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NOVEMBER 2008
Three-day Art-o-ber Fest brings energy downtown
Message from Executive Director
2008 Miss Wool contestants detected downtown
Newly opened downtown business recognized
Black Swan Gallery: award finalist
Preservation action plan unveiled
Special thanks to Art-o-ber Fest volunteers and sponsors
Three-day Art-o-ber Fest brings energy downtown
By Lucie Hofheins
October 16–18, 2008 brought a flurry of activity to downtown San Angelo which commenced with the now monthly Art Walk.
As an added twist, a Car Show was included and took place in the parking lot at 26 E. Twohig. Approximately 25 specialty automobiles were on display as downtown visitors explored each. Car owners were on hand to provide all the details on their “collector” model.
As an added treat, Joe Atkinson provided musical entertainment throughout the evening.
Art galleries and downtown businesses participating in the Art Walk included: Kendall Art Gallery, Okon Studio, C. Goodman Art, Linton Music Studio, Ruiz Studio, Black Swan Gallery, The House of FiFi Dubois, Bonnie Beesley Rug Gallery, The Glass Prism, Concho Gallery, Blues Inn at Sealy Flats, San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, Wool ’n Cotton Shop, Fort Concho, Historic Murals of San Angelo, The Cactus Hotel (live music in lobby), J Wilde's, D'Vine Wine and Miss Hattie's Café.
A highlight of the October Art Walk was the Central High School Drama readings for children which was hosted by the Adult Literacy Council.
Free Trolley service was provided. The monthly downtown art walks are sponsored by Downtown San Angelo, Inc., The San Angelo of Fine Arts and the San Angelo Cultural Affairs Council.
On Friday evening in award-winning “Merchants Alley” the G-LAMB-o-RAM-a-Ball, sponsored by Downtown San Angelo, Inc., took place. This venue just hhind the Texas Theatre provided the ideal space for a feature performance by local band Funky Munky.
Opening performance for the evening was provided by Jim Atkinson who writes most of his own music.
Participants danced under the stars and experienced an enjoyable evening.
Executive Director’s Message
By Del Velasquez
Downtown San Angelo, Inc. is moving forward to the beat of anticipation and an optimistic outlook. The revitalization efforts being led by our organization continue taking shape as we integrate ideas and execute with strong leadership and commitment.
Our membership has grown from 197 to 245 members. This increase has been due to the efforts of many of you but two individuals have dedicated themselves to assure our membership grows and they are our Chairman Lee Pfluger and Executive Assistant Lucie Hofheins' Both have dedicated themselves to recruiting membership and increasing our support.
Our funding has increased surpassing last year's efforts. This allows us to actively engage the community and city government as partners in our endeavors to create a positive change in the downtown district.
The Downtown Art Walk started off with a bang and continues to grow in momentum. This event has generated interest throughout the city and our galleries and merchants are singing its praises. We continue to add merchants willing to participate increasing commerce opportunities.
The Sheep Spectacular has been a tremendously successful project. Thanks to the tireless work of Brenda Gunter another group of newly painted fiberglass sheep are on display, The Convention & Visitors Bureau cites that one of the most frequent calls to the bureau is the question, “Where are the sheep located?”
The Angelo State University Homecoming Sheep Spectacular parade brought attention to the student population and has created a new partnership with the ASU Honors Program. Students involved in this program volunteered by assisting with the overall coordination of the weekend activities.
The herculean efforts of Mayor J.W. Lown and San Angelo native and Texas Historical Commissioner Mario Castillo have assured that San Angelo will soon not be forgotten by the Texas Historical Commission as they visited our fair city and the special attention focused on our downtown district.
One of the proudest assurances of being affiliated with our organization comes when citizens comments about Downtown San Angelo, Inc. serve to recognize the group as the catalyst and the driving force behind the upsurge of a vibrant downtown San Angelo.
Pancakes, parade, pageantry
By Lucie Hofheins
On the corner of Concho Avenue and Chadbourne Street early morning visitors to the downtown San Angelo were treated to a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Lions Clubs of San Angelo.
Approximately 650 meals were served throughout the morning as participants eagerly anticipated the ASU Homecoming Parade.
For the first time Angelo State University elected to host its Homecoming Parade in the downtown area. The parade was right on schedule and commenced at 11 a.m.
ASU's Marching Band, drill team and various sectors of the university were on hand. Brightly covered floats, area high school cheerleaders, ROTC groups and more paraded along downtown streets lined with abundant spectators.
