The artists at the Art Lounge have worked tirelessly since opening last year to make their business plans a reality for the community.
The lounge, knows as the AL, is entering the new year with eight talented artists, of which four are graduates from the Art Business Incubator (ABI). Non-ABI resident Vilma Torres joined The AL in 2022. Torres was born in Brownsville and raised by her parents, who are originally from Mexico.
Her creativity was sown into her childhood from both her parents since Torres was one of seven children. Torres said the family struggled at times financially, but her parents never crumbled under pressure.
"My mom always made it super fun for us. She would do the most amazing and creative things," Torres said.
An example of her mother's creativity was making 3D invitations for all her children's birthday parties. Aside from her mother's artistic traits, Torres’ father came from a family full of artists and was an artist himself until he later became a mechanic.
Torres soon found herself in artistic settings like working at a Michaels Store, and spending her paychecks to purchase equipment at the store.
