Salado’s 42nd Art Fair
By Deborah | July 14, 2008
Salado’s 42nd Art Fair to Host Texas State Artists & Texas Originals August 2nd & 3rd
SALADO, TEXAS — Organizers of the hottest art show of the year just kicked it up a notch with participation by Texas Commission on the Arts’ Texas Originals artisans and the Texas State Artists. This includes some of the greatest painters, sculptors, musicians, and poet laureates from around the state. Art fans that have been traveling to the banks of Salado Creek for the past 42 years are in for a real treat this year. The quality and variety of artistic expression has never been greater.
The Salado Chamber of Commerce will host over 100 Texas artists and artisans at the 42nd Annual Art Fair August 2nd and 3rd at Pace Park and the new ‘Best of the Best’ Texas Fine Art Sale & Reception at Celebration Center on August 2nd.
“This is a very exciting year for both Art Fair fans and serious art collectors,” stated Larry Prellop, President of the Salado Chamber of Commerce. “Never before has there been such an extraordinary level of artistic talent… from top Texas artists that have rarely, if ever, exhibited together,” added Prellop.
Texas Original artisans working in a wide variety of media including clay, glass, fiber, wood, metal, stone, and more will be exhibiting along with Art Fair favorites at Pace Park on Saturday, August 2nd from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and again on Sunday, August 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 4: p.m.
Texas State Artists will be honored at the inaugural “Best of the Best” Texas Fine Art Sale & Reception on Saturday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Celebration Center. This one-evening event offers art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with some of their favorite Texas artists and poet laureates. Participating artists include: Dalhart Windberg, Roy Lee Ward, George Boutwell, Lee Herring, Ed Hayes, Kathy Vargas, Ralph White, David Keens, Jack Terry, B. Herd, Raul Gutierrez, Alan Birkelbach, and the 2008 Texas State Musician of the Year, Shelley King.
“The Texas Originals and Texas State Artists are two programs that we are very proud of, “stated Gaye Greever McElwain, Director of Marketing and Development for the Texas Commission on the Arts. “These artists represent the depth of the state’s artistic talent and its rich cultural diversity,” added McElwain. “Many of these artists began their careers at the Salado Art Fair,” noted McElwain. “I can’t imagine a better venue to showcase these two state programs,” concluded McElwain.
For ticket information, contact the Salado Chamber of Commerce at 254-947-5040 or visit them online at www.salado.com.
About Salado Art Fair: Salado Art Fair, held the first weekend in August, is one of the oldest open-air art exhibits in the state of Texas. For the past forty-two years, thousands of artists and artisans have traveled to the banks of Salado Creek to showcase their work. Over the years, many nationally recognized Texas artists have participated in the event, including George Boutwell, B. Herd, and Ron Wells. The Salado Art Fair is a Salado Chamber of Commerce event that brings over 5,000 arts enthusiasts and visitors to the community each year. For more information about the Salado Art Fair and other Chamber events call 254-947-5040 or visit them online at www.salado.com.
About the Texas Commission on the Arts TCA was organized in 1965 by the Texas Legislature to develop a receptive climate for the arts in Texas. TCA supports a diverse and innovative arts community in Texas, throughout the nation and internationally by providing resources to enhance economic development, arts education, cultural tourism and quality of life. For more information on TCA and its programs, please visit www.arts.state.tx.us.
About Texas State Artists Every two years, the Texas Legislature honors talented Texans for their years of excellence and dedicated commitment to the arts by designating them as Texas State Artists. Texas State Artists are native Texans or five-year residents of the state that have received recognition for high levels of excellence and success in their respective disciplines and are named as Texas State Poet Laureate, Musician or Visual Artist. Texas State Artists serve one-year appointments and demonstrate the essence of what art in Texas is all about. Previous winners include James Dick, Lee Herring, Ray Benson, Damian Priour, Red Steagall, Sharon Kopriva, and George Boutwell, just to name a few. The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) oversees the Texas State Artist program. The next call for Texas State Artist nominations will take place in the fall of 2008. More information, including a complete list of past Texas State Artists, is available online at www.arts.state.tx.us.
