Written by Ben Cox – Preparations are underway at the Depot for the 21st Annual Stars of Texas  Juried Art Exhibit, which opens Sunday the 10th.

 

Over 260 works are on display from local and area artists, covering several different styles. Photography, oil paint, watercolor, drawing and sculpture are all very well represented throughout all of the Depots rooms.

Founded in 1999 by Ann Jones, “the Exhibit was created as a way to show case the newly renovated Depot, and in 2019 we will be able to show off a freshly refurbished Depot!” according to event chair Ruth Wheelis.

According to committee member Roger Levesque, the original exhibit was somewhat different than this years offering. “It started out from local artists, and was primarily oil painting. Then two years later sculpture was added. Then three or four years after that photography was added, so it has progressed to where all media of fine art is now accepted.”

The Juror, or judge, for this years exhibit is Ft Worth resident Pat Gabriel.

According to the Art Exhibit website: “He is self taught and has been painting since the early 1970’s for personal satisfaction.  Pat currently works full time for GCG Marketing where he is Executive Director of Creative Services. Pat paints a variety of landscape subjects in oils, often with a focus on clouds and sky. He is drawn to the distinct lighting effect created in storms, and at dusk. Some of his work is scenic, incorporating objects such as trees or man-made structures. In the summer of 2017 Pat’s work was featured in a group show titled “As is: Rural Realism“, at the Grace Museum. He also had work last year in a traveling state show called “Of  Texas Rivers and Texas Art.”

Running through the 23rd, the Stars of Texas Juried Art Exhibit will be open daily to the public free of charge from 9-6 weekdays, 10 – 4 Saturday, and 1 – 4 on Sundays.

There will also be art demonstration shows Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., highlighting artists in oil painting, china painting, digital art, charcoal, pottery and much more. The schedule for the demonstrations is available to pick up at the exhibit.

The Sponsors for this years exhibit are : Arts Council Of Brownwood, City Of Brownwood, Jane Ellen Jamar, Margaret Coleman, Sandi And Steve Kelly, Big Country Ford Lincoln, Texas State Optical, Woman’s Club Of Brownwood, The Tom And Lillian Grinnan Wilkinson Foundation, Kohler Co, Ann Jones Real Estate, Empire Iron Works, Burl Brown Family, Betty Martin, The Mary And Ernest Cadenhead Family, Gail Croft, Joe Sheppard Designs, Sally And Robert Porter, Bostick’s Auto & Truck Sales, Charles And Kay Beth Stavley