Cleverly incorporated were “wool transport” pick-up trucks which carried the 2008 Miss Wool contestants. Nestled atop hay bales these b“we”ty queens are the newest in the Sheep Fiberglass Art Project sponsored by Downtown San Angelo.
To add to the mix, a variety of crafters displayed their wares along the streets. Items ranging from jewelry, needlework and original paintings could be purchased.
A bounce house could be observed behind Miss Hattie’s restaurant as little ones could be seen jumping about, while other children took advantage of the day's activities to have their faces painted.
The Adult Literacy Council also hosted drama readings by Central High School drama students, and a “Concho Pearl” cake walk drew visitors to take a chance and win a delicious pastry.
2008 Miss Wool contestants detected downtown
By Lucie Hofheins
 Happy Trails to ‘EWE’ |
What began a tongue-in-cheek replication of the “Miss Wool” Contest held in San Angelo in the ’60s and ’70s continues today with the whimsical artistic (fiberglass) sheep now featured downtown.
The 2008 contestants, eight new and two re-designs, were featured in the Oct. 18 ASU Homecoming Parade. Riding in the beds of pick-up trucks provided by All American Chevrolet, the competitors sported “ewe”-nique designs applied by local artists who were commissioned by sponsors.
Along the procession sheep themes art such as Happy Trails to ‘EWE’, F-‘EWE’gitive, Lamb Chop Charley, Spider Ram, Lay of the Lamb and Ewe’s Swinging are a few of the 2008 entries. When possible, artist and sponsor representatives rode with their entry.
Following the parade the flock of femmes fatales stood primly behind Miss Hattie’s Café in order that spectators could get a close look and vote for their favorite.
Viewing and voting continued through the next two weeks in the Wendland Warehouse on Concho Avenue. Observers and out-of-town guests who were unable to attend the parade were provided the opportunity to take a look and place their vote.
And the winner is—Happy Trails to ‘EWE,’ sponsored by Len Mertz and designed by Artist Melodie McDonald.
Sheepishly coming in as runner up Lay of the Lamb sponsored by the San Angelo Association of Realtors and designed by Laurel Dane.
In a tie for third place were Keep San Angelo Beautiful’s entry B-‘EWE’-tiful San Angelo and ‘EWE’-nique, Golden Corral’s entry.
Newly opened downtown business recognized
By Lucie Hofheins
The City of San Angelo Development Forum held Sept. 25 provided the opportunity to recognition of a downtown business in the following category: Adaptive Reuse of the Year. This award is for an individual, business or developer who converts a vacant or under-utilized existing building into a viable functioning business or residential structure. Adaptive reuse also helps to increase and maintain property values in older areas and reduces the demand for natural resources that new construction requires.
Nominees in this category included:
- Account Control Technologies building by CMS Properties of Lubbock
- San Angelo Bazaar by San Angelo Bazaar, LLC
- Blues Inn at Sealy Flats by Rod Bridgman
The Adaptive Reuse of the Year award went to Rod Bridgman, Sealy Flats, 204 S. Oakes Street This 1908 building was first used as a hotel and had various uses in the last 100 years. In recent history, it has been the home of downtown promoter and entrepreneur Rod Bridgman. Rod has just completed a total transformation of the building into a first class bed and breakfast which contributes heavily to the revitalization of downtown San Angelo.
The luxury blues oriented boutique/hotel was constructed utilizing new and reused materials of wood flooring, ornate tile and historic brick and plaster walls, as well as fine furnishings and décor. All of these factors give ample amounts of character and charm to this building celebrating its hundredth year of existence. This space provides guests with a one-of-a-kind lodging experience in the heart of downtown.
FMI: call 325-653-0437.
Mosaic Madness
By Lucie Hofheins
Within the Wendland Warehouse on Concho Avenue, a group of highly talented local artists gather to put their special touch on the newest downtown an project. The criteria for the project consisted of four directives:
- Use recycled car or car part
- Use older vehicles only—for better gauge of metal
- When completed-must be a functional piece
- All projects must be tiled from “head-to-toe”
Utilizing an assortment of colored tiles, designs are drawn on each old vehicle and the group adheres small pieces accordingly. Julie Raymond, a member of the Art In Uncommon Places group, indicated that a special expandable adhesive and grout material is needed as the finished art will be quite heavy. In fact, each piece may be grouted at its specified location to avoid any cracking.
