Collective Spirit

Celebrating Five Years of Momentum

Words Christopher Ferguson, RA Photos Eric Morales

Established by atxGALS in 2019, this Latina-owned boutique art gallery, event venue, and coworking space uplifts its community of women and nonbinary artists with spacious, light-filled interiors, and round-the-year events—all from within a thoughtfully repurposed, 1930s Baptist church.

When Mónica Cineceros began looking for real estate in 2019, she was riding a wave of momentum. Two years earlier, she founded atxGALS, a collective with the mission to create more exposure for female artists through unique and inclusive pop-up shows. 

“Galentines,” the group’s first show, was a celebration of women’s talent and was a resounding commercial success. Boosted by Mónica’s marketing background, the show’s communal appreciation led to quarterly exhibitions, a flurry of positive press, and after two years, a search for a permanent space. 

“I really wasn’t looking for a church,” Mónica explains, “but I knew the space had to carry a specific feeling. It needed to be truly deserving of the art that would go inside it, and I automatically saw the potential here.” 

The structure, originally constructed in the 1930s as a Baptist church, had been outgrown by its congregation and was in need of extensive renovations to repurpose the space. After a thoughtful process that retained much of the architecture’s original qualities, The Cathedral opened its doors once more in October 2019, allowing atxGALS to grow from 14 to 37 artists over the next five years.

“The point of art is for it to be loved and accessible to everyone.” -Mónica Ceniceros

More than just an art gallery, the venue hosts a variety of events and programming, such as an open house on the last Friday of each month, intimate music and dance performances, pop-up dinners, and unique fusion events that support local artists and musicians. Additionally, the stylish venue is also available to rent for weddings, corporate events, workshops, and large celebrations.

Finally, coworking memberships are offered with day rates available, providing members access to conference rooms, phone booths, offices, and a fully-equipped kitchen, all within a unique architectural setting and surrounded by colorful local art. Five years in, The Cathedral’s momentum shows no sign of slowing, propelled by a diverse ensemble of artists harmonizing under one roof.  

Celebrate! 
Join The Cathedral for their 5th anniversary Dia de Muertos-inspired celebration in October. Find details online for a night of art, music, and community. 

Empowering Artists
Since 2017, atxGALS has raised thousands of dollars for local organizations focusing on human rights, animal rights, and the arts.

Contact:
2403 E 16^th St.
thecathedralatx.com
@thecathedralatx