Healing Arts from the Borderland

The Art of Arting, Part 2: Ben Fyffe

See a public art project in El Paso? Chances are Ben Fyffe hashelped foster its development. Fresh off the triumph of the years-long in theplanning opening of the Mexican American Center in downtown El Paso, Bendiscusses his work on behalf of the city in fostering art projects. He’s theart connoisseur and munipal patron of the arts we all want to be when we growup.   

The Arts of Movie Making and Acting: Ryan Rox

Ryan Rox has found her stride. Fresh off the film festival circuitafter the debut of her most recent movie, Hidden Flora, this Borderlandfilm-maker and actor talks about (finally) finding her place. “A lot ofwhat we do at Femme Frontera [is] helping women and gender expansive, people ofcolor, from our region who don’t have even the idea that they can do the thingsthat they can do.”        

The Arts of Theatre & Painting: Jan Wolfe

A self-described tough bird – or did she say broad? – Jan coinedthe term “theatrician” to describe her test of Jacqueline-of-all-tradesapproach to the theater. “For me it was walking into another world – theability to leave behind that which I was dealing with and walk into a wholeother world. I needed that validation – that audience validation – I needed thereinforcement of the community that was being built.”

The Arts of Singing and Activism: Courtney Santana

Turning up the star power wattage, Courtney Santana lights upevery stage she ascends. Her evoluton as a singer / songwriter springs from alove for expressing herself through song. “I don’t trust anybody that says theydon’t like music. That’s weird.” And her activism for survivors of intimatepartner violence comes from her lived experience. “Every day that you get outof the hands of your abusive situation is another day to grow – another day tomake a change for yourself for the better.” 

The Arts of Painting & Defending: Patrick Gabaldon

Patrick Gabaldon was born and raised in the Sun City of El Paso, Texas. His passion in art began after returning home to the vibrant color and vast expanse of the desert sky. His time away gave him a new perspective on the often forgotten west Texas desert.

The Art of Acting: Christian Nieves

Fearless Puertoriqueno and actor, Christian’s path from theCarribean to the Mesilla Valley helps inform his growth as a community theateractor.  “[Acting] is like role play and exposure therapy all in one. Andthis is coming from somebody, who as you know…I was appearing in my underwearon stage in front of people.”

The Art of Bodybuilding: Davina Lincon

Bodybuilder and survivor and resilience expert, Davina Licon
impresses and inspires with her journey of recovery after experiencing
violence. She uses physical exercise and the art of body building and an
amazing attitude. “I think that if you have the discipline to stick with
something so challenging, it will show in other areas of your life.”

The Art of Arting: Marina Monsisvais

Infectious, charming and all around cool lady, Marina Monsisvais
doles out thoughtful and funny truth bombs in discussing her love of music,
spinning records and throwing pottery. And find out how she uses funky and cool
hair to support her own and others’ healing: “The universe responds beautifully
to things that are authentic.”

The Arts of Podcasting & Storytelling: Stephanie Valle

Noted and awarded podcaster, story teller and all around sensitive
smarty, Stephanie Valle has made a career of reporting on some of the
Borderland’s most intense traumas. She shares wisdom on working through these
traumas while also finding a path to self-care. “As much as the Border is a
different place, it's also like everywhere else.”

The Arts of Singing & Songwriting: Blu Sanders

Singer, songwriter, and former El Pasoan living in Nashville, Blu
Sanders’ throws out plenty of quotable wisdom in discussing his arts and how
they have helped him and others heal. “Art is how you describe the world” –
sounds like a line in a song.