Blog

Oaklea Mansion displays one
of the Texas State historical markers.

During the monthly board meeting of the Winnsboro Economic Development Corporation today (Nov. 15, 2011), it was reported that Main Street has achieved State and National recognition. . .

"The Texas Historical Commission and the National Trust for Historic Preservation have recognized the City of Winnsboro as one of 55 national Main Street cities from Texas.  National Recognition is the highest honor a Main Street City can receive in the program."

 

 

 

There are so many ways to enjoy the holidays in Winnsboro! 

#1 It's a wonderful break from the everyday pressures of life.  There are winding back roads to explore, which is a sure-fire way to let go of stress and grab hold of nature.  Lots of photo ops, too!

#2 We have a large number of restaurants, both in the historic downtown district and in the commercial corridor along Hwy 515 (Coke Rd.).

#3 Shopping is great at independently owned shops, whose owners are typically in the stores to help you shop.

#4 Every parking spot in Winnsboro is free.  No paid parking lots.  No meters. 

#5 Downtown is constantly in a state of renovation, which is due to our participation in the Main Street Program under the Texas Historical Commission and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  We have just received national recognition as one of 55 National Main Street Cities in Texas.

#6 As one of the first designated Cultural Arts Districts, our Main Street area is where much of the art and music can be found. This area attracts many artists, writers, musicians and actors.  Plus we enjoy entertainers from around the state and even some international performers on tour.

#7 We have trees and lakes.  By trees, I mean towering pines (this is the Piney Woods after all) as well as stately oaks, maples and aging magnolia trees, among others.  We're within a short distance of Lake Cypress Springs and Lake Fork, in addition to smaller lakes, including Lake Winnsboro.

#8 We're only about 100 miles from Dallas.  It's an ideal day trip that will take less than a tank of gas from the Metroplex to Winnsboro and back.

#9 You can cut your own Christmas Tree.  More details here.

#10 If you happen to be here on Sat., Dec. 3 at 10 am, you can watch the annual parade with this year's "A Homemade Christmas" theme.  It's not the Adolphus parade, but the kids, parents and grandparents wouldn't miss it!

 

Sandy Page guest blogs on the November Art Walk. . .

Friday evening from 6 - 9pm, the 3^rd Friday Art Walk expands the art experience to include not only new artists, but a special viewing of Pop Culture artwork from Alex Faber Smith’s high school art students, and live music by classical guitarist, Brent Bassham.  

This is the featured evening at the Opening Night reception of the Keyring Gallery.

The Pop Culture-2011 high school exhibition will be juried with cash prizes for the winning students.  

The Arts District received a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts to help underwrite this high school art presentation, and has worked with WISD to highlight the students’ art.

New to the Gallery is the work of Woody Starkey, Barb Richert and John Hill.  Starkey’s images of people, objects and nature deal with light and time.   

Woody’s work in photography has trained his eye to use light to model a mood and establish a sense of space.  His work on gesso prepared wood panels are breathtakingly beautiful, making the viewer reach out to connect with the image. 

Barb Richert embraces color.  Her technique adds depth and richness to her delightful subject matter, making the viewer want to become a part of the delicious scene.  To, at one time, be rich and complex, yet, simple and straight forward is a rare talent. 

Her medium of choice is pastels, some with color washes.  Barb uses the directness of drawing, and her single “Iris” portrays this directness with sublime, but simple, colors to bring about a rich “conversation”.

John Hill of “Tree on the Hill Pottery” in Greenville, brings to the Gallery some of his new tall pots.    There is a dancing rhythm, along with a primitive stateliness that will bring a smile to the viewer’s face.  The glazes are varied and rich, adding to the overall beauty of his pottery.  John has taken routine shapes and recombined various pot structures to achieve interesting new avenues of work.

Brent Bassham will present an evening of classical guitar music, including jazz, flamenco and folk tunes.   Brent is from Heartland, Texas and has received “outstanding” recognition for his playing.    Invitations to participate in various “Master’s Classes” have added even more to his musical abilities, and, in turn, he passes these on to his students.

The Winnsboro Arts District’s monthly Art Walk continues with many downtown merchants remaining open with art on display, additional music, festive Holiday sales, and refreshments.

On Saturday, November 19, the Texas Pistolaros will perform downtown from 10 am - 2 pm.   Also, on Saturday,  Art & Espresso presents Caleb (7 - 9 pm) and the “Double C” features Christen Sawyer & Jake Shaffer (8 - 10 pm), and Randy Lindsey & Heather will be at Brewbaker's on the Patio (8 pm - 11:30 pm).  Come join the fun, shop for gifts, and support the arts.

 

You're invited to a relaxed and informal gathering to learn how important hormone restoration and balance is and discover why SottoPelle Bio-Identical Hormone Pellet Therapy for women and men can completely change your life!

