The Role of Creativity in Mental Health Recovery

Creative expression has proven to be a powerful tool for individuals struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Engaging in art offers an opportunity for self-reflection and emotional release. When words fall short, art steps in, allowing people to express complex feelings and experiences through imagery, color, and movement.

In Texas, there are numerous community-driven art programs aimed at promoting mental well-being. These initiatives often combine art therapy with mental health counseling, offering participants a safe space to explore their emotions. These programs are not only geared toward professional artists but also invite beginners to find healing through creativity. The success stories emerging from these programs highlight how art has become a universal language of healing.

This integration of art into therapy aligns well with the broader cultural appreciation for creativity across Texas. Local galleries, exhibitions, and community spaces offer creative outlets where people can engage with art both as creators and observers. The healing journey through art is a deeply personal one, but it resonates across the state’s artistic landscape.

As mental health awareness increases, more Texans are turning to creative outlets not only for self-care but also as a community-driven approach to support one another. Creativity is no longer just a hobby; it’s a tool for survival and growth, providing mental clarity and emotional release.

Art, Community, and Mental Well-being in Texas

The Texas art scene is thriving, and its relationship with mental health has strengthened in recent years. Various art events throughout the state, such as those held in Austin and Houston, offer more than just a platform for artistic exhibition. These spaces are now recognized as healing environments, where artists and art lovers alike can connect on a deeper emotional level.

Texas-based artists often use their works to confront mental health issues directly, either through exhibitions focused on the subject or by creating art that reflects their own experiences. Whether it’s vibrant street murals in Austin addressing social issues or intimate gallery pieces reflecting personal struggles, these works serve as a means of conversation. Through art, stigmas surrounding mental health are challenged and dismantled, offering a more open and empathetic dialogue within communities.

Moreover, the healing power of creativity is not limited to traditional art forms. Even outside the realm of physical art, forms of digital and interactive media have taken hold, providing new avenues for mental health recovery. This has contributed to an evolving perspective on how art, technology, and health intersect.

Amid this artistic renaissance, Texas has also become a home to various other forms of entertainment, allowing people to find joy and relaxation. Many see activities like online gaming as a form of distraction and mental escape. In fact, some Texas residents even indulge in online casino games, taking advantage of platforms offering bonuses, such as this list of casinos offering 100 free spins https://playfortune.net.br/bonus/100-rodadas-gratis/. While not traditionally seen as an “art form,” such leisure activities offer a different kind of release, complementing the more traditional therapeutic practices found in the art scene.

The Future of Art Therapy and Mental Health in Texas

As the mental health conversation continues to evolve in Texas, so too does the role of creativity in fostering well-being. Schools, universities, and local community centers are increasingly incorporating art into their mental health programs, understanding that traditional talk therapy may not be sufficient for everyone. For some, painting a picture, crafting a sculpture, or even composing a song is a much-needed release—a way to confront inner turmoil and bring it out into the open.

Artists are also finding their own ways of contributing to this movement. Some host workshops, offering people the chance to engage with various art forms in a safe, non-judgmental environment. These sessions often blend mindfulness techniques with creative expression, giving participants the tools to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

Creativity serves as a bridge between the internal world of emotions and the external world of communication. In Texas, the art scene reflects this bridge, creating safe spaces for people to explore, express, and heal. As the state’s art communities continue to grow, the power of creativity in healing the mind will only expand.

This holistic approach to well-being also draws upon other entertainment mediums to provide mental relief. Online gaming, for example, allows people to disconnect from their immediate concerns and focus on something fun and engaging. Some even enjoy demo versions of popular slots like the Gates of Olympus demo, finding entertainment as a form of temporary mental escape. Although not directly related to the art world, this demonstrates the broad spectrum of creative outlets people are using to maintain their mental well-being.

