In September, We Love Nogales aired a new episode of “Meet Our Local Art Heroes” this time featuring Aissa Huerta, a local artist and Director of La Linea Art Studio. Aissa describes the origin story of La Linea and the Morley Arts District on Morley Avenue. This was a time when the former bustling center of Nogales was dismantled due to Covid and the federal government installation of reels of dangerous razor wire that now cover the entirety of the tall border wall. These factors had a huge negative impact on downtown, but inspired artists to create a new art renaissance in downtown Nogales.
The Guardian prepared an article on this time period in Nogales: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/feb/06/arizona-razor-wire-border-wall-nogales. This became a powerful impetus for the Morley Arts District to come to fruition right in the midst of the start of COVID. Surprisingly, the movement took off through a variety of creative approaches including the establishment of seasoned painter Paula Wittner’s new museum called The Wittner. During isolation, artists were inspired by her artwork and spawned new ideas for the district.
In addition, when Aissa traveled, she realized how many communities are not familiar with what it means to live in a border region. This makes the Morley Arts District unique in how people relate to each other, not only because of the border but because of the rural aspect of Nogales and Santa Cruz County. The art movement is facilitating the recognition and significance of this particular border community.
Aissa talks about her career path and how she chose to teach and make art. It was the non-verbal sensory component of art, which is very healing, that inspired her to pursue her art. She feels that art is a powerful alternative to therapy and medication. Though it’s early in this movement, the downtown is healing and starting to blossom through the arts. Remarkably, the effort has been organized and carried out by all volunteers. Certain property owners also saw the potential and provided financial breaks and resources to support the movement.
Aissa has taught art at Tubac Center of the Arts, Mexicayotl Academy of Excellence and was the Art Director for the Border Youth Tennis Exchange (BYTE). She’s now the Arizona Programs Director for the BYTE where she teaches classes through at La Linea, Santa Cruz Training Program and the Boys and Girls Club. Previously she was the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office Arts for Learning Director.
