Highland Lakes Creative Arts

UPDATE: The city of Marble Falls has cancelled the spring break program in an effort to promote "social distancing" to minimize the threat of the potential spread of COVID-19, according to a press release issued at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13.

Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Parks and recreation officials will go forward with plans for the 2020 Spring Break Program with a couple of modifications as a result of concerns by outside entities about the coronavirus.

Artists are all around Marble Falls, competing in Paint the Town, the annual plein air art event of Highland Lakes Creative Arts (HLCA).

Fans and visitors can soak up their techniques and artistic vision in three days of fun events.

“We are billed as one of the top 5 plein air events in Texas,” said Carolyn Bates of the HLCA board. “And, we're asking the community to 'Fire Up for Paint the Town.'

“Through Saturday, plein air artists will be painting in Marble Falls and the surrounding bluebonnet-filled countryside. Visitors will be able to watch them at work and view the finished art.”

Paint the Town, the annual plein air art event of Highland Lakes Creative Arts (HLCA), will bring 40 open-air artists to Marble Falls, along with three days of fun events for fans and visitors.

“We are billed as one of the top 5 plein air events in Texas,” said Carolyn Bates of the HLCA board. “And, we're asking the community to 'Fire Up for Paint the Town.'

“Thursday through Saturday, plein air artists will be painting in Marble Falls and the surrounding bluebonnet-filled countryside. Visitors will be able to watch them at work and view the finished art.”

From 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day Paint the Town Galleries will be open and exhibiting/sales space is doubled.
Now is the time, Bates said to purchase the $50 tickets for the Friday night reception, Introducing 2017 Paint the Town, that will include the results of the Nocturnal Paint Out, with local craft foods, wine, beers and live music.

Paint the Town, a plein air, or open air, competition March 30 – April 1 will host 40 artists from around the country to capture the scenes of Marble Falls and you can have a ring-side seat.

Texas bluebonnets are a topical favorite and you can pack a lunch and a lawn chair and watch their artworks magically appear. Organizers of the event from Highland Lakes Creative Arts suggest looking for artists at work at these prime locations:

• Bella Vista B&B--1455 Cimarron Ranch Road--off Ranch to Market Road 1431 east on Lake Travis. (Charming country inn with beautiful vistas.)

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

The Marble Falls City Council on Tuesday, March 7, heard a proposal that could bring large permanent sculpture installations to town.

The council also considered a full agenda, but it was presentations from the creative community, medical sector and appraisal district which sparket the most interest.

She was introduced by Robert Moss, director of the Parks & Recreation Department, who expressed willingness to work with City Manager Mike Hodge on the project.

Carolyn Bates of the Highland Lakes Creative Arts (HLCRA) Board of Directors addressed the council to say that owners of Sculpture Ranch and Galleries south of Johnson City were selling the property.

“They are moving sculptures back the artists except for about 15 major works,” said Bates. “Basically, the artists want the work displayed. This could be part of making Marble Falls the arts destination for the State of Texas.

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

Paint the Town, this year billed to rise to the top five of plein air exhibits in Texas, is set to open March 27-29.

The event is an invitational for 40 juried, open-air artists to invade Marble Falls and create scenes of the city on site.

“We will see them painting in historic Marble Falls, along the waterfront and on private countryside properties,” said Carolyn Bates, one of the organizers. “A map will be provided of all locations so visitors can watch the artists at work.”

“Eric Rhoads, who is the major U.S. advocate for the plein air movement and also the owner of Streamline Publishing's “Plein Air” and “Fine Art Connoisseur” magazines, is the Paint the Town judge for this year,” said Bates.

Bates will be mentoring the sponsoring organization, Highland Lakes Creative Arts (which members refer to simply as the arts) and Paint the Town in their goal of being one of the top five plein air events

Highland Lakes Creative Arts (HLCA) has announced the first purchase in the permanent sculpture installation initiative of Sculpture on Main.

Eleven sculptures were introduced at the opening of the 11th annual event Dec. 2. Although entries in the show remain on exhibit along Marble Falls' Main Street, all are for sale.

The colorful set of metal sculptures, “3 Ponies” by Johnny Shipman has been purchased by an anonymous donor who already has named the three to represent family residences. The stallion will be named Kosse for a Limestone County family ranch, the mare will be called Dallas and the colt will be Rocky, for a Rockport residence.

Shipman has exhibited all over the Central Texas Area and several years in the Sculpture on Main event, selling several premier pieces to local patrons.

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

With 11 new works in place, the 11th Annual Sculpture on Main in Marble Falls began officially Friday, Dec. 2, with a Meet the Artists reception and the presentation of four major awards.

Best of Show was awarded to “Bull's Eye,” and 8-foot tall, 2,500-pound creation by acclaimed New Mexico granite sculptor Candyce Garrett.

“We were pleased to receive an entry by a sculptor of Candyce Garrett's stature,” said Carolyn Bates of the board of directors of Highland Lakes Creative Arts (HLCA), sponsor of Sculpture on Main. “The entry is valued at $120,000.”

The Commendation Award went to “Cache del Mar” by Marshall Cunningham and the People's Choice Award, to “Trois Jets D'eau” (Three Water Jets) by Helene Vachon and Mark Jaschke.

“We were able to add a new award this year—a Kid's Choice Award,” said Bates. “That went to the “Freshwater Cowgirl” by Anthony St. James.

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

Eleven sculptures will be featured in the 11th Annual Sculpture on Main event in Marble Falls, opening with fun from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2.

Highland Lakes Creative Arts, the new non-profit organization coordinating the event will add an indoor small works exhibit and sale all day at Lakeside Pavilion, 307 Buena Vista Drive. Visitors will be able to purchase table-top pieces, meet artists and watch live sculpture demonstrations.

From 6:30-9 p.m., Sculpture on Main will honor all the artists in the new year-long exhibit. Meet the Artist is a ticketed reception and awards ceremony with three live music performances, gourmet food and wine. Surrounded by the glow of the Walkway of Lights, guests will meet all the artists and peruse table-size sculptures and watch a culinary show.