The Texas art scene is as diverse as its people, and its influence on mental health is becoming more recognized. By weaving creativity into the fabric of emotional healing, Texas artists are not only transforming their own lives but also fostering healthier communities across the state. Whether through traditional art forms, modern digital media, or other creative outlets, Texans are discovering that creativity is a powerful ally in the fight for mental wellness.

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This article delves into how music influences Texas artists, shaping their creative process and producing art that feels as alive as the music that fuels it.

Music as an Emotional Catalyst in Texas Art

At its core, music is a powerful emotional force, and for many visual artists in Texas, it acts as a catalyst for creativity. Whether it’s the soulful sounds of blues drifting through the streets of Austin or the fiery beats of Tejano music, artists are often moved to create visual representations of these sonic experiences. The rhythm, tempo, and melody can evoke memories, stir emotions, and guide the brushstrokes on the canvas, turning sound into form.

For instance, Texas painter and muralist Chris Rogers credits his work’s intensity and emotional depth to the influence of jazz. According to Rogers, improvisational jazz pushes him to break conventional barriers in his art, leading to vibrant, abstract compositions that mirror the genre’s unpredictability. The bold strokes and vivid colour schemes in his murals resonate with the spontaneous and often chaotic nature of live jazz performances. This dynamic flow of music and art gives viewers the sense that the artwork is almost moving with the sound.

Texas is also home to a growing number of artists who use music as a healing force, blending art therapy techniques with their appreciation for sound. Some artists have noted that creating while listening to specific types of music, such as ambient or instrumental, allows them to tap into deeper emotional layers, helping them process personal experiences and express vulnerability through their art. In this sense, music becomes not only an inspiration but also a tool for self-discovery and emotional release.

Cross-Pollination of Genres: Visual Artists Inspired by Texas Sounds

Texas is a melting pot of musical genres, and its artists are not confined to drawing from one style alone. The cross-pollination between different types of music, such as country, rock, blues, and hip-hop, creates a rich tapestry of influences. This diversity mirrors the artistic landscape, where visual artists in cities like Houston and Dallas explore multiple mediums and styles, often driven by the sounds they hear around them.

Take, for example, Austin-based artist Adreon Henry, who blends screen printing and mixed media with the vibrant sounds of electronic music. Henry’s pieces often feel like visual interpretations of soundscapes, where geometric shapes and layered textures mirror the rhythmic beats of techno and electronic genres. For Henry, the visual result of a piece is inseparable from the music that inspired it, often experimenting with his work to create a “visual remix” that echoes a DJ’s technique of layering and reworking tracks.

On a broader scale, festivals in Texas, such as South by Southwest (SXSW), provide platforms for this fusion of music and art. These events allow both musicians and artists to collaborate, producing immersive experiences where visual art is created live alongside musical performances. This real-time interaction between the two mediums showcases the seamless bond between sound and visual expression, inviting viewers and listeners to experience the art through multiple senses.

Sound as Texture: Incorporating Music Directly into Art

While many artists are influenced by music, some take their relationship with sound even further, incorporating music directly into their creative process. This is particularly true for Texas artists who use sound to add texture to their pieces. For these creators, music is not just an inspirational background; it becomes a material component of their work.

One such example is sound artist José Hernandez, whose installations combine visual art with the physical experience of sound waves. His pieces often involve large-scale projections accompanied by music that physically vibrates through the viewer’s body, creating a fully immersive sensory experience. Hernandez draws from a wide variety of musical influences, from Latin rhythms to classical symphonies, creating installations that change how audiences perceive both music and visual art. His work blurs the boundaries between the auditory and visual, making sound as tangible as paint on a canvas.

These experimental approaches, where music is treated as a tactile element, reflect the forward-thinking mindset of Texas artists who are continually pushing the boundaries of how art is created and experienced.