About Texas Original Texas Original (TxO) was created by the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) to help preserve Texas’ unique arts and crafts heritage and was designed to achieve three primary goals:
• promote original work by Texas’ craft artists;
• provide a method for buying/selling original Texas artwork and crafts;
• preserve traditional methods for creating hand-crafted work to ensure those methods are passed on to future generations.
Texas is home to an extraordinary number of talented craft artisans working in a wide variety of media including clay, glass, fiber, wood, metal, stone, and more. Artists included in the Texas Original program have been through a review process overseen by the Texas Commission on the Arts. Only artisans and crafts people who meet the highest business, quality and artistic standards are granted the title of Texas Original. When you see the TxO brand, you know you are looking at a high-quality, authentic, original work by a Texas artist. For more information on the Texas Original program, please visit www.txoriginal.com.
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Writing the 2nd Chapter – This time with passion!
By Deborah | July 14, 2008
When I hear there are 70 million baby boomers over the age of 50 out there, it should give me great comfort to realize I am not alone in the transition from a rock star employee status to non-relevant. However, truth be told…the numbers are of little help. It’s like the Titanic sinking. Knowing there are many people sinking along with you is of very little comfort.
As I look around my office, I see mementos of one success after another. So why is it that so many of us at this age begin to feel inadequate and fight to stay relevant in a world made up of young ‘kids’ with little knowledge and even less experience?
One would think the years of service, knowledge and wisdom gained by the time you reach the second half of your life would be an asset to just about any company. So why is it that when you send out hundreds of resumes, you never hear anything? Or, when you do, it’s an auto reply thanking you for applying. Then your resume goes into the deep dark hole, never to be discussed again.
Over the last few years, I talked to many colleagues from engineers, mortgage brokers, CEO’s of companies, to sales and marketing people over fifty. Everyone experiences a similar transition. It would be easy enough to write it off as age discrimination, but is the problem something deeper? Is there some light switch that turns off the moment we hit 50? As if you are smart and relevant up to the end of your 49th year…and then, abruptly, when the clock strikes midnight…you become stupid and irrelevant?
I suppose we could blame the marketplace with so many people at all ages continually floating their resumes and competing for the same jobs. It used to be that if you weren’t employed by the same employer for over two years, they considered you to be a job-hopper. Today, 1-1/2 to 2 years is the norm. The volume of resumes for each job is astounding and I’m sure most end up filed away until it’s time for the shredder.
Is it the marketplace…or is it us? Does our attitude change after 50? Are we less patient, burned-out, and tired of the same old routine? Have you caught yourself saying with a sigh, “same deal…different day?” Or, perhaps it’s one of my favorites “been there, done that, and have many t-shirts to prove it?” Or, the typical, “this is not my first rodeo.” What message are we sending?
Are we simply bored with the whole idea of working? Do we have so many medals that the everyday world of business lacks the fun, passion, creativity, and fulfillment that it once held for us?
Several years ago, while attending the funeral of my uncle, my sister said something so profound that it gives me a chuckle every time I think of it. There were four or five of us sitting in circle discussing career choices and, bragging about our accomplishments in business. When my sister was asked, “So, Mary, what do you do for a living,” she excitedly interjected “work has never appealed to me!” We giggled and resumed the conversation. Instead of feeling left out, she was happy to be on the outside looking in. She couldn’t imagine business would hold anything of interest for her. She had crafted a remarkable life of a ‘Martha Stewart’ clone outside the normal rate race that all of us were so consumed with. Not being part of the ‘inner circle’ was just fine with her. In fact, it was better than just fine.
Isn’t it about time to start working your passions? You know, those things you absolutely love to do but never had a chance to do them due to the long work weeks, burning both ends of the candle, and keeping the midnight oil burning for too many years. Trust me…we’ve earned the right to take this blank canvas and do something creative with it. Let’s write this 2nd chapter of our lives so that it is something worth talking about…and this time…let’s do it with passion!
