Meet Gabby and Antonio Coloma- The Artistic Sibling Duo
Gabby and Antonio holding up their 1st place 2023 Sunline Transit Awards togetherFrom doodling on nearly every surface as toddlers to winning multiple art competitions, Gabby and Antonio Coloma have always been immersed in the creative world of art.
The journey to developing artistic talent can take time, but Gabby Coloma believes that anyone can be an artist, emphasizing that creativity starts with ideas and inspiration.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Gabby said. “You’re not born an artist. If you have ideas, you are already artistic.”
The Coloma siblings are students of the Desert Sands Unified School District. Gabby currently attends La Quinta High School, while Antonio studies at La Quinta Middle School. Both siblings have actively participated in numerous community art events and competitions, consistently earning recognition for their work. Over the past three years, they have each won first place in the SunLine Transit Agency Student Art Contest. In addition to competitions, their projects often convey meaningful themes, such as environmental awareness and ocean pollution.
Their passion for art has been strongly supported by their parents, who have played a vital role in nurturing their creativity. Growing up, Gabby and Antonio were provided with sketchpads, art supplies, and a wide range of books that continue to inspire their work. As a family, they have visited museums such as the Getty Museum and the Palm Springs Art Museum, further enriching their artistic perspectives.
Their parents’ encouragement highlights the importance of a strong support system in helping young artists thrive. Their mother, Mayden Coloma, ensures they have the tools and opportunities to express themselves creatively.
“We think that encouraging art in our kids is one way of opening their minds to new ways of thinking,” Mayden said.
Gabby and Antonio’s achievements reflect their dedication and versatility as artists. They experiment with various forms of media, including two-dimensional art, surrealism, semi-surrealism, and fine-line techniques, allowing each of them to express their unique perspectives.
Antonio’s preferred medium is drawing with ink pen, where he focuses on fluid line work. His inspirations often draw from science and imagination.
“I get inspiration from things that are scientifically accurate, along with ideas about time travel,” Antonio said. “And random images of dinosaurs.”
Beyond art, both siblings share a strong interest in science. Gabby hopes to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) while continuing to incorporate art into her life.
“I enjoy STEM subjects—they help clear my mind,” Gabby said. “I see art as a possible side hustle or hobby, and I think there will be ways to integrate it into other fields.”
Antonio, on the other hand, aspires to become a paleontologist, a goal reflected in his artwork, which often features dinosaurs, time travel, and scientifically inspired themes.
During the summer, these two are continuing their award-winning streak with their participation in other contests, including the Student Art Contest for SunLine Transit and the Tian Hong 2026 Cross-Cultural Youth Art & Poem Contest: “To Where I Belong”. On top of that, they both play piano and violin, which they will be practicing this summer.
Gabby and Antonio’s story can inspire others to explore their own creative passions and discover the artistic outlets they feel connected to.
“Art is intuitive,” Gabby said. “It helps me think outside the box and outside the rules of things”.