Open studio at the Mary Nichols Arts Center on Wednesdays is rapidly becoming a great success. Last week there were more than 10 artists  working on everything from collage, painting, learning how to use Adobe Photoshop to decorating gourds.

Membership is not required for anyone who wishes to drop in between 1-8 p.m.

You can bring something to work on or just come along to observe and be in the presence of other creative people just like yourself.

First Saturday

Remember that this weekend is the first of ten “First Saturday Arts Festivals” in Smithville.  You can see original works of art and can meet the artists who create them.

The Ann Powell Train will be there to give tours of our historic town and children can enjoy working on art projects – all at no charge. You’ll be able to sit under the 100 year old oaks and enjoy live music by Sarah Page, the Peterson Brothers and perhaps even Tom and Jim Watts.

This festival runs from 10-5 p.m. at the park surrounding the gazebo at the south end of Main Street. Tell your friends to meet you there.

Mary Nichols

The new show “A Texas State of Mind” will open at the Mary Nichols Gallery, 301 Burleson in Smithville. The gallery is open from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and on Wednesdays from 1-8 p.m.

This show, celebrating the history of the great state of Texas will be in the gallery until the end of April. Everyone is invited to the opening reception on March 12 from 5-8 p.m.

Enjoy some refreshments, a glass of wine and meet our talented artists who are sharing with you their impressions of what makes Texas great.

Call me for more information at 577-5252.

MIxed emotions

Photographer Carol Lyon is the current featured artist at the Bastrop Fine Arts Guild gallery. Carol is most well known for her animal photography.

Called “Mixed Emotions” it’s just that. All of her photographs will elicit at least two different emotions. Some will make you laugh out loud and then feel slightly guilty for doing so; others will melt your heart, then give you courage, while others will repel and fascinate you at the same time.

The show can be viewed the entire month of March from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Sunday at 1009 Main St. in Bastrop at the guild’s Fine Art Gallery. An artist’s reception will be held March 5 from 6-8 p.m. at the gallery and is open to the public.

For this special show, most framed pieces will be $50. This is an excellent opportunity to start collecting a local emerging artist.

Postcards

The Family Crisis Center is building public awareness through an art postcard campaign titled “Share Your Voices – Speak Out Against Sexual Violence.” Use your creativity and imagination to create an image on a 4×6 card stock postcard and share your voice by speaking out against sexual violence.

You may use whatever materials you choose: Metal, wood, fabric art, paints, images, words, phrases or mixed media.  The postcards will be collected by Family Crisis Center staff or can be returned to the Center’s office located at 431 Old Austin Hwy in Bastrop.  The deadline for entry is March 24. Please do not sign your name on the front side of the postcard.

However, please provide your name on the backside of the postcard allowing your entry to be matched to your name on the signed release.