CRYSTAL ARIAS

My name is Crystal Arias and I am from the West Side of San Antonio, Texas. I studied at the University of Texas at San Antonio receiving my Bachelor of Fine Arts with a certification to teach. I’m going on my fourth year as an art educator teaching elementary and middle school art. Prior to teaching, I engaged in creating murals for the community through a non-profit organization by the name of “San Antonio Cultural Arts”. Having had the opportunity to enrich the area I grew up in with my art was a “full circle” moment for me and a significant timestamp in my life. I hope to continue to offer what I have to my community and the city of San Antonio in the years to come. San Anto Forever.

LEGENDS NEVER DIE

Over the span of nine years, I grew an incredible admiration for two bands that were out of Austin and Dallas, Texas. My calavera is paying tribute to Riley Gale from Power Trip and Wade Allison from Iron Age. Any fan of aggressive music would undoubtedly appreciate their sounds. I consider them masters of their craft because they had it down to the core and would project their talents in such an effortless way. Wade Allison is the definition of effortless, his riffs were strategic, extensive, and such monumental compositions. Not only did he compose his music but his talents for writing lyrical content were clearly evident as well. Riley Gale was an all-around powerhouse and the front man of a band that was gaining worldwide recognition. Outside the band, he was someone that would socially interact with anyone with full humility. He embodied endless compassion for people and was a strong advocate for people who have been consistently marginalized. Riley had a genuine aura to him and I know if he were still here among us he’d continue to use his platform for the best to reach every crevice of the world. Power Trip and Iron Age went hand in hand and paying homage to them was important for me because I want their names and legacy they left behind to live on forever. My deepest condolences to the Gale and Allison family.