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Cold Water – The Shaping of a Female Entrepreneur
By Deborah | July 10, 2008
Chapter 1
“The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself.”
Mark Twain
It was damp and cold under the bleachers where I sat crouched so no one could see me. I could hear faint voices from the adults perched in the gazebo nearby as they watched the other children playing. I looked forward to this day for a longtime. I couldn’t wait until the end of school. This was it. The last few days of the school year were reserved for the class picnic. At 10-1/2 years old, it doesn’t get much better than a picnic of hot dogs and games in the park. And, this was Moorland Park. My favorite place in the world. Or, it used to be. Today is was lonely, cold and dark.
The rain started slowly coming over the hills. I could smell it from my hideaway. Parents and children began swarming the gazebo. In the commotion, I heard my mother ask about me. At first it was a casual interest, and then I could hear in her voice…she was more than a little concerned. I had a birds-eye view of the frantic search beginning, but I had no intent of letting her know where I was. I was angry and hurt. If she wanted me to go away, I intended to go away… and stay away.
When we first arrived at the park, several out-of-town classes emerged on us. They were all about the same age; however, there was something different. They were from a larger town nearby. They walked in as if they owned the place. I immediately felt that they were interfering in our picnic. Who did they think they were moving in on our picnic!
Being shy was definitely a handicap; nevertheless, I decided to be friendly and ask them to join us. I got no closer than ten feet from them when they quickly dismissed me as if I were bothering them and not cool enough to begin to consort with their group. They began laughing as I walked away.
I looked around to find someone I knew. No one was around. Returning to the fire pit, I realized that my classmates had ventured out on a hike. No one was around except for the parents sitting in the gazebo. I decided the best course of action would be to sit with my mother until my classmates returned.
Walking slowly up to the gazebo, several mothers greeted me as I entered the stairs. As I approached, my mother asked why I wasn’t playing with the other children. Before I could explain, she abruptly pushed me away insisting that I try again to play with the new children. When tears began to well up, she stood up and pushed me off the gazebo telling me, “go away, you are embarrassing me in front of my friends.” It was as if someone had punched me in the stomach. It never occurred to me that I would be rejected… especially by my mother. For the first time in my life… I felt loneliness. That was forty years ago, yet I can remember it like it was yesterday.
I was a lanky, tall, flat-chested young woman growing up. My grandmother, who was a wonderful seamstress, commented on several occasions that “my clothes looked better on the hanger than they did on me.” She was a wonderfully strong woman, who served to shape my life more than I would have ever realized during those years. Her name was Arlene Ida Roberts Hartnett, from Welsh decent. She was a survivor from the age of four when her mother died leaving ten children for her father to raise. As one of the youngest, she was sent off to live with the Mohawk Indians for the summers. It was a common practice for large families in difficult times. The older children went off to work to help support the family. There were no daycare’s or others to baby-sit.
Listening to my grandmother tell stories of her summers with the Indians was a favorite pastime growing up. She knew more about mushrooms, wild greens, wildlife and life in general than most. Her practical approach to life’s dilemmas and her gentleness of spirit created a personality that is, still to this day, unlike anyone I’ve ever met.
On one cold morning, I noticed my grandmother hanging clothes on the line to dry. It was still winter and the clothes were likely to freeze on the line, which my brother, sisters and I thought was great fun to punch as we walked by. As she was pulling one piece out of the laundry basket, she looked down and noticed a garden snake had wrapped itself around her ankle, seemingly for warmth. Smiling she excitedly stated, “isn’t that cutest thing you’ve ever seen?” I was desperately afraid of snakes, still am. I could see nothing…and I mean nothing…cute about a snake around her ankle. But, that was my grandmother. She looked at life differently than most women.
It wasn’t until her death at 82 years of age that I realized just how interesting a life she lived. Sitting on her bed looking through her personal belongings with my siblings, I found hundreds of letters and published articles. She was a fabulous writer. The words were eloquent and carefully chosen to paint a wonderful visual picture. I loved what I was reading and couldn’t wait to discover more.