The Future of Music and Art Collaborations in Texas

As technology continues to evolve, the interaction between music and visual art is poised to reach new heights. Texas artists are already at the forefront of these advancements, experimenting with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to create multisensory experiences that blend music and art like never before. Imagine stepping into a gallery where the artwork reacts to the sounds around you, changing colours, shapes, and textures based on the song playing in your headphones. This level of interaction between music and visual art is no longer a far-off concept but a reality being shaped by Texan innovators.

One exciting area of development is the integration of AI-driven music into visual art installations, where both the art and the sound evolve based on the viewer’s interaction. Such projects redefine traditional boundaries, merging sound and visuals into a cohesive, living entity.

In conclusion, Texas artists’ love affair with sound is as complex and diverse as the state’s musical heritage itself. From emotional expression to literal incorporation of music, the artists of Texas continue to find inspiration in the rhythms and melodies around them, proving that when art and music collide, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.

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But then, there are artists out there who put the actual art first, rather than the focus on weaponry, even if their art actually includes guns and other firearms.

With these ideas in mind, here are a few artists who push things to another level.

Graceland

Graceland’s work has always been interpreted in all kinds of ways. One particular piece of work stands out in the crowd, though. There’s a tiny teddy bear with a rifle, as well as a naked lady, religious elements, and what’s referred to as the Sin City. Simply put, this is all about the human condition.

Most of Graceland’s work takes you to dystopian worlds, as well as societies torn apart by war . A subtle dose of humor adds to the art, making it unique in interpretation.

Roy Lichtenstein

Roy Lichtenstein adopts a different approach when it comes to war art, bringing together elements of magazines and cartoons that everyone’s familiar with. Crak! stands out as a dominant piece of art. Enhanced with text balloons and dots like old school comics, it redefines imagery from World War II.

The artist’s work isn’t all about American heroism, but it also represents a funny approach to the pop age, with war realism somewhere in the background.

Banksy

The anonymous Banksy is one of the most popular artists of today’s society, creating simple, but powerful art that pushes against war and violence. Always choosing a deep subject, the artist adds a unique style and a cheeky wit to his work.

Heavy Weaponry is one of the most significant pieces in terms of war art. Not only is it critical for a warring society, but it also has a bit of humor to put a smile on your face.

The fact that Banksy is anonymous gives him or her the opportunity to express without worrying about the consequences.

Nick Veasey

Nick Veasey is famous for his X-ray art, similar to what you’d get in a hospital. Much of his work involving weaponry includes X ray images of concealed weapons. The artist’s work may seem simple, but he has managed to create an expressive narrative with just a couple of objects and a short story.

Some of his top rated pieces of work include Dagger in My Dior and Chanel Packing Heat, yet his cinematic expressions go further than that.

All the work is based on real guns, the type of guns you could even purchase yourself over the Gunsnprices.com guns search engine.

James Georgopoulos

With lots of art inspired from the motion picture field, James Georgopoulos has taken his multimedia art to a different level. The artist explores ideas behind cinematography, meaning he creates beautiful replicas of firearms used in movies.

Take Allied Invasion, for instance, which describes the pistol used by Captain Tanida. It may seem simple, but it’s the type of art that tells a story.

Schoony

Schoony’s realistic work has a bit of history since he’s an expert in special effects and has worked on the sets of numerous movies. Clash of the Titans and Saving Private Ryan are just a few of them. Most of his art features superior 3D effects, hence his immense popularity.

Boy Soldier came out in 2011 and represents one of his best pieces of art. A child, a grenade, a soldier’s helmet, there are all kinds of elements that give this piece a heavy profile and a deep meaning.

Bran Symondson

Bran Symondson does have a solid background in terms of weaponry. After all, he was part of the UK Special Forces and documented the horrors of war on multiple fronts. Soon after finishing his stage in Afghanistan, he decided to become a full time photographer, working for a local newspaper.

Things went to another level in 2012, when he hosted the AKA Peace exhibition, bringing together artists from all over the world against war. Most of his work is based on love, rather than violence. The exhibition had a massive success, with celebrities from all over the world buying his art.

