Armed with an easel, paint, and a set of blank canvases, artists trickled across the Highland Lakes, determined to capture a glimpses of the area the good old plein air way. On Sunday, May 2, artists from across the country gathered to begin their week of celebrating Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, and the surrounding areas with the 14th Annual Paint the Town Festival. Throughout the week, artists were spotted down Main Street in downtown Marble Falls, scattered around the Lakeside Pavilion, and along the Colorado River. Coupled with Sculpture on Main’s Street Fest, Highland Lakes Creative Arts successfully hosted the week-long art festival to the Texas Hill Country.
After a year-long hiatus, the momentum behind Paint the Town brought the largest attendance in the history of the event. The VIP Preview Party sold out and gave art patrons the opportunity to purchase the plein air paintings produced throughout the week before the gallery opened to the public on Saturday, May 8. Gallery was joint sculptors and plein air painters.
Randall Cogburn took the top prize with a spectacular portrayal of the landmark 281 bridge over Lake Marble Falls.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of Paint the Town in Marble Falls, and I’m honored that my painting won. After three years, this is a mainstay on my calendar and easily my favorite event because of the endless catalog of beautiful scenes in the Texas Hill Country. I can’t wait to be back next year!” Cogburn said.
Paint the Town exceeded attendance numbers from previous years, encouraging artists and art patrons alike as a testament to the creative arts movement happening across the area. The devoted return of popular artists to the event year after year contributes to the climbing momentum within the community to support the arts. It’s a testament to both the spectacular natural beauty of the Highland Lakes area and the community of support for art.
“As a full-time artist, art pays my bills. Paint the Town in Marble Falls is fun for me as a plein air painter, while also providing me with artistic opportunities and an invaluable network of other artists and collectors,” said Cogburn.
On May 6, Highland Lakes Creative Arts served the Marble Falls High School art students with an entire day of art instruction and exploration throughout Marble Falls. Plein Air artists met with willing students to offer tips and tricks of the trade in an effort to build the tools for success within budding young artists in the area.
Table-top sculptures accented the gallery at Lakeside Pavilion for inclusion in Sculpture on Main’s Street Fest. Everything from pottery to garden planters to wooden works of art were on display as a treasured part of the weekend itinerary. Local sculptor, Harry Angel, features pieces on Main Street in Marble Falls as part of the overarching Sculpture on Main project and also exhibited sculptures for Street Fest.
“It’s therapy to create sculptures out of wood and see the creation that transpires. While I rarely know exactly what the end piece will be, it always comes forth and reveals itself. Street Fest is a great way to acquire feedback from collector’s from all over, along with other artists. I love this community,” said Harry Angel.
As a part of the grand finale, Paint the Town featured a Family Art Day at Lakeside Pavilion that provided family art activities with the serene vision of Lake Marble Falls in the background. Kids experimented with charcoal colors, bubble painting and a plethora of mediums to expand the horizons of traditional creative artwork. Volunteers made the event possible and assisted all ages with their exploration of color, canvas and craft.
It was a beautiful week to paint the Highland Lakes, leaving everyone excited for the events ahead. Whether you participate or volunteer, be sure to join in the fun next year with Highland Lakes Creative Arts. Stay tuned at hlcarts.com for upcoming events.
