SAN ANTONIO — Artist Albert Gonzales is known for giving a helping hand to other artists by allowing them to use his space, Southtown Art Gallery.

“I think right now, artists are hurting and trying to figure where their money is going to come from,” Albert Gonzales says. “Especially the full-time artists, part-time artists too, you know. That artist might have lost their job.” 

With art spaces closed, artists are trying to make money any way they can. Some are turning to art competitions, which Gonzales and his wife say they found odd.

“Artists were submitting for this prize money, and if you didn’t win, this establishment would keep all of the artwork,” Gonzales says. 

Some artists who are desperate for a chance to make money sometimes don’t read the fine print according to Gonzales, and he is now pushing for organizers to change the rules.

“And it worked, I’m thankful for the community, but also thankful for the establishment that actually listened,” Gonzales says. 

Right now, Gonzalez is organizing something virtual with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the artists.

“By you spending 20 bucks, 100 bucks, you are helping that artist tremendously and that money goes back into the community,” Gonzales said. 

Gonzales understands the struggle. There was a time when he was homeless and couldn't sell a painting for $10. Now he has a community that supports him and purchases his art. In return, he uses his passion to thank them with free art and opportunities to display their gifts. 

“That’s why I do what I do, not only to express myself, but to put some sort of positivity out in the world,” Gonzales says.