History 2009

Rainbow

A Colorful History

Fine Arts League of Coleman County, Inc.
9/16/2009 by Marian Johnson

A COLORFUL HISTORY - Part I
THEN:
Once upon a time, long ago and far away - in the land of "noartamongstus", there was a village with no organized group for painters, sculptors, stained glass artists , china painters, fabric painters, wood carvers, muralists, floral designers, photographers, quilters, etc.

In 1990, Kathy Andrews had a vision of having an arts and crafts store, but realized there was no art organization in the County. After contacting everyone she knew, a meeting date was set to establish an organization that would be supportive of those who needed the association of other art-minded people. 35 People attended the first meeting and the Fine Arts League of Coleman County was born. Out of that meeting the first ART SHOW was held in 1991 in the Library Annex with about 100 entries in a 'gazillion' categories ! Experience taught the members and the categories were narrowed down to a suitable number of categories in the future exhibits.

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THE REST OF THE STORY.....The Fiesta Fine Art Open Show (held during the Annual Fiesta de la Paloma Festival in Coleman) for 18 years was the "best kid on the block" (in the area) as far as quality goes. As the 'brain child' of Kathy Andrews, the Fiesta Show improved and got larger year by year. Many hands, hearts and minds were instrumental in getting an "art league" off the ground and many, many have contributed time, talent and treasure to support the efforts of those early dreamers, not the least of these was Millie Martin. Millie "held court" over the Fine Arts League for several terms as President and was present at the final Fiesta de la Paloma Open Art Show last October. She was active in all parts and positions on the Board. She kept it going when some of us would have "thrown in the towel". (Millie passed away a few months after making it her last effort to keep the "show" going by coming from Florida to the 2008 Fiesta de la Paloma Art Show last October!) Thank you, Millie.
With many fundraisers ie. bake sales, tasting teas, quilts, garage sales, auctions, and cookbooks, hat contests, shoe paintings and Blue Bunny Books, and help from the Friends of the Foundation, the Fine Arts League has survived. Several buildings have been the site for the Fiesta Show over the years. Places where the Exhibit was held were: Coleman Public Library, Taylor Motor Co. Showroom; Walthal Building; Bealls Building (owned by Dr. J.P. & Fern Jones) now the Commercial Ave. Antiques; building across the street from and owned by Coleman County State Bank . (all of which, with exception of Library Annex, later sold). There have been a variety of activities presented by the League that have furthered the arts in the County for both the young and the young-at-heart. There have been classes taught and youth shows held to encourage all to seek their creative muse.

* A Junior Art League (JAL) was organized and was active for several years. The 2007 and 2008 Juried Shows included demonstrations by several area artists. The Franklin Center was the hub of excitement as 400 + school kids came to "see the art" as it was created.
* An art exhibit for the dedication of the Franklin Center was requested by Kaye Franklin, and was a highlight for the League.
* The "Private Art in Public Places" was a popular continuing exhibit in the businesses downtown many years with February being the "For the Love of Art" exhibit.
* A fund-raiser for the West Texas Rehab was a fun project - old cowboy boots were painted and are still being used for table décor by the rehab.
* "Art in the Garden" was a monthly exhibit in the Lemon Tree Restaurant for each Season.
* The 2000 Fine Arts League Show was the venue for the "Millenium Awards" for the year 2000 which were given by the local attorneys.
* Several shows included other artisans - floral designers, China painters, doll makers, sculptors and designs in wrought-iron.
* Annual Room-door Christmas decorations at the Nursing Home judged .

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A COLORFUL HISTORY Part 2
NOW:
2009 The Fine Arts League of Coleman County, Inc., is now a 501©3 non-profit corporation and is still in the "Business of Art". With the generous giving of time, talent and treasure from the members and the community, the organization has passed many milestones in its 19 years of existence. Past Presidents have been Kathy Andrews, Judy Needham, Rosa Baker, Millie Martin, Robin Black and current President, Sherrell Hazlewood. Leaders have come and gone but all will be remembered for their devotion and efforts that kept the league regenerated with new ideas and purpose.

The first and second Fine Arts League Juried Art Shows, "Flight of the Dragon Flies" and "Dragon Fly Journeys" were held at Bill Franklin Center in 2007 and 2008. Marian Johnson and others had the foresight for progression to juried shows. Marian served as chair for the first two juried shows. Our third juried show "Fiesta Juried Art Show" is coming up and will be held at the Library Annex in conjunction with Fiesta de la Paloma.

In October, 2009, the Fine Arts League of Coleman County presented its 19th Show with 2007 , 2008 and 2009 being Juried Shows, and, ironically, back in the Library Annex, as was the very first exhibit in 1991. The 2009 Fiesta Juried Fine Art Show has lived up to the promise of being one of the shows best yet. We had 102 entries from all over the U.S. and some inquiries from S. Korea, Armenia, and Pakistan. Entries from Canada, Ohio, California, Alaska and Illinois made their way to Coleman, Texas! The exhibit opened to the public Friday Oct. 2 and Saturday Oct. 3, 10am-5pm. The artists' "paint-out" continued from Friday am through 3pm Saturday at Which time the auction closed.

A special Preview reception was on Friday evening from 6-8pm. Saturday, a power point presentation critique of artists' paintings was given at 3:30 by Susan Mansell, Juror. The Cash Awards were presented at 4:30. Susan Mansell, Ballinger, served as the selection and awards Judge. 2009 Fiesta de la Paloma Art Show

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Marian Johnson, Publicity

Fine Arts League Coleman Co., Inc.