Artist in the Spotlight: Alma Avila

Eight months ago, March 15, Ulysses resident Alma Avila began showcasing her talents at the MainARTery art gallery in Ulysses.

"Right now, I am showcasing my work at MainARTery," Avila said. "I have three landscapes, one of flowers aned one of an eye. I only do Acrylic."

Originally Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua in Mexico, Avila has been a resident of Ulysses since 2007. She has loved art from a young age.

"I started doing art when I was very young," Avila said. "I remember my dad bought me a set of markers with so many colors when I was like 10. From there I started drawing. Later on, I would pencil sketch my family for fun, and then as I got older I took an art class in high school where I picked up Acrylic painting."

For Avila, it is all about the "feeling".

"I've always been intrigued on how a painting can cause you an emotion," she said. "When I paint I feel happy and I enjoy the whole process from the moment I get to choose my next painting to choosing the frame and seeing the final result at the gallery."

When asked who her favorite artist would be, Avila said "anyone".

"Anyone who does art," she said. "It’s such a free and liberating expression, a beautiful hobby.  There are so many types of beautiful art and so many talented artists, it’s all so enjoyable to watch and learn about. I do only follow one Artist on Facebook, his name is Michael James Smith, he does pretty amazing landscapes."

Nature is something which guides Avila in her talent.

"I would describe my aesthetic as having a connection and profound admiration for nature," she said, "for its wonderful colors on trees on the different seasons, a perfect water reflection on a lake and the beautiful sun on a promising sunrise or a romantic sunset."

Nature connects her to one who is important to her.

"Nature brings us closer to our creator, He gave us so many beautiful places to enjoy and made everything with a perfect color and light so we could enjoy it and feel closer to Him," Avila said.  "I often find myself wanting to capture on a panting those divine moments where it’s a combination of colors and just the essence of a peaceful place or a beautiful animal. I try to find something that will communicate peace and beauty."

Avila appreciates being able to showcase her talents and the support she has received.

"I do want to thank Tracy and Lynn Teeter for giving me this wonderful opportunity of showcasing my Art at their gallery," she said. "They made my dream come true!  Also my family, my husband and kids who are always cheering me on and helping me in whatever way they can, my friends who I share true feelings with and my experiences and especially my community, you all have been great in supporting me with my Art, thank you all."

Avila and her husband, Isidro Avila, have two boys, Mauricio, 16, and Emmanuel, 7. Her parents, a younger sister and an older brother all live in Mexico. The youngest of her siblings lives in Dodge City, Kan.