Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Alberto Gallegos Jr.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am the middle child of three, born and raised in Dallas. I grew up in Oak Cliff and West Dallas – La Bajada – in what is known by most as “Trinity Grove.” I was exposed to the arts at a young age -drawing, music and dance. When I was 7 my art teacher at Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary told me something that changed my way of thinking, “draw not what you see but what you feel.” I follow that advice to this day. I never had much of a social life as a kid, I buried myself in books and music and lived in those worlds I’d created. I was a self-proclaimed “Indigo” child at 12. I grew up in my family business, which were boutiques of special occasion and bridal gowns. Tulle, sequins and rhinestones were never strange to me. At 18 I designed my first collection – which as one would imagine, was a flop. in 2003 after high school, I began my studies in fashion design. My professor at the time was the second person to challenge and alter my way of thinking in designing. Flipping through a magazine in class I questioned a Vivienne Westwood gown that had no sleeve nor armholes very avant-garde. My simple question – “why doesn’t the dress have sleeve?” sparked fashion nirvana. His answer was, “does it have to have sleeves?” After leaving my studies I began to brand my name in every way I could – participating in any fashion show that would have me. Fashion shows at night clubs, at hotels, for charity, or for the profit of show producers, I did what I thought I had to do to become “known.” Slowly I started to realize that my work would speak for itself and doing custom designs of all price points in order to establish customers. In 2013, with the assistance of my partner, Michael Crigger, and our parents we founded Petit Atelier, and, the following year Tissu Dallas – our fabric boutique in Deep Ellum. In 2017 I launched La New Onda – “the new wave” – a clothing line inspired by Chicano and Latin cultures in America.
Please tell us about your art.
I am an artist who works with textiles, needles, and threads to create garments and works of art. I create to express my myself, my feelings, what is going on in the world, and my immediate surroundings.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
As the world grows in social media so does the ability to have your work exposed to many people in many different platforms. Dallas has a variety of outlets for artists to showcase their work – you just have to go and find them!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Custom work is available by request. We see new clients by appointment on Sundays and Mondays at Petit Atelier in Dallas, Texas. For more information, email us at info@petitatelierdallas.com.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2952 commerce st
Dallas, Tx 75226 - Website: www.petitatelierdallas.com
- Phone: 2149943912
- Email: info@petitatelierdallas.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/petitatelierdallas
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/petitatelierdallas
Image Credit:
(photo of me) SterlingFX Photography
(photo of models) Foto Booth Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
