Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
On July 18th, Edwards Abstract and Title Co., in partnership with the Edinburg Arts Foundation, hosted the 5th Annual Art at Edwards event at the company’s corporate headquarters in Edinburg, Texas. This year’s gathering featured 21 local artists and served as both a celebration of creative talent and a meaningful expression of community commitment.
Byron Lewis, CEO of Edwards Abstract and Title Co., described the event as a natural extension of the company’s values. “We realized we weren’t going to use the space as initially intended after the recession adjusted our growth trajectory,” Lewis explained. “So we decided to convert it into a community space. It has become an ad hoc community center, and it fosters goodwill for Edwards Abstract.”
The space in question is the second floor of the Edwards corporate office, now known as “The Gallery.” Originally designed for training and business growth, it was reimagined after the economic downturn as a flexible public venue. It now regularly hosts events like Art at Edwards, bringing together artists, residents, and supporters of the arts.
Lewis’s connection to art is deeply personal. “My father’s sister, Ruth, was a self-taught artist,” he shared. “When I worked on the farms in the summer, I’d stay at her house. Her paintings were floor-to-ceiling in every room. While the other kids were outside, I was inside studying those paintings. My first original artwork was one of hers.” This early exposure instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for visual art and a strong desire to support artists in the community.
The origins of Art at Edwards date back to 2020, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. When a major city art show was canceled, Edwards Abstract stepped in. “The artists wanted to gather and display their work, and we said, ‘We can host something small, safe, and meaningful.’ That’s how Art at Edwards was born,” said Lewis. What began as a one-time, socially distanced event has now grown into a juried annual exhibition known for high-quality work and wide-ranging styles.
Each year, proceeds from the event benefit the Edinburg Arts Foundation. This year’s funds are directed toward furnishing the upcoming ACE Center — the Art, Culture, and Entertainment Center — currently under development in downtown Edinburg. The center is located in the city’s historic district, close to landmarks like City Hall, the courthouse, and the Museum of South Texas History.
“The foundation is the heart and soul that guided the creation of the ACE Center,” Lewis noted. “And Art at Edwards directly supports that mission.”
The event has become more than just an art show; it’s a platform for civic pride and cultural investment. Lewis emphasized the value of community participation. “If people haven’t experienced it, they should,” he said. “The quality is extraordinary, and it all comes from right here in our community.”
As Art at Edwards concludes its fifth successful year, it emphasizes the power of local collaboration. The partnership between Edwards Abstract and Title Co. and the Edinburg Arts Foundation demonstrates how businesses and nonprofits can come together to support the arts, inspire local talent, and enrich the cultural landscape of a growing city.
For those interested in future events or supporting the mission of the Edinburg Arts Foundation, more information is available through the Edwards Abstract and Title Co. website and local community arts resources.