A pick-up bed becomes a picnic table complete with benches, aVolkswagon provides unique seating, and Joan Mertz is designing a wind-break which you have to see for yourself.
Artists who have joined in include Val Hague, Sue Rainey, Melodie McDonald, Joe Morgan, Julie Raymond, Joan Mertz, Cliff Voss, Doug Ortlei, and many others. Also involved are numerous volunteers.
This venture which when completed will provide the most unique seating along the Concho River before Bell Street leading into the city’s newly planned Sports Complex.
If you have attended the monthly downtown art walks, the group at the warehouse at 30 W. Concho Avenue has been actively participating and invites visitors to add a few tiles to the project. I know that I have, and I felt as if though I was part of something exclusive and distinctive.
Black Swan Gallery: award finalist
Today, the building at 118 S. Chadbourne owned by Ms. Sue Daniels houses a wonderful gallery and includes an amazing second floor apartment. This unique business and living quarters was nominated in Texas Downtown Association's 2007 Best Adaptive Reuse category and has been named a finalist. Announcement of winner will be made at the TDA annual convention held in Temple in mid-November 2008.
The residential space includes a courtyard, and Fred, Ms. Daniels canine companion, loves to welcome guests and customers. The Black Swan offers the local community a chance to access fine art without leaving town and its residential aspect compliments the attempt to invigorate historic downtown. From the flooring to the interior walls and fixtures and a unique floor plan, the dwelling speaks to first rate use of time and resources. Ms. Daniels inspiration makes this space a tremendous asset to downtown and the community of San Angelo.
FMI: call Sue Daniels at 325-658-9776
Preservation action plan unveiled
By Lucie Hofheins
The Texas Historical Commission's Visionaries in Preservation group unveiled San Angelo's Action Plan at a ceremony on August 21, 2008, in the Cactus Hotel. Mayor J.W. Lown opened the ceremony and introduced State Representative Drew Darby, who addressed the assembly on “The Value of Preservation.”
Rep. Darby noted that he is often asked how San Angelo continues to put so many great community projects together when it is located far and out of the way. Mr. Darby speculated that perhaps it is because of the many individuals and groups who work so well together, Mr. Darby pledged the state’s assistance in the initiation of the Preservation Action Plan.
Texas Historical Commission Chief Deputy Executive Director Mark Wolfe, also was on hand to offer congratulations to San Angelo. Mr. Wolfe assured the participants that the state organization would be available to provide support as the action plan in implemented.
The Action Plan was created over a seven month period and brought together a mixture of various community volunteers. The VIP group provided tools to help San Angelo retain its identity and sense of place as it grows and develops. The participants attended monthly meetings at Fort Concho. The meetings resulted in identifying task force goals, which were then assigned to volunteers.
The final Action Plan can be obtained by accessing the City of San Angelo’s Web site: www.sanangelotexas.org.
The Texas Historical Commission Visionaries in Preservation (VIP) program empowers Texas communities to shape the future of their historic preservation efforts through visioning and planning, and provides training and assistance tailored to achieve local preservation goals.
Preserving a community's heritage doesn't just save part of the past. Historic preservation is a vital part of a promising future. It creates new jobs, provides quality affordable housing, increases economic development and revitalizes downtown business districts. The VIP program helps communities develop a path to capture these benefits.
Special thanks to Art-o-ber Fest volunteers and sponsors
SPONSORS
Allison-Lacy Realtors
Cactus Hotel
Concho Bail Bonds
Golden Corral
Keep San Angelo Beautiful
Len Mertz
San Angelo Association of Realtors
Southwestern Pools
Wool ’n Cotton Shop
ARTISTS
Cody Newton
Crystal Goodman
Diane “Indigo” Snyder
Judith Lester
Laurel Dane
Melodie McDonald
Tom Orsak
Ivan & Dot White
SPECIAL VOLUNTEER GROUPS
All American Chevrolet
Andrew Graves
Angelo State University Honors Students
Angelo State University Homecoming Committee
Celebraciones Bellas
Concho Avenue Merchants
Funky Munky Band
Jim Atkinson
Jim Bass Ford
John & Suzanne McGee
Ken Gunter, Wendland Warehouse
Lee Pfluger, Cactus Hotel Staff
Lions Clubs of San Angelo
Major Hofheins
Miss Hattie’s Café staff
Palmer Feed & Supply
Q’s Printing
Sue Rainey
Susan Morris
The Glass Prism
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