We had the good fortune of connecting with 1st Officer / Haide Vazquez 2nd Officer / Pedro Rocha and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi 1st Officer / Haide Vazquez, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
CIMA’s was founded with the sole purpose of connecting an audience with locally produced art. We aim to exhibit diverse creations in the art industry through rotating shows, collaborative events, and teaching/learning programs for young aspiring artists.
As a non-profit art establishment that engages with issues that arise from marginalized communities in one of the fastest-growing metroplexes in the nation, we firmly believe in supporting the ideas and voices of local artists

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe what sets us apart our desire to spotlight an underrepresented niche of artists that are not given opportunities in other places. Our artists are be young, developing, low-income minorities, students, prisoners, LGBTQ, and those with disabilities. By allowing a platform for their art, we will platform an essential part of the Dallas demographic that has the right to be involved in the art scene. The community of Dallas will be impacted by being shown the true essence of Dallas that is inclusive and diverse. Aside from creating jobs, there will be services rendered to participants such as historical lessons, interactive art experiences, networking, and tips for developing artists.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Dallas has a fantastic variety of things to do and places to eat, but you’re always trying to show off the most remarkable things. At the beginning of the week, we’d keep it light on visiting the infamous spots like Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, the Fabrication Yard, and Klyde Warren Park. For food, there are food trucks near the park, Rodeo Goat, and my favorite, CushCraft. As the week goes we’d visit the museums like Dallas Museum of Art, The Contemporary Art Museum, the Perot Museum, and the smaller galleries that are stationed near. Of course, there are numerous restaurants Downtown, but my all favorite choice will be Meso Maya, Cane Rosso, and Bistro B. At this time, we are entering the weekend when most events and spots are popping up. There is where Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, and Jefferson street (specifically on Sunday) are the go-to’s. There are activities and countless food spots to visit in each zone, including Deep Ellum’s famous Serious Pizza, Bishop Arts Emporium Pies or Diners, and Jefferson street for local Mexican food spots and car shows in the afternoon!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We are greatly inspired by so many local organizations that have offered us guidance and support. Without the support of many of these, we would not be the organization that we are today. Some of those organizations include: FLOCC coworking studio, Caramel Productions, UNT Media Arts Department, FDCLA Film Festival. Due to the nature of our organization, we would love to shoutout to all people of color and immigrants and all other people that have enriched the cultural landscape that we find ourselves in.

Instagram: @Cima.Tx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084944954715

Other: email: cimagalleries@gmail.com

Image Credits
Mario Lopez

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.