by April Sullivan
Our October 2023 Artist of the Month is Syeira Huerta. If you know Syeira, you know October is their favorite month, because, well, Halloween. Syeira starts planning for Halloween around March. As we are both lovers of Halloween, Syeira and I bonded quickly over this and have even done themed costumes together. We were so close to winning the costume contest one year!
Syeira Huerta has been involved with Art Spark Texas since they were 18 years old. Now they are 30. That is a long history with our organization. And, we have seen Syeira grow so much in their time with us.
Syeira was interested in singing at the time they started at Art Spark Texas. Through our New Media Arts classes Syeira was exposed to visual art, theater, stop motion animation, and music.
What Syeira remembers most about those early years with us was that we were in their life at a time when they needed structure the most. Syeira recalls that our teaching artists, such as Carol and Johnny, were patient and took the time necessary to explain things to them. Purly taught Syeira that anything can be an instrument.
Syeira calls us their “forever art family” because we are able to accommodate their needs, provide a no-judgement zone, and have helped them gain the confidence they needed in their early young adult years to grow as an artist and a person.
As an adult now, Syeira is working on an ASL Certification at Austin Community College and still partakes in Art Spark Texas events. They perform music at our open mic and participate in our art events as a vendor with their greeting card business, Greetings By Shay.
Syeira has always been an eclectic presence around Art Spark Texas. As a student learning new skills. As an artist selling cards. As a teacher running a dance fitness class. As an employee working as a Social Media Ambassador. Definitely part of the Art Spark Texas family! Coming up for Syeira is a vendor event on October 14th. The “What’s this?? Art Sale and Garage Sale?!” starts at 8am and ends at 2pm! The sale theme is Nightmare Before Christmas. Costumes are welcome. Check out Syeira’s social media pages for details. Follow Syeira at @GreetingsByShay on Instagram or GreetingsByShay on Facebook.