Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailey Marmolejo
Hailey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, where my passion for art began to flourish from an early age. Pursuing my creative ambitions, I majored in Fine Arts at St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX, and worked as an intern at MexicArte Museum and La Peña Gallery. In 2015 I made my way to New York City, where I continued to paint and engage in street art, while also working at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, immersing myself further in the art world. During this time I also studied acting at the Stella Adler Professional Acting Conservatory in Manhattan, and acted in several off broadway plays. I moved back to Texas in 2020 and have since produced several murals all over the city of San Antonio. My artworks have been published in books, and magazines including Texas Monthly, and have been exhibited at various galleries, museums and businesses in NYC, Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico. I am currently represented by Commerce Gallery in Lockhart, TX and SheWolf Gallery in Austin. Follow my Instagram for updates on my upcoming shows!!!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been many ups and downs along the course of my art career no doubt! It wasn’t until about 5 years ago that I was able to be a full time artist. I had to work several different jobs to support myself and my art career for many years, until I was finally able to go full time. There was a lot of self doubt and doubt from others, and there still is, but I have learned to push through it and focus on the work, because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a studio artist and a muralist. My work is a testament to the spirit of the Tejana woman, and the beauty and strength of the landscape that she embodies. Inspired by the native flora, such as the enchanting agave and nopal, my work showcases the complexities and contradictions of my own identity. Each of my works echoes the nuances that have shaped my perspective, offering a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of my South Texas roots. My work serves as a mirror reflecting not only my own journey of self-discovery but also the intricacies of the world around me, inviting viewers to explore and appreciate the dualities found within the intersections of identity and environment. My mural on Broadway titled “Quisierron Enterrarnos” was a runner up for best mural in town in 2022 and it is a piece that means a lot to me. Another mural I am very proud of is the 155 ft long collaborative installation at Historic Market Square titled “The Spirit Within”. This work has been several years in the making and it’s an honor to have it on display in the heart of San Antonio.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have had a lot of help and support along the way! My greatest champions have always been my husband Thomas, my parents, Armin and Cynthia, my uncle Mac and my brother Andres. There are always ups and downs but they are my rocks! The art community of San Antonio has been so uplifting! Victor Zarzamora from SACA chose me for the market square mural, which was a very pivotal moment for me. Also Rose Reyes, Ginger Diaz and Ayse Derman have uplifted me and my work in so many ways! I wanted to add a big thank you to Bianca Alvarez and Andi Rodriguez! I just can’t thank them enough for their support throughout the years! Finally, my dear friends, Rhys Munro and Olivia Ortiz, who are also incredible artists themselves, are always supporting me and my work and helping me through challenges! Artists need other artists!! It is so important to have a community, and I am so grateful for mine 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.haileymarmolejo.com
- Instagram: @haileymarmolejo