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ScarArt Business Launched to Creatively Camouflage Abdominal Scars
By Deborah | May 27, 2008
Houston, TX – ScarArt, an innovative new company specializing in adhesive products used to conceal scars, recently announced the launch of its abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and cesarean section (C-section) temporary tattoos.
This unique product emerged out of frustration with traditional scar solutions for women. ScarArt was designed by a woman for women. This temporary tattoo stays in place for up to three days, even in the harshest of environments involving sun, sand, and water exposure.
Until ScarArt, women with abdominal scars had few realistic options. While traditional cream-type products help to diminish a scar’s appearance, the scar is always visible. The only other option was a permanent tattoo to disguise the scar. While permanent tattooing has gained popularity, for many women the pain, lengthy process, and the dis-figuration only add to the problem. ScarArt is the first realistic product on the market that offers women a temporary solution in the form of an adhesive accessory that looks great and stays in place.
ScarArt is made with FDA Regulated Adhesives and Colors in the US. It is waterproof, smear proof, and is designed to stay in place for up to three days. The real value in ScarArt is how it empowers women to feel sexy and confident, no matter what they are wearing.
ScarArt initial market focus is tummy tucks and c-section scars. Products range in price from $19.95 to $29.95. Additional products in development target the pediatric market with adhesive strips designed for vertical scars left from open heart surgery. These ScarArt designs allow children to temporarily hide their scars with fun, colorful designs. For more information about ScarArt, contact Darin Barrow, President of Sales at 866-964-SCAR (7227) or visit www.scarart.com.
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Elgin Art Walks Gain Momentum With More Than 90 Artists & Musicians Exhibiting
By Deborah | April 3, 2008
ELGIN, TEXAS — The artistic energy in downtown Elgin is alive and growing. The next Art Walk is scheduled for Saturday, April, 12th from 6pm until 9pm. It will feature sixty artists exhibiting in downtown businesses, gallery exhibits, and over thirty musicians playing in four different locations throughout the Historic Downtown District. Music is coordinated by Debbie Lundrigan of the Elgin Jam. Highlights include Bluegrass, Country, Folk, Western Swing, Big Band, Jazz and Classical Guitar. Musicians will be playing on street corners and inside several businesses, creating a one-of-a-kind Elgin Art Walk experience.
Galleries will be showcasing the work of local, regional, and national artists. Exhibitions include Kingfisher Fine Art & Music’s Spring Show featuring new work by Susan Kirchman and Neil Cronk; WW Treenware Folk Art Gallery & Studio will be featuring artists working in treen, watercolor, polymer clay, pottery, fused glass, mask making, and photography. At Enye Gallery, artists working in jewelry, oil, fiber art, beads, ceramics, oil and photography will be showcasing their work. Bremond House Gallery opens its Legends of Tanach Show, with artist Dan Grife working in acrylic & copper. An added feature to this show is Grife’s storytelling sessions at the gallery scheduled for 1pm, 3pm and 5pm Art Walk day. Bremond House is also hosting a book signing with author E. C. Gibson and his new murder/mystery novel, Nine Lords of the Night, during the Art Walk beginning at 6pm.
Local businesses or ‘other wall’ locations host many of the local and regional artists working in oil, watercolor, fused glass, beads, photography and origami. Hosting businesses include Blue Moon Auction and Mercantile, A Flower Connection, Stanberry & Associates Realtors, Elgin Depot Museum, Franklin Bank Community Room, Jeanette Shelby Realty, Elgin Outfitters, Main Street Optical, Back Forty Chiropractic, Nirvana Smoothies & Café, and Lickity Splits Ice Cream Parlor.
The Oncor Electric Delivery offices will host the first children’s art component to the Elgin Art Walk. Children’s face painting will be done by artist Kristen Rendulic and a Children’s Art Contest with the theme Texas Springtime, will be hosted by Susan Snelson and artist Ava Barker of the Elgin Arts Association, The children’s events will run from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
Elgin Art Walks are scheduled on the second Saturday of the months of March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The Elgin Art Walk is in the Historic Downtown District and takes place in existing commercial galleries, non-profit arts spaces and what are called “other walls”; restaurants and retail stores. Art Walk exhibits are free and open to the public. For more information about exhibits and a detailed walking map, visit www.artinelgin.com/.