Bottom line, while art and weaponry do go hand in hand, the truth is art doesn’t have to be a violence. It can be a deep and peaceful element to promote love and peace as well and that’s what the above mentioned artists have managed to do.​

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But then, no matter what you’re into, there are artists out there who take live shows to a completely different level. Whether or not you like their music, here are some artists whose shows stand out, the type of artists you should see live at least once.

The Rolling Stones

The iconic English band can certainly host a show. This isn’t just for the fans. If you like rock music just a little, chances are you’ll love such a show. The band has been around for more than half a century. Its presence on a stage is simply electric.

Given their age, they’re less likely to have too many tours in the upcoming years, but keep an eye on this band. If you have the opportunity to see it live, you won’t regret the atmosphere at their shows, especially when it comes to Mick Jagger’s famous moves.

Is Stubhub legit https://sites.google.com/site/legitticketsites/stubhub-reviews-2016 when it comes to tickets? Absolutely, but you would have to hurry.

Mary J. Blige

If you’re after emotions and a deep atmosphere at a live show, make sure you don’t miss Mary J. Blige’s next tour or concert in your area. She’s the type of performer who can take you from one emotion to another, swap you over with the next song, and make you laugh and cry within an hour.

Whether or not you like her music, this type of show isn’t necessarily about the music only, but always about emotions and feelings. In fact, Mary J. Blige is famous for how emotional her concerts and live shows are.

Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars is hard to describe in words. You have a bit of a Michael Jackson vibe from decades ago but with a modern twist. One thing is for sure, though, he’s one of the best performers you’ll ever see live. And since he’s in his prime, chances are you won’t have to wait too long, either.

The atmosphere at his concerts is simply electrifying. Even if you hate dancing, you’ll most likely end up going wild on his music. His moves are amazing, while his backup dancers can certainly put on a nice show. Is Viagogo legit https://sites.google.com/site/legitticketsites/viagogo-reviews to book tickets for his show? Yes, but don’t wait until the last minute, or you’ll be disappointed.

Beyonce

Some love Beyonce, some others think she’s overrated. Either way, she’s one of those artists whose shows can make the difference, whether you love her or not. Seeing her perform is on a lot of people’s bucket lists, no doubt. And it’s not all about the music, but mainly about the energy she transmits.

She’s the type of artist who keeps reinventing every now and then, tackling all kinds of music and touching a broad array of fans. If you’re not sure what to expect from one of her concerts, make sure you watch Homecoming, a documentary about the process behind such a performance.

Is Ticketmaster legit https://sites.google.com/site/legitticketsites/ticketmaster-reviews for Beyonce tickets? Yes, but with thousands of other fans waiting along, you need to be fast once tickets go out.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake is similar. Starting in a boy band, he’s now on himself, yet *NSYNC has also reunited in 2023. Just like Beyonce, he’s managed to stay in the trends for so long by reinventing himself on a regular basis.

His shows will make you melt, whether you watch him on tour with a big act, on his own, or with his former band. Moreover, spreading his genre over more types of music, chances are you’ll definitely find some songs to make you dance.

Adele

Make sure you snap tickets as early as you can if Adele has a concert. The diva doesn’t tour too much because her vocal chords aren’t always in perfect condition. That’s also why she doesn’t release too many albums either. However, her performances are unique.

Again, such a performance isn’t related to your music preferences. Her unique voice will make you shiver whenever she goes on the chorus. And on top of all these, Adele is one of the few performers out there who sound exactly the same as on the record, maybe even better.

Bottom line, this list could be longer with names like Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Lenny Kravitz, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish or Janet Jackson, but the above mentioned artists stand out.

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Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Julian Onderdonk was born to Robert Jenkins Onderdonk, a renowned Texas artist known for his depictions of the American Southwest, and his wife Emily Gould Onderdonk. Growing up in a family of artists, young Julian was exposed to art from an early age. His father’s dedication to capturing the natural beauty of Texas had a profound influence on the young artist’s development.