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Protect your heart, bones, brain and breast.  Lose weight and build lean muscle mass safely and effectively!

Meet Dr. Kathleen Querry, Certified SottoPelle Practioner.

Enjoy good friends, food and wine while learning perhaps the most important information you'll ever know about Your Hormones & Your Health!

Easily, the Most Important and Life Changing Information You May Learn This Year!
 

Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM CST

Click here to REGISTER

Cheryl Estes
Copper Leaf Spa
www.copperleafspa.com
903-342-7772
 

Hi art fans!

The Fine Art Market was a hit - again - and artists, musicians and art lovers alike mingled for a couple of terrific days.

We'll be doing a full wrap-up blog post as quickly as we can.  In the meantime here's the instant overview:

Friday - the Set-Up Day.  Artists arrived and put up their booths.  At 3 pm, an open house was held at the Keyring Gallery.

Friday night was a truly memorable evening with fantastic surf and turf entrees and a sinfully rich (quoting from the printed menu) Decadent Southern Pecan Pie Trifle.  But as good as the food was, the Silent Auction and music by the popular duo, Enola Gay ad Kurt Bittner brought a special energy to the event.

The dinner took place in the newly redone City Auditorium which now has better acoustics, a much more inviting look. (More upgrades on the way).

Saturday dawned and the early morning was cool, but the sun was out and soon warmed up.  Artists got their booths set up and visitors and art buyers began filling Market and Elm Streets.

With fine art reflecting many different style and media, shoppers spotted and bought "finds" from under $10 to several thousand dollars.

Sunday was a repeat of Saturday with a number of people returning to reconsider purchasing a favorite painting, sculpture or piece of jewelry.  The threatened rain passed right by Winnsboro and people lingered in front of the art booths as well as the music tent at the Depot.

At the end of the afternoon, the art community literally folded its tents, packed their gear and headed home.

Top Photo: Alder Moore Best of Show, Georgia Moore, Second Runner-up
Bottom Photo: Brenda Roberts, First Runner-up

 

Hallo Friends of Animals.

Ms. Nina asked me to remind you we have a lot of really nice, sweet kittens and cats at the Animal Shelter. There's even a Blue Russian who could be a very nice pet for you or someone you love.  (Not as purdy as me, of course, but a really nice cat.)

We have lots of kittens, cat, puppies and dogs just waiting for someone to love.

Also, with the holidays coming up, we're going to need some foster Mommies and Daddies to care for some animals in their homes for a few days at a time.  Plus, we always need food, treats and toys for the pets waiting for their new families. . . this year more than ever.

We rely on our human friends to help our furry friends. I hope your heart is soft for animals just wanting a home of their own.

Your friend,

City Kitty
Official SpokesCat for the Animal Shelter

 

On Friday, November 4, media representatives have been invited to come to Winnsboro to see the pre-show action as artists set up their booths on Market and Elm.

If you're curious to get a sneak preview of the event, drop by to wander and watch. 

In addition, "Set-Up Day" will be marked by an event for the media:

Friday, November 4, 2011 at 3:00 p.m.
The Keyring Gallery
107 Locust Street
Winnsboro, TX  

If you're downtown, you can swing by to mingle with the media, enjoy a glass of wine and good food.

Friday night will officially kick-off the event at the Patron's Dinner to be held at the newly updated City Auditorium.

We are likely to see last minute additions of musical events, so keep an eye out for them. Check the Winnsboro Online Guide page on Facebook for performances that are booked at the last minute.

This is an amazing line-up of entertainment at four downtown venues.

Live music at these venues this month. . .

Art & Espresso
217 Market St.
Winnsboro, TX
903-342-3343
www.artandespresso.com

Double C Steakhouse
206 Market Street
Winnsboro, TX
903-342-3111
www.doublecsteakhouse.com

Crossroads
200 Market St.
Winnsboro, TX
903-342-1854
www.crossroadsmusiccompany.com

Brewbaker's on the Patio
210 N Main Street
Winnsboro, TX
903-342-6119
www.brewbakerspub.com

Here are the events currently scheduled. . .

FRI., NOV. 4, 7:30 pm
The Tiffany Christopher Band
$15 adv/$18 door/$20 rsvd seating
Crossroads

SAT., NOV. 5
8 pm - 11:30
Randy Lindsey & Heather
$5 Cover
Brewbaker's on the Patio

FRI., Nov. 11, 7 pm - 9 pm
Mills Bryant
No charge, tips welcome
Art & Espresso

FRI., NOV. 11, 7:30 pm
Druha Trava from the Czech Republic
$15 adv/$18 door/$20 rsvd seating
Crossroads

FRI., NOV. 11, 9:30-11:30
Cody Jinks Acoustic Show
Double C Steakhouse

SAT., NOV. 12, 7:30 pm
Dave Walser, of Beatlegras fame
with Brian Magnus
Special: $15 advance reserved!
Crossroads