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Salado Launches Re-Branding Campaign With an “Artfully Yours” Focus
By Deborah | April 2, 2008
SALADO, TEXAS — “Artfully Yours” is a regional re-branding campaign underwritten by the Village of Salado and the Salado Chamber of Commerce. This effort will begin a major shift in the community’s marketing efforts to leverage Salado’s arts identity to strengthen and expand its tourism reach. The “Artfully Yours” slogan grew out of a desire to develop a deeper, richer understanding of Salado’s cultural and natural resources which have long made it a favorite arts destination.
Salado has a large population of resident artists, galleries, one-of-a-kind specialty shops and restaurants, cultural festivals, and numerous bed & breakfast accommodations – all nestled into one of the most scenic areas of Texas. It has been a treasured arts destination for several decades. The brand repositioning campaign will broaden Salado’s definition of the arts to include all expressions of creativity; fine arts, literary arts, handmade crafts, cultural displays, performing arts and music. The campaign is a cohesive plan that incorporates an artistic theme into every visitor touch point.
“Collectively we can do more to promote interest in our community and businesses than we can do individually,” stated Larry Prellop, President of the Salado Chamber of Commerce. The “Artfully Yours” initiative has unprecedented public and private cooperation,” added Prellop.
Salado has hired Austin-area communications firm, Embella, Inc., to create momentum in the hearts and minds of travelers as they contemplate weekend getaways. “We chose Embella because of their history of energizing developing arts communities and their understanding of our local markets,” added Prellop. Embella plans an integrated marketing and public relations strategy consisting of media tours, feature stories, press releases, online marketing, advertising and events strategy, and collateral repackaging. Embella expects to ignite interest from the Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston markets – areas that range from forty-five minutes to three hours driving distance from Salado.
“Salado’s re-branding effort is aimed at leveraging its core strength as an arts destination with a refreshed, more relevant message for younger generations who may not be familiar with the brand,” stated David E. Warner, CEO of Embella. “What we’re undertaking is a significant change in how Salado views itself, how businesses interact, and how Salado’s originality and uniqueness is communicated… ultimately translating into a heightened experience for visitors and increased tourism revenue,” concluded Warner.
There is an emerging trend among small communities to embrace their cultural assets to attract tourism dollars, and for good reason. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, (as reported in The Historic/Cultural Traveler, 2003 Edition) eighty-one percent of the 146.4 million U.S. adults who took a trip of 50 miles or more away from home in the past year can be considered cultural and heritage tourists. These travelers spend more per visit: $623 vs. $457 and stay longer: 5.2 nights vs. 3.4 nights than other travelers.
About Embella
Embella is a full-service marketing and communications agency specializing in economic development through arts and cultural initiatives. Services include management consulting, research, marketing, publicity/public relations, promotions, advertising and Web site development. Embella’s client list is varied and includes Fortune 500 as well as small to mid size organizations. For more information about Embella, visit their web site at www.embella.com or call 866-505-3400.
About Salado
The Village of Salado is located in Central Texas approximately fifty miles north of Austin. The Village is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, idyllic setting on the Salado Creek, and its growing arts and cultural community. Salado’s population of 3,944 is unique for a small rural town with 70% of its population having attended college and earning higher household incomes compared to the US average. Salado has been home to many esteemed individuals including authors, Liz Carpenter and A.C. Green, two Texas governors, Governor James E. Ferguson and Governor Miriam “Ma” Ferguson and numerous historical figures such as Sam Houston and General George Custer. For more information visit the Village of Salado Web site at www.salado.com; contact Debbie Charbonneau at 254-947-8634 – email saladotourism@vvm.com, or Suzi Epps at 254-947-5040 – email saladochamber@vvm.com.
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