museum of South Texas This fine arts institution is an anchor of Corpus Christi’s vibrant arts community. A diverse permanent collection of more than 1,850 artworks includes pieces from acclaimed artists such as Dorothy Hood, Salvador Dali, Sol Lewitt and Andy Warhol. The Dr. Clotilde “Dr. Cleo” P. Garcia Spanish Colonial Gallery, a permanent exhibit, showcases Spanish Colonial, pre-Columbian and contemporary works inspired and influenced by artisans of that time.

Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History Unique to South Texas’ culture and history, this museum engages and educates visitors in science and history. Through exhibitions and collections of carefully selected works, 500 years' worth of history is displayed — from historic shipwrecks of early explorers to decorative arts from area families.

Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center

ART MUSUEM OF SOUTH TEXAS

A GUIDE TO MUSEUMS & GALLERIES IN THE COASTAL BEND BY: KYLIE COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES 42 The Bend

Founded by Mrs. Billie Trimble Chandler in the 1960s, the museum and education center acts as a bridge connecting Texas to Asia. It offers various educational classes and programs for students and the general public such as origami and calligraphy, along with visiting exhibitions from around the world.

Selena Museum The Queen of Tejano Music holds an important place in Corpus Christi’s history. Founded by the late singer Selena Quintanilla Perez’s family, the museum serves as a way for locals and visitors alike to celebrate the life and legacy of Selena. Iconic performance outfits, her Grammy award and other memorabilia are on display at the museum.

K SPACE CONTEMPORARY

USS Lexington Museum Having played an important role in the country’s defense for nearly 50 years, The USS Lexington is a national treasure. The museum instills pride and patriotism in the public through displays, ceremonies and educational programs that highlight the heroism of those who served.

Art Center of Corpus Christi

Texas Surf Museum

Founded in 1972 by a small group of citizens, the center aims to nurture and promote regional artists and works as a service to our diverse community. Over the past 40 years, it has evolved into a thriving intersection of creativity and community with rotating exhibitions, art classes and more. The Studio C Gallery is also located within the center and hosts a variety of Texas artists.

Acting as the only surf museum in the state of Texas, this local staple explores the history of surfing and showcases the Lone Star State’s unique place within that history. Browse through exhibits featuring surf legends, learn about Pat Magee’s legacy or take a family photo in front of the iconic TSM car.

K Space Contemporary This local art institution is dedicated to presenting and promoting contemporary art. As a destination for creative exchange and experimentation, the gallery aspires to educate and support South Texas' innovative art scene with 18-20 solo and group exhibitions a year within its three galleries. The gallery also participates in every First Friday ArtWalk, typically with new exhibition openings.

Rockport Center for the Arts A hub for the lively Rockport art scene, this institution hosts a variety of exhibits, special events, educational workshops and classes for all ages, performing arts, a sculpture garden and much more. After 48 years at its previous location, the center moved its operations in the wake of Hurricane Harvey; its brand-new location is currently under construction and set to open later this year.

ROCKPORT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

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La Cueva Art Gallery & Gathering Founded by Gaye and Gil Cuevas, La Cueva acts as a gallery and gathering space in Portland. The pair renovated their own home to create the gallery and exhibited works have included artists such as Gil himself, worldrenowned Chicano artist Adan Hernandez and most recently Pepe Serna.

Texas Maritime Museum The official Maritime Museum of Texas, this Rockport gem educates and excites the public about maritime history and its importance to the development and livelihood of our state. Preserved artifacts, documents, photographs and books illuminate this history.

CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

Instituto de Cultura Hispanica

Wind Way Gallery

Padre Island Art Gallery

Housed in the Lichtenstein House at Heritage Park, the museum highlights many places that share the Hispanic heritage. Part of the Instituto de Cultura Hispanica de Corpus Christi, this small museum aims to advance and promote the history of Hispanic culture and tradition in South Texas under one roof.

Located in Rockport’s Historic District, this gallery has been a part of the thriving local art scene for over 20 years. The space showcases noted professional local artists with a variety of paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics, glass and sculptures.

Committed to showcasing the creative talents within the Coastal Bend community, the Padre Island Art Gallery displays art by over 100 local creatives living and working in the area. Exhibited pieces are drawn from a variety of mediums and the gallery offers numerous art classes for all ages.

The History Center for Aransas County

PRODUCE Gallery

Showcasing local heritage and culture through outdoor and indoor exhibits, The History Center for Aransas County shares the stories of real people and their contributions to the area. Significant artifacts and documents are housed in this historic home in Rockport’s Live Oak Heights.

This contemporary art gallery, photography studio and venue adds to the ever-evolving arts and culture scene in downtown Corpus Christi. Owner and gallery curator Carlos Villarreal brings in local and national artists to showcase thoughtprovoking and modern works in varied mediums including photography, paintings and illustrative works.

44 The Bend

Port Aransas Art Center A thriving center for the visual arts, the Port Aransas Art Center provides a place for artists and art patrons alike to gather and support one another. Founded by a group of local artists in the mid-’90s, the center offers educational classes for all ages and gallery space featuring work from talented artists, mostly from Texas.

Mi Vida Loca Gallery A celebration of the art, fashion and decor of South Texas and the indigenous culture of Mexico, Mi Vida Loca Gallery was founded by Mark Clark and Tinker Trombley in 2018. Displaying Mexicanthemed works primarily from South Texas artisans, the gallery provides a space for vibrant culture to be appreciated.

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photography by R A C H E L B E N A V I D E S

HEALTH BE WELL

Now Experiencing: Pickleball Locals and neighbors from across the region are having a ball with a sport rapidly captivating our community. Pickleball is a paddleboard activity combining elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton, and is essentially ping pong on steroids. Two to four people play pickleball in matches that last about 20 minutes per game, on average. Interested in picking up the sport but aren’t quite sure where to start? We sent two of our team members out to take pickleball lessons and report back on their experience for our readers.

