On a sweltering December morning in the Rio Grande Valley, the Upper Valley Art League buzzed with laughter, clay-streaked hands, and watercolor dreams — proof that creativity doesn’t take a holiday.

A Bustling Morning at UVAL’s Gallery and Studio Spaces

There was much activity at the Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) following a successful multi-day holiday market hosted by the organization’s members. A handful of works remained on fold-up tables needing to be picked up. It was unusually hot inside UVAL’s gallery and Art Link studio. Thankfully, UVAL President Robert Codina sent a work order to the City of Mission. 

When entering the gallery, you’ll notice the tall ceiling and an abundance of wall space befitting a fine art gallery. Managing the front desk is Dalia Linda De La Garza, a volunteer and UVAL member. Sticky notes and info guides cover the shared desk. The gallery’s gift shop is across from the front desk, filled with art and UVAL apparel. Inside the gift shop is “The Art of Writing” section, copies of books by members. Through a metal door is a small but beautiful outdoor space that connects the gallery to the Art Link, a studio for the members.

Creativity in Action at the Art Link

Long-time members hailing from the 956 or visiting Winter Texans, as well as relatively new members like John Taylor De La Garza, an employee for the South Texas Equality Project, worked in the Art Link. The studio had artists from the Hidalgo Watercolor Society, clay and ceramic artists, and two artists making airbrush paintings. 

The Art Link has rooms filled with clay glazes, clay and painting studios, and a kiln separated by a white garage door with the proper ventilation. The clay studio had over eight folks preparing, shaping, or painting baked clay pieces. Following the wall that greets one’s right, there’s an entrance to the painting studio, filled with over five watercolor painters. Some practiced their techniques, and others worked on pieces for the Citrus Exhibition to be held Jan. 4-25. 

One of the older gentlemen worked on a leaf’s skeleton with a red and green wash background. He showed photos on his phone of his realism watercolor paintings, such as a candy cane. He said it challenged him to ensure the red didn’t bleed. Behind him were black metal cabinets dedicated to UVAL’s art book library. Even though everyone worked, all took the time to converse with each other, an aspect the members said they enjoyed.

“I think everybody here has the same idea of just being creative, and being around creative people helps me [be creative],” said Kathryn Wade, an Edinburg resident and a two-year UVAL member, as she threw and rolled clay that she intends to make into a planter.

Excitement grew as a new member walked in. The members of the clay studio celebrated and welcomed the new UVAL member; the painting room was empty by then. While the new member and his relative toured the clay studio, the other artists engaged in their clay pieces.

The Legacy of Maxilou Link and UVAL’s Mission Roots

That is a typical day for UVAL when it’s not hosting an event, like its members’ exhibitions. UVAL’s love of art accessibility has attracted artists through the decades. In fact, Codina knows it’s time to start planning UVAL’s 100th anniversary. UVAL’s board named Codina president after Maxilou Link retired from her position at the age of 95, after serving for 17 years. Link’s contribution to UVAL is how the organization developed its relationship with Mission. Link landed UVAL into its current headquarters. Codina mentioned the city of Mission does a lot to maintain the buildings.

Codina said Link spoke with the city when they lost their previous location, and the city of Mission mentioned a building across from Speer Memorial Library. Codina said the building showed its age and that “it was ugly in many ways.” But the people at UVAL and Mission have transformed it into the creative and welcoming space it is today.

Unfortunately, Link died at 98 years old. Codina got to meet Link in Austin a few months before her death. She wanted some of her cremated remains buried at UVAL, and Codina honored her wish.

The garden is home to a butterfly statue that unfortunately landed in local headlines after getting stolen. Mission police arrested the thief who had sold the statue at a fleamarket. Thankfully police recovered the statue and returned it. Codina is thankful the statue was returned intact, but time has taken its toll on the metal statue as it shows rust and chips. Codina added that one of the members could give the statue a touch-up in the future.

Alongside the butterfly statue are three ceramic totems made by clay artist members. They’re expressive, tall artworks covered in decorations and animals, such as butterflies or objects, like nearly lifelike paint tubes.

The shoes Link left to fill are massive, as she’s how UVAL maintained itself for a small but massive percentage of the 21st century. Luckily for Codina, he’s not alone in UVAL’s upcoming facelift. UVAL is home to over 200 members, achievable by being “an open community,” Codina said. Although UVAL meets this ideal in more ways than one, an interesting element in it is how UVAL handles its membership fee and its features. “Prior to moving to the Valley, it was difficult to find any place similar to this that has open studio space at this price,” Edinburg resident Marty Engelbrecht said while working on a clay piece for making jewelry for UVAL’s future use.

Unique Membership Benefits at Upper Valley Art League

UVAL’s membership is unique in price and services. The annual fees, ranging from $20 to $55, include the opportunity to sell art during the member exhibitions or in the gallery’s gift shop, access to a variety of classes and to UVAL’s art library. Codina added that access to the kiln is an added appeal to members.

The member exhibitions garner attraction from both members and the public. The shows each have a theme, such as the October Pet Project Exhibition in collaboration with the RGV Humane Society in Mission; a style, such as UVAL’s May Abstract Exhibition; or a medium, such as the February Watercolor Exhibition. Although these shows aren’t juried, Codina noted that UVAL may pull works “if we think something is inappropriate or it’s poorly put together.”

Volunteer-Powered: The Heart Behind UVAL’s Operations

This mission of art accessibility attracts many members who volunteer at UVAL, from running the gallery’s front desk to redeveloping UVAL’s website. All help and work at UVAL are volunteer-based. Codina explained that UVAL volunteers are the powerhouse of the organization and, based on availability, can influence the gallery’s hours of operation. There’s still an urgent need for more volunteers as some of UVAL’s events need over 20 volunteers at a time.

UVAL continues to be a place for the love of art and community. Codina mentioned that art professors have recommended that students visit UVAL. Although it’s a bit stressful to maintain nearly a century’s worth of legacy, Codina and the members of UVAL can’t wait to see how UVAL’s future plays out.

For more information about UVAL, visit its website or call 956-591-0282.

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Cover photo Steven Hughes

Steven Hughes is a multimedia journalist raised in the Rio Grande Valley but now resides in San Antonio. Hughes has written for websites and magazines in Texas. Hughes used to publish BLANK, an arts, entertainment, and culture digital monthly magazine, and currently writes for the Gallup Sun newspaper.