Abigail Vela

Multimedia Artist & Journalist, Editor

United States

Abigail Vela, known as Avi, is a poet, multidisciplinary artist, editor, and environmental activist. Co-founder of Unfolded: Poetry Project, she advocates for poetry as a healing force in marginalized communities. Her work in the anthology 'Had I Known Before' explores identity, trauma, and resilience. As editor of Trucha, she shapes community-written articles on arts, culture, and social justice. Avi's passion extends to environmental advocacy, reflecting a commitment to positive change in both her art and actions.

Portfolio

FILM

YouTube
02/17/2024
Release It All

"Amidst the triggers and the hurt, Shadow dives deep on a cathartic path to heal again." This 10-minute experimental poetry film was selected and screened at Miraaa Media Festival 2024 in Harlingen and Laredo, Texas. Written and directed by Abigail Vela, this film showcases poetry and voice-overs by multiple members of the poetry community in the Rio Grande Valley, all who share their thoughts on what overcoming trauma means to them.

Vimeo
09/05/2022
A Hopeful Answer

"A Hopeful Answer" is a small homage to nature, sustainability, and attempting to find peace of mind. It is a filmmaker's journey of rediscovering what sustainability means with the help and perspective of their community in McAllen, Texas.

ARTICLES

Trucha RGV
02/06/2024
Ghetto Superstar: Persevering Through Adversity

956 Artivists is a new series that explores the relationship between art and activism in the Rio Grande Valley. The first artist we interviewed is Octo, who shares some insight about his upcoming exhibition, "Ghetto Superstar," and his mission to destigmatize growing up in poverty.

Trucha RGV
07/21/2023
The Anime Takeover of the RGV

Delve deep into how anime culture has touched the hearts of the 956, its influence on Latinx people, and our exclusive interview with the owners of Myth Adventures.

Trucha RGV
07/10/2023
What's Up With All the Boba Shops?

In a world where coffee reigns supreme, boba is slowly rising to the top, where it has become a symbol of growing diversity and culture in the Rio Grande Valley.

Trucha RGV
06/28/2023
Heat Dome Puts Farm Workers At Risk

The current heat dome in Texas has daily temperatures in the triple digits, putting millions of people and workers at risk of heat-related illnesses.

Trucha RGV
06/23/2023
An Act Of Hate and Homophobia in Brownsville

The first official rainbow sidewalk in Brownsville has been vandalized in an act of homophobia, further showing that hate continues to grow in our own neighborhoods.

Trucha RGV
05/10/2023
Op-Ed: Let's Burn Together (or Save The Planet)

Nature is vital in everything we do. Yet, at times, we ignore the many issues plaguing our communities within the Rio Grande Valley. Although Earth Day/Month has come and gone, these issues remain. Learn about the local environmental issues that continue to affect the RGV and the organizations and groups that keep fighting for our environmental rights.

Trucha RGV
02/28/2023
Volunteer To Help Immigrant Children Affected By Title 42

This month, President Biden announced the expansion of Title 42, which will deny asylum to immigrants from Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba, and Nicaragua. In response, The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights is working hard to advocate for the rights and interests of immigrant children affected through their Child Advocate Program.

Trucha RGV
02/16/2023
Conjunto Is Not Dead

The Grand Re-Opening of The Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum is happening this Saturday, February 18th, in San Benito! Their mission is to continue promoting, preserving, archiving, documenting, and permanently displaying their 20-plus years' worth collection of historical artifacts from The Rio Grande Music Company and the history of 70 inductees.

Trucha RGV
01/27/2023
Repro Rights: Where Are We Now?

This past Sunday, January 22nd, people all over the country marched for what would've been Roe v. Wade's 50th anniversary. Throughout this time, we reflect upon what abortion and reproductive rights mean to us.

Trucha RGV
01/20/2023
Why You Should Listen to Valle De Sueños

Valle de Sueños is a local, bilingual podcast focused on the stories of activists and migrants who fought to end the inhumane treatment and dismantle the Matamoros encampment along our border under the Trump administration's Remain in Mexico policy, aka Migrant Protections Protocol.

Trucha RGV
01/09/2023
Face2Face: The Artist & The Dreamer

With the Dream Act and DACA in a constant state of limbo, many Dreamers are left uncertain about their future. Local artist Face 2 Face opened up to us about his reality as a Dreamer and how he incorporated the Dreamers within his artwork.

Trucha RGV
11/02/2022
Death Binds Movements Together

On this year's Dia de los Muertos, organizers for immigration and reproductive justice issues in the Rio Grande Valley used their altars to educate audiences and honor the lives lost.

Trucha RGV
10/22/2022
Alien Erotica With Glitter On Top: Experience Rocky Horror Picture Show

There will be skin (lots of skin) at this year's production of Rocky Horror Picture Show by the Pluma Blanca Community Theatre. We interviewed the cast and crew and learned more about why Rocky Horror embodies "defiance, inclusivity, individuality, safety," for the RGV's queer community.

Trucha RGV
10/11/2022
When Our Bodies Are Not Our Own, We Fight.

The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade had immediate implications for our region. However, through fundraising events and protests, local and national organizations, such as Frontera Fund, South Texans for Reproductive Justice (STRJ), and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, are continuing the strenuous and ever-important fight for our reproductive rights.

Trucha RGV
09/16/2022
Q&A - How to Register to Vote for November 8th Elections!

Your voice matters, and you can make a difference in our local and state governments by ensuring you are registered to vote. We created this simple Q&A to help clarify the voting registration process for the upcoming elections on November 8th!

Trucha RGV
09/06/2022
A Conversation with Seems: Local Businesswoman & Podcaster

Seems is one of the owners of the local coffee shop, Black Honey Coffee Company, and releases weekly (and rather therapeutic) episodes through her podcast, The RGV Seems. In this interview, we talked about growth, following your passions, and what it means to be your true self.

Trucha RGV
08/11/2022
Bohemian Place: A Safe Haven for Community, Art, and Healing

As you walk up to Bohemian Place, you immediately notice the colorful murals encompassing the entirety of its front exterior. Colorful words are painted on the ramp leading up to the bright purple door, welcoming guests.

Trucha RGV
07/28/2022
The Festival of the Summer is Here: Celebrate at MXLAN!

MXLAN is happening right now! The 5-day Summer Art & Music Festival is at the heart of McAllen, Texas, at the McAllen Convention Center, highlighting young Latinx artists and nuestra cultura. Locals and visitors can expect many activities throughout the festival, including arte, musica, comida, y comunidad.

Trucha RGV
04/26/2022
4 Up-And-Coming RGV Poets to Watch Our For

We interviewed seven poets in the Rio Grande Valley to commemorate this month - the following four up-and-coming poets are making their voices heard, writing and speaking from their hearts, and connecting with the local community.

Trucha RGV
04/12/2022
3 RGV POETS TO READ ON NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

We interviewed 3 poets in the Rio Grande Valley to commemorate this month - the following are local published authors whose work has inspired that of countless others. Take note, support their work, and follow their journeys.

Trucha RGV
03/29/2022
10 Must-Know Women-Owned Businesses in the RGV

Women's History Month may be coming to an end, but it's not too late to show support for las mujeres trabajadoras. Among them are artists, healers, creators, and boss women who fearlessly run their businesses. Don't miss out on these 10 small businesses and the women who are making their mark throughout the RGV.