"Pickleball really is a sport all ages and skills can play and enjoy. If you haven’t tried it, get ready for a mix of tennis and pingpong, with the hilarity of learning the “dink” game with a neon wiffle ball. A lot of laughs, movement and a low impact sport make this a great option for fun exercise. Corpus Christi has several locations to pick up a paddle and play, with a Pickleball Headquarters at Al Kruse Tennis Center near downtown. The site boasts 10 outdoor, lighted, newly resurfaced courts with a full Pickleball shop, lessons, tournaments and an incredible Pickleball community. I was able to meet and take a lesson with Ronald Elizondo, who’s passionate about bringing this trending sport to our area. Unique to Al Kruse is the low cost to play ($3 court, $6 paddle) and the ability to learn and improve as a player, with the center being open seven days a week. It offers men's and women's leagues, private lessons and lots of clinics for beginners and advanced players. A free online scheduler allows participants to sign up to play along with their skill level, to grow and foster the community aspect of the sport. If you're looking for a first-timer lesson, Al Kruse hosts beginner clinics every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 PM."

“You know how you sneak vegetables into your kid’s food because they don’t understand the importance of health? I do that with my exercise. I know it’s good for me, I just don’t want to know I’m doing it. Enter pickleball. If tennis and ping pong had a baby, it would be pickleball. The Corpus Christi Athletic Club offers members introduction/ beginner classes with Coach Rebecca Pina. No special clothing was specified – I showed up in basic workout wear – and the paddle and wiffle balls were provided. Coach Rebecca started with the basics of hitting the ball and getting it over the net. She quickly separated two women and two men into doubles teams and had them play in the court behind us. They had already taken the class before and were a bit more experienced in the sport. The ‘more you play, the better you get’ rule really does apply. I remained with the coach and two other women to practice serving and getting comfortable with the volley. Pure fun ensued! Forget tennis and ping pong rules, pickleball has its own. Don’t question them, just follow them. The smaller court size meant I wasn’t sweating too much, but my heart rate was definitely up, so I was able to sneak in that exercise, have fun and learn something new all at the same time. I’d call that a win-win-win!”

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– TERRIE MOORE, C O N T R I B U T O R

50 The Bend

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HEALTH BEAUTY

Jodi Hangebrauck's

go-to WELLNESS ROUTINE THE QUAD FITNESS STUDIO’S TRAINER SHARES TIPS ON LIVING A HEALTHIER, MORE MINDFUL LIFESTYLE BY: JODI HANGEBRAUCK PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

hen people approach me about getting healthier, their first instinct is to eliminate aspects out of their lives. Less carbs, less fat, less meals, less enjoyment, less slip-ups … which all equates to less freedom. The result of these unsustainable actions makes many people feel they lack the willpower to succeed. Well, I have good news for you! It’s not that you failed to achieve your goals; it’s the systems you had in place that failed. My approach to help my clients succeed is what I like to call the concept of addition. It’s the outlook that improving our health should start with adding MORE into our lives, instead of having less. Making this shift allows for greater success in the long run. I have a few top things most people would benefit from having more of. The first being sleep. This is where the magic happens. It’s the most essential, yet most neglected component. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Movement is another crucial component to add more of: walking, yoga, dancing, biking, swimming, strength training, cleaning, running — the possibilities are endless. Move more throughout the day in a way that you actually enjoy. What we put into our bodies is also important. Protein is essential for increasing lean muscle mass, recovery, bone health and the function of hormones and enzymes. To ensure adequate protein intake, make sure you have a good source of protein with each meal. Adding more fruits and vegetables into your life is also important. Don’t forget about your vitamins, minerals and fiber. And of course, we can always use more water. Our bodies need water to function optimally. A good goal is half your body weight in ounces. The last three things on my “more” list come more from within yourself. Consistency and patience are key. Many people start something with great intensity but fall off in a few months. I tell my clients this: I would rather you show up 3 times a week for the whole year, rather than 5 times a week every so often. Understand that change takes time and be patient with yourself. Every day takes you one step closer to where you want to be. Lastly, don’t forget to put yourself in the equation! Most of us put others first and are constantly checking things off our to-do-list. Don’t forget to fill your own cup before you pour out to others.

52 The Bend

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54 The Bend

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HOME & GARDEN O P E N H OU SE 5 8

G A RDENI NG 6 6

SPAC ES 68

ENTERTA I NING 7 1

TWO ART LOVERS' PERSONAL GALLERY pg 58

photography by J A S O N P A G E

This home’s pristine white walls are the perfect canvas for a curated art collection

thebendmag.com 57

HOME & GARDEN OPEN HOUSE

58 The Bend

Two Art Lovers’ Personal Gallery

THIS HOME’S PRISTINE WHITE WALLS ARE THE PERFECT CANVAS FOR A CURATED ART COLLECTION BY: CECILE GOTTLICH PHOTOS BY: JASON PAGE

ucked away a block off Ocean Drive sits a home with an art collection fit for the Art Museum of South Texas. The modern farmhouse owned by Jordan and Austin Anderson was built with intention. “We wanted something that was bright, white and open, and space was important to us,” said Jordan. “We wanted to have different spaces for different things. We also have a lot of white walls in our house, and we knew very well that we wanted to display things on them.” The Andersons are true art lovers. Despite not being artists themselves, they have impeccable

taste and keen eyes. “I love the art in our home,” said Jordan. “There are pieces in here that we’ve had since we were first married, and now we’ve gotten more focused on what we want to hang in our home.” The design of the home, completed just before the pandemic in early 2020, was done with deliberation. Working closely with designer and longtime friend Christina Cole, the Andersons conceptualized a light and airy home with a neutral palette, clean, classic lines, layered organic texture and primitive details. The enormous kitchen with its chunky oak beams, handmade Moroccan zellige tile backsplash and mix of oak and white high-gloss cabinetry is a

Many elements in the space take a note from the Japanese design principle of Wabi-Sabi, which is the notion of finding beauty in the imperfect. A dining centerpiece of unique, hand-made ceramics effortlessly fits this principle.