At the age of 19, Julian Onderdonk embarked on his formal artistic education at the Art Students League of New York, a prestigious institution known for nurturing emerging talents. He studied under renowned artists William Merritt Chase and Frank Vincent DuMond, both of whom played crucial roles in shaping his artistic style.

Onderdonk’s early works were heavily influenced by the teachings of his mentors and the prevailing American Impressionist movement of the time. He developed a fascination with the effects of light and atmosphere on the landscape, a hallmark of Impressionist art.

The Texas Bluebonnet Series

Julian Onderdonk’s artistic career reached a turning point when he returned to his native San Antonio in 1909. It was during this time that he embarked on what would become his most iconic and celebrated series of paintings – the Texas Bluebonnet series. These works are a testament to Onderdonk’s deep connection with the Texas Hill Country and his ability to capture its essence with remarkable skill.

The Texas Bluebonnet series primarily features fields of vibrant bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas, set against the backdrop of the Hill Country’s undulating hills and clear blue skies. Onderdonk’s mastery of color and light is evident in these paintings, as he expertly conveys the interplay of sunlight on the landscape, creating an ethereal and almost dreamlike quality in his works.

One of the most renowned pieces from this series is “Bluebonnet Landscape.” This painting, with its striking blue and green hues, is an exemplar of Onderdonk’s ability to infuse his canvases with a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. It remains an enduring symbol of the Texas Hill Country’s allure.

Technique and Style

Julian Onderdonk’s artistic technique and style set him apart as a luminary of American Impressionism. His work is characterized by several distinctive features:

1. Luminosity: Onderdonk had an exceptional ability to capture the brilliance of natural light in his paintings. He employed a delicate and layered technique, using thin washes of paint to create a luminous effect that bathed his landscapes in a soft, radiant glow.

2. Color Palette: The artist’s choice of colors was a defining element of his style. His use of blues, greens, and purples to depict the Texas Hill Country’s flora and landscapes is particularly noteworthy. Onderdonk’s color palette conveyed a sense of harmony and serenity that resonated deeply with viewers.

3. Brushwork: Onderdonk’s brushwork was expressive yet controlled. He combined loose, impressionistic strokes with finer details to create a sense of depth and texture. This technique allowed his paintings to convey both the immediacy of the scene and a sense of timelessness.

4. Atmosphere and Mood: Beyond mere visual representation, Onderdonk’s paintings exude a sense of atmosphere and mood. His landscapes often evoke a feeling of tranquility and contemplation, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the scenery.

Recognition and Legacy

Julian Onderdonk’s contributions to American Impressionism and his dedication to depicting the Texas Hill Country earned him recognition and acclaim during his lifetime. He exhibited his works in prestigious venues such as the National Academy of Design and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. His art resonated with audiences, and his paintings found their way into private collections and museums.

Tragically, Julian Onderdonk’s life was cut short at the age of 40 when he succumbed to pneumonia in 1922. Despite his relatively brief career, his impact on the art world, particularly in Texas, endures to this day. His legacy is celebrated through museums, galleries, and institutions dedicated to preserving and showcasing his work.

The San Antonio Art League Museum houses a significant collection of Onderdonk’s paintings, providing visitors with the opportunity to appreciate the artist’s profound connection to the Texas Hill Country. Additionally, the Witte Museum in San Antonio features an extensive exhibit dedicated to Onderdonk’s life and work, allowing art enthusiasts to delve into the artist’s creative journey and his lasting impact on the region’s artistic heritage.

Contemporary Influence

Julian Onderdonk’s influence extends beyond his own time, with contemporary artists finding inspiration in his works and the landscapes he celebrated. The Texas Hill Country continues to attract artists who seek to capture its captivating beauty on canvas.

