Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Yoli Cantu, owner of McAllen Stained Glass in McAllen, Texas, is celebrating her 40th year in business. “This year, we’re delighted to celebrate our 40th anniversary,” she said during an interview held at the VIP Reception of the 5th Annual Art at Edwards, hosted by Edwards Abstract and Title Co. and the Edinburg Arts Foundation.
The reception, held on Friday, July 18th, welcomed artists and special guests at Edwards’ corporate office in Edinburg, located at 3111 W. Freddy Gonzalez Drive. The public showcase took place the following day, featuring 21 local artists from across the region.
During the reception, Cantu exhibited a striking glass art piece. “It is all glass,” she explained. “I start with a clear piece of glass. I use glass enamels to paint the base, then it’s fired. Next, I pull it out and add embellishments, and then it’s fired again. Then I use glass enamels to draw the designs, fire them again, and finally slump them, which means shaping them. So, it has four firings.” The finished piece is ready to be hung on any wall. “Most people start with one piece and add. And I also teach a class where you can make it yourself.”
Cantu has long balanced creativity with community engagement. “My most important contribution is that I offer classes and teach the art of glasswork to everyone, especially young children,” she said. Her studio regularly hosts children from the Boys and Girls Club, where they learn the art of fused glass. “We have classes in all ranges, starting from $25 and up. Each workshop is about two hours and includes instruction, materials, and firing,” she added.
McAllen Stained Glass also operates a gallery with finished works available for purchase. “We have our finished products for purchase as gifts, but we can also teach you how to make those pieces,” said Cantu.
She is a vocal supporter of fellow artists and local cultural events. “I like to support the arts and other artists. I participate in this art show, but I also host a show in December called “Season of Hope” at Art Village on Main. And mostly to support other artists and sponsor children who want to learn the arts.”
Art Village on Main is a creative campus located at 800 North Main Street, Suite 4, in McAllen. It spans 30,000 square feet and includes art galleries, studios, creative offices, and event venues. Designed to serve as an arts hub, it hosts various exhibits and programs, including A Season of Hope, a holiday event founded by Cantu that features original artworks, music, and a ceremonial tree lighting, while also raising funds for arts scholarships.
Established in 1985 by Yoli and her father, Hector M. Reyna, McAllen Stained Glass remains one of the longest-running glass art studios in the region. “Come and visit us if you love glass. Just come look, see, hang out with us,” she said. “We are located at Art Village on Main.”
Yoli’s presence at Art at Edwards and her dedication to mentoring youth, both as an artist and an educator, remain a vibrant reflection of that mission.