thebendmag.com 59

striking balance of contemporary minimalism and old-world charm. The open kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining space, which is complete with picture windows and a statuesque ficus tree. Each room in the Andersons’ home has a distinct purpose. “It was important for us to have places for people to go, and do and be.” The family room with its dark blue walls and ceiling, custom bookcase and pillowy sectional is the perfect spot for a movie night, while the bar and surrounding sitting area is

60 The Bend

the family’s go-to for viewing football games. The bar also features a custom blue velvet banquette with a curated gallery wall above. This gallery has a fun mix of notable art pieces and collected sentimental details. A Point Reyes poster is right at home next to Lisa Olsen oil paintings. The formal living room on the other end of the home features two of the Andersons’ favorite art pieces, one being a true piece of Corpus Christi history. “‘Leviathan’ was a giant part of my childhood

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because it lived in Crystal’s Confectionary when I was a kid,” says Jordan. “As strange as he is, he always seems to find a perfect spot. Big house or small house, he’s always had a home.” On the other end of the room hangs Jordan’s “biggest love,” an original Dorothy Hood. “The only reason I know about her is because of my affiliation with the Art Museum of South Texas. The museum has the largest holding of Hood in the world. She’s an amazing force of a human. That piece is my pride and joy in the house.” The Andersons are on the Chairman’s Circle for AMST, and this involvement has given them profound knowledge of the art world. “Over the years, we’ve acquired fun pieces at Art Ball through the auction.” The Andersons’ growing collection includes art by world-renowned as well as local artists. When asked if she considers herself an artist, Jordan scoffs that she’s the farthest thing from one. However, I beg to differ. An artist by definition is someone with the ability to articulate their inner voice through art and storytelling about their personal experiences, and the Andersons have shown their personal artistry through the design of their soulful and curated home.

62 The Bend

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HOME & GARDEN GARDENING

Beautiful, Sweet and Medicinal HOW TO GROW LOQUAT, AKA JAPANESE PLUM, IN THE COASTAL BEND BY: JUSTIN BUTTS

he loquat is a small evergreen tree or bush native to China. Portuguese merchants discovered loquats in the 1600s and traded them throughout Europe. Today, loquats flourish in temperate climates around the world — and grow especially well in the Coastal Bend. There are two basic types: fruiting and ornamental varieties. Fruiting varieties consist of a fruiting cultivar (Gold Nugget, Advance, MacBeth, Champaign and others) grafted onto a hardy root stock. Ornamental varieties flower profusely but do not produce fruit. The leaf appearance is similar in both, although ornamental varieties are typically smaller. Ornamental loquats can provide a stunning landscape screen or tall background hedge. Fruiting loquats can be pruned into the shape of a gorgeous specimen tree. For fruiting varieties, trim any shoots from the root stock, and prune the tree gently to allow air circulation to increase flowering and fruiting and reduce pest and disease damage from humidity. Healthy loquats can withstand the heat of summer with plenty of native leaf mulch. Loquat fruit are a delight. It is unfortunate this fruit is not more commercially available, but large seeds displace about 30% of the fruit, making it less economically viable for largescale producers. China, where it grows prolifically in the wild, is by far the largest global producer of the fruit. Loquats have been used as folk medicine in China for more than 1,000 years. They are loaded with flavonoids and carotenoids, antioxidants that boost the immune system. Loquats help prevent and control diabetes by reducing blood sugar, and the triterpene acids in loquat leaves and fruit help reduce inflammation. Loquats also add huge amounts of vital magnesium and calcium to the diet.

a need-to-know basis GROWING UP

PROFILING

LO C A L R E C S

F U N FAC T S

Spacing, 10’ to 25’. Height, 15’ to 25’. Spread, 10’ to 25’. Plant grafted fruiting or ornamental varieties in full sun. Benefits from evening shade but too much shade minimizes fruit production. Requires rich, well-drained soil. In clay-rich or sandy soil, add plenty of compost. Plant to the depth of soil line on trunk. Mulch heavily with native leaf mulch. No fertilizer needed. Few if any pests. Keep soil moist until established, then somewhat drought-tolerant.

Prune loquat trees minimally in late spring after fruiting. Rounded tree shape is nice, though can be a large bush. Trim cross branches and open tree to allow air circulation. Loquat trees flower in winter and fruit in spring. Yellow-orange fruit is 1” to 2” and grows in clusters. Harvest when fruit is plump and tender. Remove the one to three seeds. Eat fresh, dried or in jams or pies. Raccoons, squirrels and birds will menace fruit.

"Enjoy the summer season with a refreshing, vibrant fruit salad with loquats as the star. You can combine just about any of your favorite fruits to pair with loquats: strawberries, kiwis, grapes, mangos, pineapple, watermelon – the list goes on and on. Don't forget to drizzle the fruit with agave nectar for added flavor, and garnish your salad with fresh herbs and citrus zest."

Loquats are a delicious medicine. The Chinese have treated bronchitis and lung infections with loquat leaf tea for centuries, boiling mature leaves of the tree for a soothing tea to help alleviate coughing and chest congestion. This home remedy is used extensively across Asia to this day.

66 The Bend

– Jarred Schuetze, Art Director, The Bend Magazine @thebendmag

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HOME & GARDEN SPACES

LET ME UPGRADE YOU Swap the lighting: A new light fixture can instantly change the whole vibe of a kitchen. You could go from traditional to modern or farmhouse to transitional. If the kitchen is poorly lit, adding recessed lighting or light fixtures is a worthwhile home improvement. Mixing metals: Give your kitchen a custom feel by mixing metals in the lighting, faucets and hardware. Try oil-rubbed bronze mixed with matte black or brass mixed with satin nickel, or incorporate lucite, chrome and brass like I did here. Add contrast: A large part of why a kitchen can be underwhelming is because it lacks contrast — it’s a sea of white, gray or brown. Adding contrast via barstools, a unique pantry door, the color of a wall or even a washable rug runner will help create interest.

