By James Taylor
publisher@wood.cm
Mineola resident, businessman and artist Gabino Martinez said the idea behind the Creative Legacy Foundation began with his own story.
The Mineola-based nonprofit, founded this year, is a Christ-centered 501(c)(3) organization built around art, creativity and outreach.
“Our mission is to use our creative gifts and other artistic expressions to bring hope, joy, dignity and encouragement to people who are often overlooked,” Martinez said.
Martinez is known for creating art during live events. Through the foundation, he hopes to take that work into a wider range of settings.
“We believe creativity is a gift from God that can uplift hearts, build connections and remind people of their worth,” Martinez said. “Through creative outreach, we serve schools, churches, community events, nursing homes, prisons and other places where encouragement is needed.”
For Martinez, the work is personal.
“The inspiration came from my personal journey in life,” Martinez said. “When I hit bottom, I fully surrendered my life to Jesus, and that decision changed my life.”
Soon after, Martinez said he discovered a gift he had not known he had.
“What began as a personal journey of faith has become a ministry,” Martinez said. “Over the years, I have painted at churches, schools, nursing homes, prisons, corporate events and fundraisers.”
Some of the best moments, he said, have come in smaller settings.
“The most meaningful moments have happened not on large stages but at nursing homes, prisons and performing in front of kids,” Martinez said. “Young or old, the response is so overwhelming.”
Those experiences helped lead to the foundation.
“Creative Legacy Foundation was born from a desire to expand those experiences and help others use their gifts to serve,” Martinez said.
Mineola is also part of the story.
“Mineola is my hometown, making it the natural place God would have me come back to after 40 years away to launch the foundation and serve in and around Mineola,” he said.
The outreach of the program may take different forms depending on the audience.
“Creative initiatives and live performances for nursing home residents is something they don’t experience,” Martinez said. “For prisoners, it may be a message of hope and redemption. For children, it may be discovering their creativity and recognizing their God-given value. At the heart of every outreach is a simple message: you matter.”
Martinez said he hopes the foundation will grow beyond his own work.
“Our long-term vision is to build a network of creative servants who use their talents to impact others,” Martinez said. While we currently offer live art, music, dance, singing and personal faith empowerment, we hope to include face painters, balloon artists, comedians, storytellers and other creatives who want to serve.”
He also hopes the foundation’s reach will continue to grow.
“As the foundation grows, we plan to serve more nursing homes, schools, prisons and reach many communities and events across East Texas and eventually throughout the state,” Martinez said. “We also hope to establish a permanent facility that functions as a creative arts center, training space and outreach hub.”
Martinez said there are several ways people can support the work.
“First, we welcome volunteers,” Martinez said. “Whether someone is an artist, musician, dancer, photographer, organizer or simply has a heart to serve, there is a place for them.”
Martinez said the foundation is also looking for local connections.
“Second, we welcome connections to nursing homes, schools, churches, prison ministries, businesses and community organizations that could benefit from our programs,” Martinez said.
Financial support will help cover the cost of the work.
“Third, financial support helps cover travel, art supplies, outreach materials, event costs and future growth,” he said. “As a registered 501(c)(3), donations are tax-deductible.”
Martinez said prayer is also important to the foundation.
“Finally, we value prayer,” Martinez said. “We believe this work is ultimately about serving people and glorifying God. Creative Legacy Foundation is about creating opportunities for people to use their God-given gifts to serve others.”
He said that kind of service does not always require a large stage.
“Many people today feel isolated or forgotten,” Martinez said. “Sometimes a painting, a dance, a song, a toddler’s smile or a simple act of kindness can remind someone they are loved and valued. Our hope is to be a place where creativity meets compassion, talents serve a greater purpose and people from all walks of life come together to make a positive impact. We invite everyone to join us in building a legacy of hope for everyone in the community.”
For more information, contact Martinez at 903-497-4300 or visit creativelegacyfoundation.org.