SAT., NOV. 12, 8 pm - 11:30 pm
Randy Lindsey & Heather
$5 Cover
Brewbaker's on the Patio

SAT., NOV 12, 9:30 - Midnight
Gary Kyle Live
in Concert
Double C Steakhouse

FRI, Nov.18, 7 pm - 9 pm
Randy Brown
Award Winning Songwriter
and Performing Philosopher
w/special guest Allen Prazak
on percussion
No charge, tips welcome
Art & Espresso

SAT., NOV.19, 7 pm - 9 pm
Caleb
No charge, tips welcome
Art & Espresso

SAT., NOV. 19, 8 pm - 11:30
Randy Lindsey & Heather
$5 Cover
Brewbaker's on the Patio

FRI, NOV. 25, 7 pm - 9 pm
Kate & Friends
No charge, tips welcome
Art & Espresso

SAT., NOV. 26, 7:30 pm
Crossroads Music Company's
6th Anniversary Celebration,
with Adler & Hearne,
and the entire Hearne clan!
$15 adv/$18 door/$20 rsvd seating
Crossroads


 

This update on the 3rd Friday Arts Festival and the Friday Night Art Walk from Sandy Page, Director of the Winnsboro Cultural Arts District. . .

Friday evening from 6 - 9 pm, the 3^rd Friday Art Walk  keeps a “fresh face” and moves forward as it continues to feature new artwork from local artists. 

The Keyring Gallery will have an “Opening Night” reception and serve as the base for the Winnsboro Art District’s monthly Art Walk.    Many downtown merchants will be open for an evening of art, music, refreshments, sales, and festivities.

Sherry Callender is showing new images with her amazing drawings. . . John Wayne walks tall during “Autumn Trails.” 

A composite of “Lonesome Dove” scenes brings more Western flavor to the gallery.  Another composite drawing features Steve McQueen and “movie takes”..Sherry’s artwork “dances” with Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers.

Bobbye Koncak has new abstract work featured at the Gallery.  Realism is conveyed, with an exciting color palette, in her images of water lilies.  This watercolorist brings not only stellar execution to her artwork, but an amazing ability to convey a depth of color rarely seen in watercolors.

Ellie Taylor has many new expressions of her impressionism.  Familiar scenes of everyday life take on new dimensions as she depicts quick takes in an energetic and exciting style.  Whether it is a “Cloudy Morning”, a “Retreat to the Mountains” or “Home at Last,” the viewer quickly arrives there.

Paula Renee Ridgeway’s realism reaches out and brings home the beauty of birds, or equally, the power of human emotions.  Charles Conner’s photography shows a central focus of serene balance and a centrality that portrays beauty in the natural world.  The work highlights the simple, but important, role of form in portraying an artist’s message. 

Barbara Sudik brings a varied and colorful style to the exhibition.   Scenes form a travelogue for the viewer, whether it be a European visit or a trip to the rodeo.    The colorful masks of Craig Royer delight as they contrast with the carved, sculptural beauty of his chairs.

View the organic sculpture and the exquisite hand tinted photographs of Bonnie Sir Kegian.  Efton Edwards presents serene beauty contrasting with an edgy air of mystery.  Bart Soutendijk’s wire sculptures contrast the medium of wire as it moves to form soft organic forms.  Many more artists are featured in this new Artists’ Exhibition.

The Winnsboro Emporium will have their “Live Poets Society” meeting at 6 pm during the Friday evening Art Walk. 

Other Art Walk Stops include Liefie , SayADream Studio, Beauweevils, Main Street Antiques & Collectibles. Silhouette Dressmaking, & Jan’s Antiques.  Art & Espresso will feature classical guitarist Brent Bassham (7 – 9 pm). You'll find art, refreshments and wine at select locations.

Saturday, October 22, Crossroads presents  Ann Armstrong & Steve Hughes at 7:30pm, $15 adv/$18 door/$20 reserved.

The Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce hosted the 13th Annual Business EXPO on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011. This year, a Health Expo was included, which offered free flu shots and screenings for those who attended.

An annual favorite event for locals, the EXPO was free, including complimentary refreshments and lunch.

There were drawings for prizes and plenty of free giveaways at the various booths.

Nonprofit organizations and numerous health care services exhibited alongside the local businesses.

The event coincided with the launch of the newly updated Chamber of Commerce site at www.winnsboro.com.

  

Francell Burnett, Manager of Clements Realtors
and Chamber Board member, chats with Lew
Williams.

Texas Home Health was among several health
care services at the EXPO.

Exhibitor tables were loaded with merchandise
brochures, and giveaways.

Melanie Parton showcased merchandise from
the many gift items in Scott's Pharmacy.

Jackie Strydom, real estate agent and owner of
Liefie on Main Street, displayed a sampling of
the items sold at the store.