Not-SoBasic Builder Grade TIPS FOR SIMPLE UPGRADE PROJECTS BY: MONICA BENVIDEZ PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES 68 The Bend

Incorporate accessories: Adding in some functional but beautiful accessories can add personality to a kitchen. Chic countertop appliances, vintage artwork, a cookbook stand or a vase of flowers are inexpensive, quick ways to personalize your kitchen.

f you live in a new(er) home, or are currently scouring local real estate listings for a home, you may be feeling a little uninspired by the finishes, especially in the kitchen. Rather than focusing on what is or isn’t there, I encourage you to look at it as a blank canvas. There are tons of opportunities in a kitchen to do some simple swaps and upgrades. The good news is these tips don’t require a sledgehammer or tons of time. You could knock these out in a weekend if you’re ambitious!

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HOME & GARDEN ENTERTAINING

Old, New, Borrowed & Blue BY: JO ANNE HOWELL PHOTOS BY: BELOVED PHOTOGRAPHY Blue Hues Taking inspiration from the bride’s favorite color, blue and white Chinoiserie vases were placed throughout the event and similarly patterned china served as eye-catching cake plates. This motif carried through all aspects of the event – from the invitations to the patterned linens.

Garden Party Throughout the outdoor venue, guests were charmed by an abundance of garden roses, peonies and lemon leaf in darling vases and vessels. The wedding arch was adorned with dozens of garden roses, eucalyptus and other greenery and pops of Sea Holly to bring in a bit of blue.

parting words On a beautiful summer day, close friends and family gathered at a private home on Lake McQueeney for the wedding of Liz and Bill. With the wedding taking place lake-side, incorporating complementary décor details into the event allowed for the surrounding nature to shine. Natural wood tables, chairs and bars fit seamlessly into the venue’s aesthetic, as opposed to competing with it.

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thebendmag.com 71

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72 The Bend

6.22

OUT & ABOUT A RT S & CULT UR E74

DAT E B O OK 78

S O CIA L H OUR 8 0

(RE)LEARNING pg 74

artwork by J O S H U A D U T T W E I L E R

The art of observance and immersion with Joshua Duttweiler

thebendmag.com 73

OUT & ABOUT ARTS & CULTURE

Observing & (Re)Learning THE ART OF OBSERVANCE AND IMMERSION WITH JOSHUA DUTTWEILER BY: MARK GREGORY LOPEZ PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

t some point this year, Corpus Christi residents may have wandered past street signs indicating, “Sea Level Rise Zone” or “This Block Will Be Under Water in 2050.” It’s plausible that Coastal Bend inhabitants walked by and didn’t take a second glance. For the ones who did, however, it raises questions of whether this is truth, and if it is, what do we do about it? That’s the point of Joshua Duttweiler’s artistic installations. An assistant professor of graphic design, Duttweiler’s work uses strong, extensive research to ask difficult questions and place the viewer within the scope of understanding and reacting. “I do think [it] ties back into my teaching philosophy in a lot of ways,” Duttweiler said. “With teaching, I see myself as a facilitator. It’s not that I have all the answers, and I try not to come into the classroom that way, but that I can provide you — the student or the audience — 74 The Bend

with the tools to figure it out on your own, to interact with a piece, to be encouraged to discover a new place, dig deeper, walk around, in hopes that you take that info and do something different, hopefully better, with it moving forward.” Duttweiler moved to Corpus Christi in the middle of the pandemic, and it’s the places he finds himself that provide the inspiration for new work. “I’m really inspired by place in general, so no matter where I am, my world revolves around that,” Duttweiler said. “I was already interested in place, spaces and how people interact. I’m a designer, so the design of a place is interesting to me. So coming to Corpus, I got to spend some time in the pandemic observing what it was and how it was and how it worked here, and coming to respond to that, which was really exciting.”

“This city will be underwater in 2050” is a site-specific installation of risograph printed posters placed in Corpus Christi areas that are predicted to be underwater.

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76 The Bend

PHOTOS PROVIDED

One of Duttweiler’s latest pieces, “Northside Bingo,” sheds light on the Northside of the city, digging into its founding in the ’20s as a whites-only neighborhood before the expansion of the highway and white flight indicated a shift of the city looking at the neighborhood as a means for profit, rather than home for those who lived there. The piece was an installation where people could touch black circles, and the heat from their touch would uncover pieces of history about the neighborhood. According to literature for the piece, “The only winners were those who would make economic gains from the Northside’s demise. Unfortunately, these residents are not alone. Communities of color in cities are the ones who bear the brunt of infrastructure projects all over the United States.” So when it comes to Duttweiler’s installations, it’s not enough to just observe. It challenges the viewer to interact, to become part of the community represented, to use their own touch, their own voices. However, this isn’t to say that Duttweiler’s lens of the Coastal Bend is marred by iniquity or only the dark parts of its history. He’s always trying to find the good with the bad, and encourages others to do the same.

CONTACT: joshuaduttweiler.com

thebendmag.com 77

PHOTO BY: BRYNN OBSORN

OUT & ABOUT DATEBOOK

JUNE 2022

Calendar Events MURAL FEST 2022 JUNE 3 - 4

The Downtown Management District (DMD) is hosting the first Downtown Corpus Christi Mural Fest! This new, annual event will add to the area’s vibrant art scene and feature six murals for the Marina Arts District curated by the DMD and nationally recognized and local artists. The festival will feature live painting, mural reveals, food trucks and more. DOWNTOWN CORPUS CHRISTI

PRIDE CORPUS CHRISTI JUNE 3 - 11

Curated by Corpus Christi Pride, Pride Week 2022 will consist of several fun events for everyone! Designed to foster diversity, unity, visibility and dignity, events include an art exhibition at PRODUCE®, ArtWalk Pride Market, a youth prom, poetry, comedy and movie nights, the OUT Professionals Mixer, 78 The Bend

an official Pride Hooks night, Pet Paw-rade and more. Visit Pride CC’s website for more information. PRIDECORPUSCHRISTI.COM

ARTRAGEOUS JUNE 9

Benefiting the Art Museum of South Texas, artRageous: super stRange sixteen is a party you won’t want to miss. Join the museum for this totally tubular event celebrating the Legorreta Building's sixteenth birthday in the most rad way with big hair, bizarre nostalgia and weirdness to the max. This is a ticketed event and will take place from 7 to 11 PM. 1902 N SHORELINE BLVD.

