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APRIL 2008
Picture perfect Art Walk draws crowds downtown
Message from Executive Director
Downtown organization strengthened
Mind’s eye: Downtown residential living
Shuffling & cutting rocks for history
Picture perfect Art Walk draws crowds downtown
By Lucie Hofheins
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Downtown groups came together to present the First Downtown Art Walk Thursday, March 13, 2008. Art galleries, specialty shops and downtown merchants welcomed visitors and art enthusiasts. The event kicked off with a 5:30 p.m. reception at the Museum of Fine Arts with Trolley service provided.
The colorful trolley car was observed gathering riders at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, and whisking them away in pursuit of an array of downtown art exhibits. Passengers were overheard stating how much they were enjoying the event and how it brought a sense of community to the downtown area. A number of participants preferred to stroll down streets at their leisure.
Art Walk maps were provided to assist in identifying galleries, special exhibits and businesses taking part in the event. From the Museum the transport route proceeded to:
- Concho Avenue venues, Miss Hattie’s, 26 E. Concho and D’Vine Wine-Concho Crossing - both featuring live music.
- The Signature Fine Art and Concho Art Galleries both located in the Cactus Hotel, 36 E. Twohig, were next on the map, and visitors examined a variety of paintings and sculptures on display.
- The Black Swan Gallery, 118 S. Chadbourne provided further enjoyable works of art.
- North Chadbourne Street was alive with visitors in and out of the Ruiz Studio and Framework Gallery and Mejo Okon’s Art Studio.
- On to the Kendall Gallery, 119 W. 1st Street
- J. Walker Gallery, 221 S. Chadbourne
- The Glass Prism, 225 S. Chadbourne
- Fisher Arts Gallery & Studio, 526 Orient (Old Town)
- San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts 1 Love Street
Downtown merchants remained open late to accommodate visitors. Downtown streets were alive with activity and the event was a big success. As a result, plans for monthly downtown events including future art walks have been coordinated.
Next art walk: April 18, 2008 — in conjunction with National Ceramic Competition April 18 –22, 6–9 p.m. San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love St.
Executive Director’s Message
By Del Velasquez
A BIG Texas welcome to our new members of the Board of Directors, Mr. Dujan McCoy, President and CEO Bayou City Broadcasting, and Mr. Lane Puckitt, with Lee & Lee Puckitt, a Texas Ranch Real Estate Brokers and Appraisers.
The Texas Historical Commission selected San Angelo as one of two cities for developing the Visionaries In Preservation (VIP) program. Beginning in September of last year, Josh Lasserre, State Coordinator Visionaries in Preservation Community Heritage Development Division, began working with our very own Barbara Hesse, Historic San Angelo Inc. Ms. Hesse serving as Chairwoman of the San Angelo Visionaries In Preservation; along with Shawn Lewis, Planning Director are establishing the foundation of this program in San Angelo. Many of you participated at the first Community Open House public forum meeting. Future meetings are scheduled every fourth Tuesday of the month for the next 10 months at Fort Concho Officers Quarters 8. The program provides essential means for the community to come together to develop a strategic plan along with city staff representatives, elected officials, social and civic leaders, and individuals both in the public and private sectors. In relationship to Downtown San Angelo, Inc. (DSA), this program is a welcomed addition towards building on to the DSA 2008 Work Plan. Many of the goals set by the DSA Board of Directors are included as a part of the vision being established by the VIP program. From my perspective, this program can help recruit additional resources in further implementation of many DSA goals and programs; therefore, I encourage you to get involved in the VIP program and further represent our organization in this endeavor.
The 1st Ever Downtown Art Walk was a hit with the galleries, San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, and our citizens. The turn-out for this event far surpassed my expectations, as people lined the sidewalks from north to south. The Trolley’s were filled with art enthusiasts enjoying the beautiful West Texas weather, and better yet the talents of the artistic community. Due to the outstanding results we will continue to put into action a Downtown Art Walk every third Thursday of the month from April to September in 2008.
The City’s approval process for sheep placement on private property is nearing completion. Our hope is that by the time you read this message several more of the fiberglass sheep will be on display throughout the city.
