PULSE – Expanding the Valley’s Art Scene

The space filled up throughout the anniversary event while people lined up for a free T-shirt.
Devin Garza/Pulse

Cactus Valley Art is more than just an art store– it’s an everchanging inventory of new and used art supplies, a community library, a gallery, a rentable studio space and offers frequent workshops.

On Aug. 23, the store celebrated their two year anniversary with food, drinks and live music in the backyard space, as well as free t-shirts that were screen printed at the event. While supplies lasted, customers were able to pick out a tie-dyed shirt and pick one of four designs available.

Cactus Valley Art’s front entrance, on the corner of Van Buren Avenue and West Street.
Devin Garza/Pulse

The independently run store has expanded over the past two years alongside the Harlingen art community.

Souther Recio, owner of Cactus Valley Art, originally was only able to stock the store through a wholesale distributor, but now has a majority of their inventory donated from the community and sold at a reasonable price.

A community library corner with seating, board games, plenty of art books and zines.
Devin Garza/Pulse

There are also art pieces available to buy from local artists such as stickers, prints, t-shirts, and more.

“When we started Cactus Valley Art, I kind of just had this vision of a cool indie art store, and over the years and with community involvement, it’s kind of changed and grown into this beautiful community hub,” Recio said.

Owner Souther Recio helping a customer at the checkout counter.
Devin Garza/Pulse

The space routinely hosts a monthly drawing session, queer craft nights, workshops led by local artists and a “Play with Clay” session every other Saturday.

The artist Austin Linkinhoker, who goes by Shokka, has been part of the creation of Cactus Valley Art and occasionally runs workshops of different kinds.

Free screen printed t-shirts on display while supplies lasted.
Devin Garza/Pulse

“[The workshops are] a good way to share my knowledge, give people the access to the information that I know that might be hard to discern…to be able to sit down with a person that knows how to do it…I think that is valuable,” Shokka said.

Celeste De Los Santos, a customer who has attended workshops, said more spaces such as Cactus Valley Art are needed in the Rio Grande Valley.

A large vase of collected matchbooks for sale.
Devin Garza/Pulse

“I’m happy to see the Valley growing in an artistic way. It needs more of it,” De Los Santos said.

Next time you’re in need of some art supplies, want to share your own work, or just want a welcoming environment, consider stopping by downtown Harlingen and checking out Cactus Valley Art! Located at 305 W Van Buren Ave, Harlingen, TX 78550.