JUNETEENTH 10 DAYS OF JUBILEE JUNE 9 - 19

TABPHE-CC has curated 10 days of events to celebrate Juneteenth. Programming includes a spoken word poetry night, various

panel discussions and presentations, CC Black Chamber of Commerce mixers and luncheons, the Juneteenth Black and White Dinner & Dance, the annual Juneteenth Festival & Ride for Freedom, a family fun day and more. Visit TABPHE-CC’s website for a full rundown of events. TABPHECC.ORG

PRIDE BY THE BAY JUNE 3 - 26

A collective of Pride events scheduled for the community, by the community, Pride by the Bay is a new series offering an awesome lineup of shows, awards and fun. A futuristic dance party at the Bay Jewel will kick off the month on June 3, with a Pride Diva Showcase, three drag brunches, a family day, the Glammy’s Awards Show and more. Follow Pride by the Bay on Instagram for more information. @PRIDEBYTHEBAY

74TH ANNUAL SHRIMPOREE JUNE 10 - 12

Hosted at Aransas Pass Community Park and curated by a variety of community organizations, this familyfriendly event is a Coastal Bend tradition. The Annual Shrimporee Parade will take place on June 11 at 10 AM. Other festivities include a shrimp eating content, live music, kids activities, carnival games and a petting zoo. 200-266 E JOHNSON AVE

10TH ANNUAL STACHE DASH 5K JUNE 18

The 10th annual Stache Dash benefiting Bikes for Kids is back. The unique fundraiser gives participants an opportunity to wear a mustache while running for a good cause. The race will feature a 1K kids route for ages 3 through 10 and a 5k run/ walk route. STACHEDASHCORPUS.COM

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UPCOMING EVENTS june

10 Flatland Cavalry with jake worthington

bob popular Party like it’s 1989 kyle park josh abbott band parking lot party captain fantastic elton John tribute the spazmatics

july

roger creager & kevin fowleR

june

july

parking lot party

pop evil with oxymorrons and zillion

Country Summer

JUNE 11 Aaron Watson with William Clark Green at Cars & Country JULY 23 Koe Wetzel & Friends JULY 29 Whiskey Myers with Read Southall Band & Austin Meade AUG 11 Midland AUG 26 Cody Johnson

sunshine vibes July 17 Iration and atmosphere July 31 rebelution with steel pulse, Denm & dj Mackle November 3 w.a.s.p. thebendmag.com 79

T i c k e t s a t w w w . c o n c r e t e s t r e e t. n e t

5 1

1 6

Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra presents Gershwin Rachs

1. Paul Kennedy, Jo Ingraham, Susan Kennedy and Richard Ingraham 2. Lila & Dean Schroeder 3. Jonathan & Sarah Saenz 4. Caity Traynor and Cody Duke 5. Jason & Katherine Reeves 6. Cameron & Leigh Perry 7. Carol Lawes, Kristine Millet and Sandy Rossetti

80 The Bend

PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

OUT & ABOUT SOCIAL HOUR

FATHER’S DAY JUNE 19TH, 2022

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CUISINE FA R M TO TA BL E 8 4

TH E DRI NK 92

DI NI NG G UI DE 9 4

TH E DISH 9 6

SUMMER SALADS pg 84

photography by R A C H E L B E N A V I D E S

Three refreshing recipes for the season

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CUISINE FARM TO TABLE

84 The Bend

Summer Salads THREE REFRESHING RECIPES FOR THE SEASON BY: KAYLA BUTTS, MS, RDN, LDN PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

ummer is synonymous with salad. The hotter temperatures demand a cooler palate and less time over a sweltering stove. Crisp greens, crunchy cucumbers and juicy watermelons are life-giving on a muggy summer evening. Plus, salads are lighter on the stomach and often lower in calories, and offer a variety of nutrients to sustain us through a June afternoon without the groggy aftereffects of a carb-heavy meal. Food beliefs are liberal where salads are concerned — even their place in the meal sequence. While Americans stand firmly in the pre-entrée camp, Europeans serve salads after the main course, preferring a palate cleanser before the heavier cheese/dessert course. It is believed the fiber-filled greens aid in the digestion of the richer course they follow. The world stage of salads is diverse: bready Panzanella in Italy, meat and potato Olivier salad in Russia, Ceviche in South America and pickled vegetable Acar in the south seas of Asia. Salads popular to a certain region give reliable clues to commonly cultivated produce in the area. Every culture and food landscape has a distinctive take on salad. Beet salad is common in Romania, Greece and Canada. Romanian Salata de Sfecla combines diced beets that have been boiled with horseradish, salt, oil and vinegar. Pantzarosalata is a simple salad consisting of boiled beets dressed with yogurt and topped with walnuts. The beet salad popularized in Canada most closely resembles our recipe: Beets are roasted and accompanied with nuts and crumbled cheese atop a bed of greens. Kale is controversial — you either love it or hate it. Except, that is, when it’s well-dressed and topped with all things delicious. This antioxidant-rich superfood is the perfect crunchy base for toasted seeds, pickled roots and creamy cheese. Say goodbye to soggy pea salad. Swap mayo and boiled eggs for herbaceous pesto to let peas shine in all their verdant glory. Even though this riff on peas is a new favorite, we won’t judge you for gnashing on the ham and cubed cheese pea salad of old. There’s a reason it’s a classic. Green or pickled, veggie-laden or meaty, local or international, there’s a salad for each of us this summer.

thebendmag.com 85

COLIN MIHALIK, DDS, MS Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics US Air Force Colonel, Retired Veteran Owned Private Orthodontic Office

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Vinaigrette INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup olive oil 1/3 cup vinegar (recommend: sherry, champagne or wine) 1 tbsp, plus 1 tsp dijon mustard 2 tbsp maple syrup 2 cloves garlic, grated 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cayenne