Congratulations to DSA Board Member Susan Morris, along with Roger Blocker, DSA Economic Restructuring Committee member whose leadership solicited and gained the support of Texas Tech Architectural Graduate program to help develop plans demonstrating potential transformation ofone of our historic buildings into modern day lofts. The architectural renditions of the old Household Furniture Building, 111 -117 N. Chadbourne are great examples of what can happen, now if we could only get the private capital!
On a sad note, our long time Executive Assistant, Lucie Hofheins decided it was time for new adventures and resigned on February 29. I know many of you expressed and share my sentiments about Lucie’s departure from DSA and that is she will be truly missed. Her devotion and passion for our city and especially DSA, is hard to match. Also, we say good-bye to long time supporter Bill Carter, formerly with KIDY television. Mr. Carter resigned from the DSA Board of Directors on March 3, 2008 after 25 years of service to the entire San Angelo community.
Downtown organization strengthened: Increased community support
By Lucie Hofheins
 Lee Pfluger places membership calls as Bobby Eggemeyer looks over days totals as DSA establishes continued membership pledges and area wide support. |
Forty-five new members were added to current membership roster for the 2008 program year. Over 250 businesses and individuals have joined in downtown revitalization and preservation efforts.
DSA’s membership drive, Call-A-Thon, conducted February 26 & 27th at the Top of the Cactus Hotel established this fund raising tool as both effective and rewarding.
Participating board members commented that response from the community was favorable due in large part to Downtown San Angelo’s hard work and numerous accomplishments thus far.
DSA is developing plans for two membership meetings, in May & September 2008. These get-togethers will offer the opportunity to provide up-dated information to all members as well as providing key-note speakers to address downtown developments and insight on upcoming projects. Information on seminars will be provided soon.
Downtown parking
By Lucie Hofheins
Downtown San Angelo, Inc. has asked the City Development Services Department to present a proposal to City Council to consider a standard 3 hour parking limit for all of the downtown area.
A suggested change to the parking code was presented to the Council at the April 15, 2008 meeting by Shawn Lewis, Director of Planning and Development Services. The request centered on changing to a standalone policy which would give the City Manager the authority to change parking time limits as needed. This action would result in reduced modifications to the current ordinance. If approved, the impact of the change would be monitored for a year. Based on the data collected, a review for necessary variations would subsequently be considered. Implementation of this proposal is dependent on final approval by City Council.
Remembering School Days
By Lucie Hofheins
Step into the San Angelo School and Teacher Supply store on North Chadbourne and look up. Set on a ledge which does not exist, but has been painted to give appearance of such, are seasonal depictions. Many will take you back to your own school days. Also, as is Ms. Crystal Goodman’s trademark, look for the caricatures of small mice skillfully concealed in the art work.
Well-recognized for her creativity and artistic talents, Crystal has once again provided images which will delight both young and old. Estella Santos, Store Operator, will stop to describe each scene, and tell of the inspiration for the project.
Sheep sighting
By Lucie Hofheins
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Goodfellow Air Force Services Department has placed yet another of the finished fiberglass sheep forms at the 1st Community Federal Credit Union on Wildewood. Appropriately sporting red white and blue, this patriotic form was painted by artist Suzanne McGee.
The sheep are part of the October, 2007 Sheep-tacular event sponsored by Downtown San Angelo, Inc.
San Angelo’s City Council has approved the placement of several additional sheep in public locations for a three year period. Watch for these colorful and inspired figures as they are placed about San Angelo.
Mind’s eye: Downtown residential living
by Lucie Hofheins
An idea to promote residential living in the downtown was brought to Representative Drew Darby by Susan Morris and Roger Blocker, downtown revitalization activists. Mr. Darby was asked if the Texas Tech School of Architecture would be interested in a project for downtown San Angelo. The project involved design strategies for renovating a historic downtown building with the aim towards future housing in the downtown area. The response was encouraging and resulted in contact with Texas Tech Professor of Architecture, John White.
With 30-plus years with the School of Architecture, Mr. White specializes in preservation and renovation and has been involved with restoration projects throughout the United States. Upon visiting the San Angelo area he proposed a studio project. Early in January 2008, 10 graduate architect students from Texas Tech, Lubbock, were enlisted. The estimated timeframe to complete the project was 4 to 5 weeks.