Artists like David Caton and Margie Crisp have drawn from Onderdonk’s legacy and the Texas Bluebonnet series in their own creations. They pay homage to his ability to convey the unique allure of the region and its natural splendor.

Conclusion

Julian Onderdonk’s artistic legacy is inseparable from the Texas Hill Country. His ability to capture the essence of this remarkable landscape through his luminous and impressionistic paintings has left an indelible mark on American art. His Texas Bluebonnet series, in particular, stands as a testament to his mastery of color, light, and atmosphere.

As we admire Onderdonk’s works today, we are transported to a world where the Texas Hill Country’s rolling hills and wildflowers come alive on canvas. Julian Onderdonk’s enduring influence serves as a reminder of the power of art to connect us with the natural world and the cultural heritage of a place. In the heart of Texas, his paintings continue to kindle a sense of wonder and appreciation for the timeless beauty of the Hill Country he so masterfully depicted.

The post Julian Onderdonk: Capturing the Texas Hill Country in Art appeared first on Jo 2Ely.

CASSANDRA CLARKE

Cassandra Clarke is a Chicago-born visual artist based in Austin and Miami who specializes in a variety of mediums. Her recent work is inspired by the fragility and beauty of nature.

MAEVOLUTION

Mason Bradley, aka MAEVOLUTION, is a self-taught emerging artist born and raised in Austin. His style is minimal as he combines colors, patterns, and Japanese imagery to create poster-like digital illustrations.

JANET NEVAREZ

Former ART contributor and 13th issue cover designer Jeanette Nevarez captures the beauty of the human form in intimate photographs.

ALYSSA YOUNG

Mixed media and acrylic artist Alyssa Young has always been inspired to create something new and unique.

HRYHORIY MIRALIYA

Trialist Gregory Miralia, aka Miltiad, paints and practices law in his dream job in Austin, Texas.

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So, of course, there is Onderdonk. Julian Onderdonk is considered the master of blue bonnets. His works are stunning, breathtaking, magnificent and valuable – up to half a million for a canvas.

Next, perhaps, is Porfirio Salinas, a master who was made famous by none other than the President of the United States and Texas, Lyndon B. Johnson.

Julian Onderdonk (1882-1922, San Antonio)

Robert Julian Onderdonk studied with his father, the artist Robert Jenkins Onderdonk, and then moved to the Art Students League of New York to study with William Merritt Chase, among others. During this same period, he also helped organize art exhibitions for the Texas State Fair in Dallas, which allowed him to become more familiar with the landscapes of the Lone Star State.

Jos e Arpa (1858-1952, San Antonio)

José Arpa y Perea was a versatile artist and a brilliant colorist. His ability to handle sunlight earned him the nickname “The Sun Man”. His style was realistic, and his free, flowing drawing created a fascinating atmosphere. Former Witte Museum curator emeritus and historian Cecilia Steinfeldt praised his “understanding of dazzling light and his manipulation of radiant color” and “skill as a watercolorist” in her book Art for History.

Emma Louisa (Richardson) Cherry (1859-1954, Houston)

Emma Louise (Richardson) Cherry was not only an accomplished artist, she was a very key player in bringing the Impressionist movement (from which many bluebonnet artists found inspiration) to the Texas art scene. Cherry brought the first exhibition of Impressionist art to Texas at the Texas Coast Fair in Dickinson in November 1896. In the exhibition catalog, Cherry describes Impressionism: “The pure prismatic effects of color, the brightness of daylight, and the vibration of atmosphere are the main points of this school of painting.”

Paul Rodda Cook (1897-1972, Austin, San Antonio, Houston)

Originally from Uvalde, Texas, Paul Rodda Cooke did not actually pursue a career as an artist until he came of age. It was an illness that forced him to return to San Antonio from out of state to take care of his family. His recovery required him to be outdoors, and Breckenridge Park was often his choice. It was here that he was inspired to sketch and paint trees. He soon crossed paths with Hugo Paul, who had a studio in the park. Paul became his first art teacher and provided Cook with the techniques to master his craft as a draftsman.

