Monica Ceniceros {Women: A Force for Change}
Painter, Co-founder of atxGALS & Founder of The Cathedral
Monica Ceniceros remembers her first public art show clearly. “I was really nervous and hadn’t priced any of my art,” she recalls. “Then my studio mate came in and said, was like ‘Somebody [is] ready to buy one of your pieces.’” Monica ended up being one of the first people to sell a piece of art that day; she also happened to be one of the youngest artists there.
As a young female artist without a formal background in art—though she has been painting and drawing her entire life—Monica came into the professional art world with a fresh perspective. While she navigated the more traditional aspects of the art scene with gumption, she eventually realized that the gallery setting didn’t quite cater to young female artists and curious spectators.
“I would always have my friends come to support me at art shows, and they would stay for 20 minutes and then leave,” she remembers, and at the time wondered “How can I make this more entertaining for people who come and want to experience art? How do we make this experience less stuffy?”
After voicing these thoughts aloud, she realized that she wasn’t the only one who felt this way. She and fellow artist, Whitney Turetzky, decided to test the waters by hosting an art show that redefined the traditional art exhibit. They set out to create an environment that felt more like a party than a gallery and then they hosted the event at a familiar community space with a DJ and an open bar. The most unique distinction of the event, however, was that it featured only female artists: a nod to the fact that women in the art scene are often underrepresented and underpaid. The artists also got to keep 100 percent of what they made at the show which is “unheard of in a gallery setting,” Monica shares.
They ended up selling more than 350 tickets, confirming that the art world was due for a shake up like this. Though this was intended to be a one-time event, Monica and Whitney couldn’t ignore what the community clearly wanted, and atxGALS was officially born. The organization has been hosting quarterly art parties that highlight emerging female artists ever since.
For those who know Monica or have engaged with her art, it should come as no surprise that she is a champion for women. Since she began exploring the distinctive medium she works with—rich acrylic paint on wood grain—she’s been drawn to female figures. The natural curves of the wood grain inform the shapes of her designs, but the notion of being independent and bold is what truly influences her work.
In both her art and community work, Monica is driven by “being able to showcase the natural beauty that comes from being unique.” She adds, “Standing out is not a bad thing.”
Monica is also the founder of The Cathedral, a co-working and event space for creatives and artists. As atxGALS grew, so too did the need for a space of their own. When Monica stumbled upon an old church in East Austin, she immediately envisioned a creative space that suited both atxGALS and the community. Opened in 2019, the space operates as a co-working facility by day, and on nights and weekends, it hosts art parties, workshops, weddings, and events.
Contact:
monicaceniceros.com
@moni.ceniceros | @atxgals
@thecathedralatx