Now the only thing needed was the building. John West, owner of the Old Household Furniture building located at 11 North Chadbourne was approached. Built in 1890 the structure served as a furniture store into the late ’70s. In the 30 years Mr. West has owned the property it has served as a storage facility.
Enthused by the proposal Mr. West opened the building to the students who carried tape measures, drawing boards, cameras and all necessary equipment. Some measured, others sketched until every square inch was accounted for including basement, roof, attic and building exterior. Drew Darby as well as City representatives arrived on scene to inquire and offer information regarding zoning and related issues.
At day’s end, Ms. Morris invited the group to her home where they were provided with a home-cooked dinner which she and Mr. Blocker prepared. Both teacher and students remarked it was just the relaxing manner with which to end an exciting and worthwhile day.
Completed designs and concepts were presented in March 2008 at a luncheon held at the meeting room in the River Café, 20 W. Beauregard. Students proudly suspended their drawings on all four walls of meeting room. Each presented their visualization complete with renderings and schematic drawings. These designs remain on display at this location, and visitors to the area are encouraged to drop by and view just some of the visions for downtown living.
Shuffling & cutting rocks for history
By Lucie Hofheins
The sixth annual West Texas Regional Domino Tournament took place on March 14, 15 & 16th at Station 618 S. Chadbourne. This event offered fellowship, good food and abundant fun.
The general rules of the partnership and ring games were provided to all participants, and these competitors wasted no time. Long before volunteers arrived to set-up, a number of players were deep rooted in practice games. Concentration was the rule of the day and spectators were admonished if too noisy.
Dal DeWees, Tournament Chairman, along with Ron Giddiens, his friend and business partner, started the competition in 2003.
enefiting Historic Murals of San Angelo (HMSA), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving San Angelo’s rich history through external art, the annual tournament has provided significant funding for the fabulous downtown murals presently completed.
Since March of 2002, Historic Murals of San Angelo has completed the transformation of neglected downtown buildings into murals depicting the energy and vitality once experienced in the heart of the city. A 2007 Mural Map has been made available on HMSA’s web site www.historicmuralsofsanangelo.org
HMSA’s theme “Our Past Has Us Up Against The Walls” aptly describes the efforts of this group to preserve and beautify the downtown area.
For additional information, contact Susan Morris, Board of Director President at 325-944-1443 or Fax 325-949-9493.
Let the games begin
By Lucie Hofheins
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Saturday, March 15 at the Top of the Cactus Hotel, Mah Jongg teams gathered for their exclusive tournament. Coordinated by Lisa Fuentes, the day-long event included tournament style competition, luncheon, silent auction and a drawing for distinctive door prizes. The three round event attracted a number of participants. Monies raised will also help with the upcoming Historic Mural projects.
- 1st prize: Original Oriental Painting donated by Sue Daniels, Black Swan Fine Art
- 2nd prize: Mohair Rug donated by the Mohair Council
- 3rd prize: Beretta Model 391 URIKA2 12 gauge automatic 28” barrel shotgun donated by Hirshfeld Steel
Old Town on Orient Street
By Lucie Hofheins
Historic San Angelo, the Old Town Conservancy and the City of San Angelo have completed this distinctive project featuring restored historic buildings to adaptive use. Through the combined efforts of all participants, the grounds are beautifully landscaped. Identifying banners have been placed along the sidewalk.
- The Baker Building: relocated from Chadbourne Street
- The Allen Hartgrove House: from Twohig Avenue
- The Camunez Grocery Store: a neighborhood favorite on 14th Street
- The Zenker House: from Preusser Street A Small House: relocated from Concho Avenue
Local shopping
- Local Businesses maintain diversity and community character through their unique products, services and atmosphere. Many times they are located in historic buildings which preserves the authenticity of the space.
- Small Community Owned Businesses give more time and money to local activities and charitable organizations
- A greater economic impact is realized when buying from an independent business as a larger share of each dollar spent stays in the community. Additionally, the economic impact of dollars spent at local businesses is increased through a local multiplier effect.
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