RECIPE

Chopped Kale Salad Serves 2 entree portions

PREP TIME: 25 minutes COOK TIME: 10-15 minutes INGREDIENTS:

2 tbsp rice wine vinegar 1 tbsp sugar 1 tsp salt 3 radishes, chopped 4 cups kale, chopped with stems removed 1 leg quarter rotisserie chicken, shredded 1 crisp apple, chopped 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds, roasted and salted 2 tbsp bacon, crumbled 1 oz goat cheese, crumbled 3 green onions, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp water with rice wine vinegar. Stir in sugar and salt until dissolved. Add radishes and let pickle for 10-15 minutes. Combine salad ingredients in a large serving bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together vinaigrette ingredients until well incorporated. Drizzle salad with vinaigrette before serving.

thebendmag.com 87

RECIPE

Peas With Herb Pesto Serves 4

PREP TIME: 7 minutes COOK TIME: 2 minutes INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs fresh peas 1/2 cup arugula 1/4 cup parsley 1/4 cup basil 1/4 cup mint 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper Zest and juice of one lemon DIRECTIONS:

Add peas to boiling, salted water and cook for 1-2 minutes, until crisp-tender. Strain peas and transfer to an ice water bath. In your blender or food processor, combine remaining ingredients and pulse for 30 seconds, until finely minced. Toss peas with pesto and squeeze lemon juice on top prior to serving.

88 The Bend

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Heather E. Burbick, DDS Jered B. King, DMD Beatriz Robles, DDS

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thebendmag.com 89 (361) 992-7871 • SOUTHTEXASENDO.COM • 4758 MCARDLE RD SUITE 202, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78411

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RECIPE

Balsamic Beet Salad with Feta and Candied Pecans Serves 2

PREP TIME: 20 minutes COOK TIME: 45 minutes INGREDIENTS:

1 lb beets, cut into wedges with ends removed Olive oil Salt and pepper 1/2 cup pecans 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp cayenne 2 tbsp maple syrup 3 cups tender greens (spinach, arugula, chard, beet greens) 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1 oz crumbled feta 3 sprigs fresh dill DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375℉. Place beet wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil on beets and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 45 minutes, turning the wedges over halfway through your cooking time. Let cool for 10 minutes, or until cool to the touch. Heat a pan over medium-low heat. Add pecans in a single layer, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon, salt and cayenne. Add spice mixture and syrup to pecans and remove from heat. Whisk ingredients for balsamic vinaigrette in a medium-sized bowl. To assemble salad, layer greens and roasted beets, and top with candied pecans, onion, feta and fresh dill. Drizzle with prepared vinaigrette and enjoy.

Balsamic Vinaigrette INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup olive oil 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp shallot, grated 1 clove garlic, grated 2 tsp honey 1 tsp dijon mustard 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper thebendmag.com 91

CUISINE THE DRINK

A Taste of Roastretto WOMEN-OWNED ROASTERY JOINS THE LOCAL COFFEE SCENE BY: JULIETA HERNANDEZ PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

riends, business partners and new mothers Michelle Fraedrick and Sadie Lopez appreciate good coffee. To share the feeling with the Coastal Bend, they founded Roastretto, a local roastery offering coffee lovers two distinctive blends. It started a few years ago, when Fraedrick was looking to get a solid house coffee for her cafe and bakery, Bien Mérité. Lopez, the café’s head barista, worked closely with Fraedrick to find the perfect roast for their coffee menu. After sourcing, sampling and tasting blends, the two realized something was missing. “We were looking for a different kind of coffee that we just couldn’t quite find,” Lopez said. “Something versatile — to use in our sweet coffee drinks, and to enjoy black. We couldn’t really find a good balance of those that would be good in every drink. That’s sort of what our goal was.” As a longtime barista in Corpus Christi, Lopez’s passion led her to study the craft of roasting in Minneapolis, a city with a renowned coffee culture. With her knowledge and experience, she and Fraedrick’s mutual obstacle drove to a clear solution: creating the perfect roast for themselves instead of trying to find it elsewhere. Fraedrick says that from the initial idea to a product finally being bagged, Roastretto has been about three years in the making. Even through the heavy months of COVID delays, and even with Fraedrick and Lopez both expecting children, Roastretto came to fruition in the end; now with a couple of extra small helping hands. 92 The Bend

Now available for sale inside Bien Mérité and online, Roastretto currently curates, batches and sells two perfected blends: the Anexo and the Don Chilo. An espresso-ideal roast, the Anexo blends beans from Columbia and Ethiopia and reflects notes of grapefruit, almonds and chocolate. The second blend is made of beans from the Chiapas region of Mexico, with chocolate, caramel and pear notes. “The Don Chilo,” Sadie smiled, “is named after my grandfather. He’s super nice, and into conjunto music. I thought it was cool to name the batch from Mexico after him. If you were to meet him, he’s so full of life and character, and kind of embodies what coffee is supposed to be.” Through late nights, early mornings and everything in between, Fraedrick and Lopez have brought their version of the perfect cup of coffee to life.

CONTACT: roastretto.com | @roastretto

Who is Scout? Scout is Kennedy Dental Care’s certified therapy dog. Scout’s job is to take the edge off of nervous and uncertain patients or parents. She will make your child’s visit with us even more fun and enjoyable. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more Scout content!

Benefits of Therapy Animals Studies have shown that being in the presence of an animal companion, reduces any stress or anxiety and also comforts people.

I would like Scout at my appointment. What do I do? Please let us know when you make your appointment so we can make sure Scout will be at the office for your visit. She does have trainer mandated off-days during the week, so it is important to request her when you schedule your appointment.

Twinkle Everyone loves a visit from the toothy fairy! Twinkle the Tooth Fairy provides a program designed to teach children dental habits. This program is funfilled, engaging and educational! Programs are offered to day care centers, preschools, elementary schools, and summer programs throughout Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas.