Cook continued his art education in Taos, New Mexico, where he studied with Walter Ufer and Leon Gaspar, then in Boston and Woodstock, New York, with several other well-known artists. Cooke was able to support himself by completing portrait commissions and selling his other paintings. Cecilia Steinfeldt described Cook’s work as representing “the transitional period between the Blue Bonnet school and the non-objective painting in Texas.” A highlight of Cook’s career was his solo exhibition at the Witte Museum of Art in 1935, where his Hill Country landscapes were compared to those of Onderdonk in terms of composition and execution.

Eloise Polk (EP) McGill (1868-1939, San Antonio)

Born in Independence, Texas, in 1868, Eloise Polk McGill began her studies with San Antonio artist Robert Jenkins Onderdonk and continued her studies at the Art Students League in New York City. Here she studied with William Merritt Chase and the miniature painter Rhoda Carlton Holmes Nicholls. She then spent some time in Paris under the tutelage of Robert Reed. She quickly gained popularity and exhibited extensively, starting in 1888 at the age of 20, always signing her work “EP McGill”.

McGill was an impressionist painter. She experimented with texture, purposefully introducing it into her work. McGill’s landscape paintings capture the essence of natural light, from the dazzling midday light to the warmth of the golden hour.

The post The best artists of Bluebonnet appeared first on Jo 2Ely.

Larry Prellop – land and seascape painter

When it comes to land and seascape paintings, there are few better in this artistic medium than Larry Prellop. A professional artist for over 50 years, Prellop’s paintings have been sold all over the world. Now he works his magic at his Prellop Fine Art Gallery, which he opened in 1995 after seeing how well his work was selling at Salado Art Gallery.

Kay Griffith is an abstract expressionist

Kay Griffith’s colorful, thought-provoking paintings have earned her a reputation as one of the world’s best abstract expressionists. An artist since the mid-1990s, Griffith’s paintings have been shown in art galleries and competitions across the country, Canada, Japan, and Europe. Luckily, you don’t have to travel the world to see Griffith’s inspiring work, as she has been working out of her Salado studio since 2003. Even then, Salado “had a reputation for having a wide range of original art that attracts clients from all over Texas, the country, and beyond.”

Bob Hargrove – painter, photographer and jewelry artist

An artist of many talents, Bob Hargrove has been a significant part of the Salado art scene since 1999. “I love the different aspects of all the different mediums I work in,” says Hargrove. “Photography is very precise and methodical, while oil painting is the opposite. I like to paint large and colorful annotations. Painting is much freer for me. Through jewelry, I can join people in their happiness.” An artist from a young age, he now draws inspiration from music, ancient mythology, and “seeing and hearing about the work that my fellow artists do here in Salado.” He first came to Salado for a summer job at a studio owned by Ann Benton, wife of founder Jim Benton, when he was 16. It was here that he learned the craft of jewelry making.

Michael Pritchett – artist and illustrator

It took only one visit to convince Michael Pritchett to open a gallery in Salado. “I absolutely fell in love with the creative community and decided to make Salado my home,” Pritchett said. “I didn’t know much (about the village) before I opened my gallery here, only that there was a collection of very talented artists throughout the community. Honestly, it was a utopia for artists making a living.” Pritchett, a former fashion designer and graphic artist, has painted with acrylic and oil paints, charcoal, colored pencil, graphite and pastels at the Sirril Art Gallery.

Holly Davis is an acrylic artist, illustrator and pyrographer

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of selling my art,” says Holly Davis, artist and owner of Uniquely Salado. An expert in acrylic paintings, pen and ink illustrations, and woodburning, Davis says she enjoys all forms of art, but she has a favorite. “I love my painting called ‘Rain,’ a contemporary abstraction that has texture and movement because it stimulates conversations, evokes emotion, and speaks to a time in my life that continues to this day,” she says.

