By ALEXANDREA BAILEY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
A new art gallery called Merdian and Muse has opened on South Padre Island. A grand opening celebration for the gallery with live music, food, drinks and a raffle will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 6-9 p.m. at 103 E. Amberjack St.
Ryan Henry, the artist behind Merdian and Muse, was born in San Angelo, Tx. Henry describes it as a military
town. His father was in the Air Force but retired and became a teacher, moving the family to the Rio Grande Valley when Henry was in the eighth grade. Henry now lives in Brownsville, but he considers the entirety of the Rio Grande Valley his home.
Henry says he started illustrating at a young age. He was drawn to art and was highly encouraged by his
grandparents to practice his talent. Henry always wanted to learn more so he would study art books. Growing up, he won many art contests and even appeared on a local talk show in the third grade.
He graduated high school from Weslaco and went on to further his education. He earned an associate’s degree in digital imaging technology at TSTC in Harlingen, and a bachelor’s degree in business technology and marketing at UTPA in Edinburg. Henry told the PRESS that he always thought opportunity would eventually draw him out of the Valley, but that never happened, and he isn’t mad at about it either. Henry harbors a deep love for the area.
When he was younger, Henry says he was afraid of doing art professionally because he thought if it became his job, he wouldn’t enjoy it as much. He worked a long career in journalism for publications including The Monitor, Valley Morning Star, the Brownsville Herald, Coastal Current and Island Breeze.
“Part of our job as a community newspaper is in essence to hold up a mirror and show you the community we live in, the good and the bad. As an artist, I don’t really do the same thing. I don’t show necessarily the bad…but I’m showing everybody what I love about the place,” said Henry.
Believing he could make a living as an artist, Henry quit journalism a year and a half ago. He was granted an
opportunity by the Art Business Incubator South Padre Island [ABISPI] to take what was a hobby and turn it into his career.
ABISPI is a non-profit dedicated to fostering the business-centered growth of emerging artists and is why so many art galleries have been opening on SPI in the last few years. Henry says his time at ABISPI was a “good year” full of a lot of “firsts.” He described feeling a lot of nerves early on, saying the hardest part is when you begin. However, the nerves didn’t last too long for Henry. ABISPI introduced him to new possibilities and taught him exactly how to attain them. Henry told the PRESS that he owes a lot to ABISPI for introducing him to the community, as it vouched for him and supported him along the way.
“You realize you have a lot of people backing you as an artist,” said Henry.
Julie Boughter, Program Director of ABISPI, has immense confidence in Henry’s capabilities.
“I think he’s honestly one of the most talented painters, especially of our area,” said Boughter. “Wait until you see his stuff – it is amazing! I am positive he will be a success.”
Merdian and Muse officially opened its doors on Friday, July 5. Henry says gallery visitors are often struck with emotion, as that’s exactly what he paints with. Henry’s main subject is the environment and beauty of the surrounding area. He enjoys painting on location and believes where you grow up becomes a part of your
“lifeblood,” which he bleeds onto every canvas. Travelers, inspired by the Island, are drawn to his art and how
deeply it is rooted in place.
Henry says the gallery will keep evolving for years, but believes in the importance of “staying true to who you are at your core.”
The Island is the only city in the entire Valley Henry would want to open an art gallery, he says. He describes it as a growing art destination, which is exactly ABISPI’s goal. He’s thankful for the expansion of the local art scene, especially for young artists growing up here.
“I think that’s very beneficial. It’s sort of like we are role models for the next generation of artists,” said Henry.
Henry believes the number of galleries on the Island generates a lot of excitement and interest. He says that people are fascinated they can walk from one art gallery to another.
“Strategically it’s a great place to be. If you wanted to go antique shopping, you wouldn’t go to the town with one antique store; you’d go to the town with a whole downtown full of antique stores,” said Henry.
Henry is aware of the ever-changing landscape of the Island and enjoys capturing it in the present moment for future generations to look back on.
“Somethings that you think aren’t going to be gone, could be gone tomorrow,” said Henry.
News Source: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com
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