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Corpus Christi, TX 78414

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

ORTHODONTICS

PAULKENNEDYDDS.COM 361.992.9500 thebendmag.com 93

CUISINE DINING GUIDE

The Dining Guide $ Most Entrees Under $10 $$ Most Entrees $10-$25 $$$ Most Entrees Above $26

2021 Local's List Winner

B R E A K F A S T/ BRUNCH 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 $

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 $

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 $

Hester's Cafe

This legendary local cafe and coffee bar serves up inventive breakfast and lunch dishes with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients. Don't forget to grab some baked goods before you leave. 3812 S Alameda St, 361-855-1892 $

JB’s German Bakery

Committed to maintaining the highest German standard, every product is handmade following age-old German traditions and recipes. 4141 S Staples St #100, 361-949-5474 $

Sugarbakers The Lookout

4242 Laguna Shores Corpus Christi 361-252-9861

94 The Bend

A neighborhood café packed with flavor, Sugarbakers is a charming European-inspired restaurant serving up indulgent breakfast and brunch items and inventive salads and sandwiches. 2766 Santa Fe St, 361-884-9541 $

TANNINS Wine Bar & Tapas

Comfortable and welcoming with a delicious selection of wines and tapas, TANNINS is an ideal spot for your next date or girls night out. Make sure to check out the brunch menu, as well. 3855 S Alameda St, 361-334-3893 $$

The Post at Lamar Park

Enjoy this popular gastro-pub with delicious dishes that are meant to be shared, alongside a beer or cocktail of course! 411 Doddridge St #102, 361-452-0907 $$

Town & Country Café

This down-to-earth diner serves the best in homestyle American comfort food for breakfast and lunch. 4228 S Alameda St, 361-992-0360 $

LUNCH AKA Sushi

Creative and daring rolls that work well together. The authentic Asian cuisine is made by a masterful chef with scratch recipes that will blow your mind. 415 Water St, 361-882885 $$

Bluffalo Wings Co. Southside

If you're in the mood for wings and beer, then look no further. Bluffalo Wings Co. serves up delicious, award-winning wings, tasty sides, and has over 50 beers on tap. 5802 Yorktown Blvd #A101, 361-414-9349 $

Cruzy's

Tacos take on a whole new meaning at a new local favorite, Cruzy’s. Each taco features carefully chosen ingredients to create dishes you won’t find anywhere else. 7042 S. Staples #108, 361-452-2081 $

Elizabeth's

Tucked away overlooking the harbor, guests can escape to an all-but-mundane mix of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, cocktails, and environment within the walls of the iconic Art Museum of South Texas. 1902 N Shoreline Blvd $$

Ginger Cafe

The menu at Ginger Cafe takes you all around the world, to India, Greece, Iran and more. While some dishes remain authentic, others combine flavors from multiple countries to offer you an entire continent on a plate. 7009 S Staples St. 361-946-9834 $$

Harrison’s Landing

Chill waterfront spot with indoor-outdoor seating offering American comfort foods & a floating bar. Enjoy leisure shopping experiences while you wait. 108 Peoples St, 361-881-8503 $$

The Lookout

Located on the sunlit shores of the Laguna Madre, The Lookout at Bluff’s Landing is real food made with quality local ingredients. Enjoy a selection of uniquely crafted meals, curated cocktails, and of course those beautiful water views. 4242 Laguna Shores Rd, 361-252-9861 $$

Lucy’s Snackbar

With a great selection of coffee, wine and brews, Lucy’s only gets better with its food offerings. Seasonal menus include a variety of toasts, salads, grain bowls and more. 312 N. Chaparral, 361-2995040 $

Sufi Kabob

DINNER Bellino Ristorante Italiano

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 $$

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, $$

Dokyo Dauntaun

One of the Coastal Bend’s highly regarded restaurants, Dokyo Dauntaun takes an innovative and artistic approach to fine dining. From mouthwatering dishes to creative cocktails, Dokyo never disappoints. 424 N. Chaparral St, 361-462-2620 $$

Dragonfly

The vibrant, colorful interior of Dragonfly is a perfect match for the inventive French-inspired eats and cocktails that are sure to please. Ask about daily food and drink specials. 14701 S Padre Island Dr, 361-949-2224 $$

Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge

Combining The Island’s casual lifestyle and an intimate dining experience, Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge is centered around great food and good times. Creative takes and fusion dishes abound on this menu. 15121 S Padre Island Dr #101, 361-949-3046 $$

Roosevelt’s

Located in the Historic Tarpon Inn, Roosevelt's is gourmet dining at its finest in a beautiful Louisiana style home that sets the perfect tone for a taste of luxury. 200 E Cotter Ave, 361-749-1540 $$$

The Phoenix

Sitting on one of Port A’s most postcard-worthy marinas, its menu is heavily influenced by locally available fresh seafood and Asian preparations, with specials like Pork Belly Street Tacos and Grouper Gremolata. 3500A Island Moorings, 361-749-9277 $$$

Thai Spice

Using the freshest ingredients to provide top quality and taste, Thai Spice offers a wide array of dishes in a quaint atmosphere. Traditional curries, seafood plates and noodle dishes will satisfy your cravings. 523 N Water St, 361-883-8884 $$

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 $$

Sufi Kabob’s menu features the entire expanse of the Middle East region right at your fingertips. From Pakistani to Indian and even Halal, this menu offers casual eats for every palate. 7150 S Padre Island Dr, 361-356-6715 $

Katz 21 Steak & Spirits

Surfside Sandwich Shoppe

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 $$

The restaurant brings a unique twist in flavor with dishes ranging from delicious seafood plates such as a mouthwatering Chilean sea bass to savory steaks and a rotation of homemade soups of the day. 1941 HWY 35, 361-450-1150 $$$

Z Counter

Republic of Texas

Yola Cocina Mexicana

Dine inside or outside on the patio, and enjoy their large assortment of sandwiches and sides or just have a nice cold post-beach beverage. 15113 S Padre Island Dr, 361-9490505 $