Nature and the work of other artists are Davis’ muses for her own work, which you can see (along with Rain) at Uniquely Salado. Uniquely Salado, an artists’ cooperative, is a microcosm of Salado’s art scene, as it features art created by more than 30 local artists, from painters and photographers to carpenters and weavers. “Salado is a unique place that attracts many artists,” she says. “Wherever you go, you will find works of art. It’s a great place to find quality original artwork by locals who often create their artwork while you shop. In my gallery, the artwork is not reproduced from originals, but instead one-of-a-kind pieces at prices you can afford.”

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A woman long ahead of her time, Gay Geddis founded T3 in 1989 in Austin, which has grown to become one of the largest women-owned advertising agencies in the country. She now paints Texas landscapes from her ranch in the Hill Country. All twenty pieces presented during her first exhibition at New York’s Curator Gallery last May sold out.
Photo courtesy of Gay Geddis

Textures, colors, and sizes – everything about Dan Lam’s sculptures is fascinating. She has cleverly named her various collections as they appear: “squishy,” “drippy,” and “drops.” But regardless of the category, we can’t stop exploring them from every angle. Born in Manila and educated at the University of North Texas, Lem uses polyurethane foam, acrylic paint, and resin to make her sculptures. (Miley Cyrus is a fan – she may have found her through Instagram, where Lem has over 115,000 followers.)

Kyle Steed has become a well-known muralist in the Big D, having completed large-scale works along the Trinity Strand walkway, on the roof of the Plaza of the Americas, and inside Oak Cliff Coffee. However, he also enjoys working on smaller canvases with just a pen and paper. Steed mostly avoids color, preferring a black and white palette. “I like the constraints it gives me, forcing me to deal with the intention of the piece rather than an emotional connection to color,” he says. From time to time, Steed shares pieces on his blog that are available for free download, like a recent small piece that featured the phrase “A Little Loves Goes a Long Way,” which he encouraged people to send to friends or post on their wall.

Xavier Shipani, a Washington, D.C.-based resident and Maryland Institute College of Art graduate, currently lives and paints in East Austin, where his work often explores sexuality, gender identity, and pop culture. His clever use of graphics and fearless approach to color have attracted fans such as the Foo Fighters. He created the cover art for the band’s EP Saint Cecilia, which was recorded over a long weekend at the South Austin hotel it is named after.

Trained as a landscape architect, Erica Huddleston spends her days painting on canvas in many of Texas’ urban parks. From Shoal Creek to the Trinity River, the artist who grew up in Dallas is most interested in exploring nature in urban settings. From huge branches to delicate flowers, all of the images in her paintings and drawings are life-size oils.

LAND’s Caleb Owen Everitt and Ryan Rhodes spend most of their time working on brands like Ace Hotels, Nike, and Patagonia from their headquarters in East Austin. And yet it’s their artwork, like this original oil on found canvas piece, that we can’t get enough of.

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Beth’s subjects are relativistic to cultural norms, drawing attention to historical concepts and events that society often chooses to ignore.

These days, the Texas-born Beth Rubel is something of a nomadic artist, traveling back and forth from Texas to California to complete her remarkable murals. At the age of 15, Beth painted her first mural at the Crisis Center in Bastrop, Texas, which consisted of bustling garden scenes in the therapy rooms. Since then, Beth has painted more than a dozen murals.

Most of Beth’s wall art is found throughout the state of Texas. However, Beth has completed four stunning murals in Sacramento. The last two murals, “I Believe,” completed in 2022, are located in Sacramento. And the newest mural, “Black History Month,” is located in downtown Sacramento behind the CRNA building.

The Paper Bag Test Series is a large collection of portraits of people of African or African American descent created in 2013-2017. Beth’s most recent work, Higher Education: Learning Toys, represents a movement and combines pop culture or current events with historical and iconic children’s toys.

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