TAYLOR — The Blackland Prairie offers a fertile landscape — both in the soil and the artistic vibe it nurtures. It is regionally known as a hub for working creatives from graphic designers to studio fine artists.
With a roster of over 20 local artists, this spring nine studios will open their doors for the inaugural Taylor Studio Tour the weekend of April 6-April 7. Visitors will find a cluster of venues for the arts in the town’s historic core and other locales.
Some artists will share their work in neighboring shops downtown, including Curio Mrvosa, Alchemy and The Venue. Best of all, this is a free activity.
TAYLOR STUDIO TOUR AND EXHIBITION
From seasoned artisans to emerging talents, local artists are promoting each other and the arts in Taylor with the first Taylor Studio Tour. Several energized artists have banded together to continue to promote the arts in Taylor after the tour ends.
“This year’s Taylor Studio Tour is a celebration of creativity, inspiration and community,” said Cindy Chapter, photographer, ceramicist and founding member of the Taylor Arts Collective.
An exhibition will open March 23 at the McCrory Timmerman Gallery, 201 N. Main St. Visitors will meet the participating artists and see works from 4-6 p.m.
The free exhibition remains open until April 20.
TAYLOR ARTS COLLECTIVE TO PROMOTE ARTISTS
The newly formed Taylor Arts Collective is organizing the inaugural studio tour to promote a thriving arts community. To do that, members want to host events, exhibitions and educational programs and are working on getting a nonprofit status this year, according to Chapter.
”We’re thrilled to showcase the incredible talent that thrives within our city and provide visitors with a firsthand glimpse into the artistic process,” Chapter said.
Attendees will get to meet the artists behind the works and gain insight into their inspirations and techniques. With studio locations across Taylor, callers can also discover new hidden gems, like eclectic boutiques and cozy cafés.
“Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply curious about the local art scene, there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” Chapter said.
ARTS OFF CENTER CERAMICS STUDIO
As a creative hub for artists who work in clay, Arts Off Center Ceramic Studio opened in 2015 in the basement of the McCrory Timmerman building. Owner Melanie Shaw and ceramics teacher Tina Lewis teach a roster of classes during the year for beginner and intermediate clay students.
“Creating in clay has a high learning curve, so we encourage our students to be patient and enjoy the process,” Shaw said.
In addition to its classes, Arts Off Center is home also to clay-based artists, many of whom will be in-house for the Taylor Studio Tour demonstrating their craft.
“We’ll be kicking off the bowl-making for this year’s (Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry’s) Empty Bowl fundraiser (a charity effort by potters to fight hunger),” Shaw said. “In addition to making bowls, we’re scheduling a few fun contests for artists and spectators, like blindfolded throwing, the best 2-pound vase in two minutes and the widest bowl in two minutes. It should be fun and entirely messy.”
Visitors can access Art Off Center on Potter’s Alley between Main and Talbot streets. It will be open noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and will have work for sale.
ATELIER 95 ARTIST STUDIO
In a storefront at 311 N. Main St., artists gather regularly at Atelier 95 Artist Studio to create. Used as a creative space for several artists including Judy Blundell, Adam Davenport, Miguel Verastique, Molly Mansfield, Jo Snyder and Rachel Martin, it is also the home to Sketch Club, a weekly life drawing group meeting at 6 p.m. Mondays.
Several of Atelier 95’s artists, such as Mansfield and Snyder, will be on hand for the Taylor Studio Tour. Sketch Club artists will hang their latest sketches in the center gallery space.
Activities include a draped model session 1-3 p.m. April 6. This activity is free.
Atelier 95 is open to visitors from noon to 5 p.m. both April 6 and April 7. Refreshments will be served, and some artists will have artwork for sale.
GRAPHISMO - DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION STUDIO
Taylor-based graphic artist Nick Ramos is known for his eye-catching designs from events including the Main Street Car Show to Georgetown’s Red Poppy Festival. However, he is also a mixed-media artist who creates paintings and collages.
Calling Taylor home since 2018, Ramos is located in the Tittsworth Building at Talbot and Main streets. As the designer of the Taylor Studio Tour poster, he will have signed and numbered prints available for purchase.
“Taylor is a small town that craves and welcomes creativity and creative types. I personally love the energy of my space and the Tittsworth Building,” Ramos said.
The studio at 120 W. Second St., Suite H, will be open for visitors 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 6 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 7. Ramos will be serving refreshments.
PECAN MANOR’S NEW ARTISTIC LIFE
Pecan Manor, a stately home and former bed and breakfast, now houses the Pecan Manor Art Gallery and Gifts. Owner Jo Anna McGinnis, an oil and watercolor painter, will be on hand to share her artwork.
Using historic architecture as an inspiration, she paints local landmarks.
Pecan Manor will also host Michele Premeaux-Johnson, a local photographer.
Located at 819 Hackberry St., it is open noon to 5 p.m. that weekend.
HOME STUDIO TOURS ACROSS TAYLOR
Some of Taylor’s artists like to create closer to home. Several venues on the Taylor Studio Tour are backyard studios.
Tina Lewis, a ceramist, took a carriage house in disrepair on her property and transformed it into her studio about two years ago. There, she creates functional ceramic art and sculpture inspired by cats and nature.
“I am so looking forward to this fun event and opportunity to share my studio. In addition to my home studio I teach and work at Art Off Center, which is also part of the tour,” Lewis said.
Located at 904 Davis St., her studio opens onto Ninth Street. She will accept visitors noon to 5 p.m. on both days, and from 1-2 p.m., Lewis will demonstrate pottery wheel throwing and explain the process.
SMALL BUSINESSES TO HOST TAYLOR’S ARTISTS
Small-business owners are collaborating with individual artists by hosting them in their storefronts for the weekend. Various artists will be on hand from noon to 5 p.m. during the weekend tour in downtown Taylor and at Old Taylor High, 410 W. Seventh St.
LOCALES INCLUDE:
• Alchemy - 119 W. Second St., Suite A
• Black Sparrow Coffee and Beer - 115 W. Second St., grand reopening
• Curio Mrvosa - 114 N. Main St.
• Western Darlin’ - 112 N. Main St.
• Mother’s Basement - 410 W. Seventh St., Room 113 at Old Taylor High
• Rituals Herbal - 410 W. Seventh St., Room 209 at Old Taylor High
• The Venue - 115 W. Second St.
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