It is all about combining fusion concepts with the authentic flavors of famous street dishes from Asia, including Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, China and more. 1220 Airline Rd #155, 361-991-1115 $

Sets the standard for a premier fine dining experience. Prime steakhouse specializes in dry-aged prime beef and fresh gulf coast seafood. 5702 Spohn Dr, 361-884-1221 $$$

One of the most exclusive dining destinations in the Coastal Bend. This multi-level steakhouse offers beautiful panoramic views of the bay and exceptional dishes. 900 N Shoreline Blvd, 361-886-3515 $$$

Wild Prawn

Taking it to the neighborhoods in Mexico City, this chic and timeless dining spot serves up authentic Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 3818 S Alameda, 361-334-0020 $$ thebendmag.com 95

CUISINE THE DISH

Cajun-Creole Savor A LOCAL FAVORITE SERVING INNOVATION AND QUALITY FOR THE PAST 46 YEARS BY: JESSIE CHROBOCINSKI PHOTOS BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES

n Aransas Pass, a dining room with a view resides atop stilt architecture overlooking a nearby residential canal. Established in 1976, Crab-N Seafood Restaurant remains a local favorite for its high-quality dishes, including a bring-yourown-fish option, refreshing cocktails and oh-so decadent key lime pie. Rooted in Cajun-Creole-style cooking, the small family-run restaurant has only grown more successful and delicious over the past 46 years. Owner Terry Brooks credits Evelyn Wheeler, a cook from Louisiana who his father hired, as who helped his family get started in the right direction. As time passed, Crab-N's dishes have adapted and changed, but one dining component has remained the same: the ability to have your catch prepared to your liking. "Back then, Paul Prudhomme came out with blackened redfish in about 1983. We went to New Orleans and ate at his place, K-Paul's. It was so popular that they had to stop redfish and trout commercial harvesting,” Brooks said. “After about two years, restaurants were selling it like crazy, and we were 96 The Bend

one of them. Consequently, that was reserved only for sports [anglers]. Then the sports fishermen would catch the fish and ask, ‘Why don't you fix this fish for me?’ So, I said, ‘I can do that; that I can legally do.’ And that has become a big part of our business for the past several decades." With a wide variety of choices for having your catch prepared, Brooks says you could probably order a different way every day for a month — blackened, fried, pan-seared or even paired with a signature sauce. Some of Crab-N’s most popular dishes include the crab and shrimp bisque, pecan-crusted flounder topped with crab relish and the choice Black Angus, center-cut filet medallions layered with a crab and shrimp buttercream sauce on top. Brooks noted how special to him the secret recipe is for the bisque, which has been Crab-N's best-selling appetizer for almost four decades. "When I wrote down the recipe, I wrote down 'Gift of God,' and I feel very strongly about that,” he said. “I've had people call me and want to trade for the recipe, but we do not give

One of Crab-N's most popular dishes: Pecan Crusted Flounder with crab, roasted pecan relish and a side of asparagus.

NothingBundtCakes.com

BF22

Corpus Christi 5425 S Padre Island Dr, Suite 167, Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 980-1000 NothingBundtCakes.com 06/30/22

it out; it is very personal to us. It outsells all our appetizers. I call it liquid gold. We sell it by the gallon to-go, and I've had people take it to Houston and all kinds of places." Crab-N's use of fresh ingredients applies not only to its dishes but also to its cocktails. From the Piña Coladas and specialty margaritas to the Pomegranate Lemon Drop Martini, each is made from scratch using natural ingredients. "We work on quality a lot. That's probably one of our main things,” Brooks said. “We try to be innovative, so we're always creating something, but we don't do it just for something new; there has to be a purpose. The thing about cooking is a lot like being an artist, you have no limitations on your imagination."

Corpus Christi 5425 S Padre Island Dr, Suite 167, Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 980-1000 NothingBundtCakes.com 06/30/22

Oyster.TexasSeaGrant.org The coast is your oyster. Since the recent legalization of oyster farming in Texas, the coast is open for business. You can join this new industry!

Texas Sea Grant’s new oyster farming website provides information on: Permitting • Setting Up Farms • Growing Large, Delicious Gulf Oysters • And More!

CONTACT: 210 Gulf Gate Rd. Aransas Pass, TX 78336 thebendmag.com 97

HISTORY LOOKING BACK

Graduates sit on stage with faculty behind them, May 1931.

The Last Walk PAST GRADUATES SAW MUCH CHANGE, INCLUDING THE END OF A GRADUATION TRADITION BY: JILLIAN BECQUET PHOTO COURTESY OF: CORPUS CHRISTI PUBLIC LIBRARIES, LA RETAMA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES The high school years are full of traditions, especially as senior year winds to a close. Before students counted down the days to receiving their cap and gown, it was a white dress that high school ladies looked forward to wearing. White dresses were a longstanding tradition nationwide, having been worn for graduation ceremonies for much of the 19th century. Although they were still tradition in other schools, the 1931 ceremony pictured above marked the end of the tradition for Corpus Christi High School. The photos of the 1932 ceremony feature a cap and gown not unlike what is worn today. The students pictured experienced a great deal of change during their school years. When they were young,

98 The Bend

WWI began and Corpus Christi — home to a training camp, Camp Scurry — had a population under 10,000. The 1929 move to this new high school building, featuring a 1,600-person capacity auditorium, was the result of growth of the district as the city’s population boomed following the opening of the port in 1926. The city’s largest buildings were being built on the bluff downtown during their high school years, and CCISD grew to over 4,300 students by their graduation. The last time the ladies in white dresses walked the stage at graduation was just one of the big changes afoot in Corpus Christi that was witnessed by this student body.

Providing Cosmetic surgery in Corpus Christi, TX and surrounding communities thebendmag.com 99

100 The Bend

June 2022

Articles inside

The Dish

Looking Back

Dining Guide

The Drink

Spaces

Arts & Culture

Gardening

Beauty

Museums & Galleries

The Artist Feature

Person of Interest

Discoveries

Giving Back

5 Best

Be Well

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