Grit and Glamour

Grit and Glamour Subhead Local gallery showcases ‘Texas Women in Art’ this June, July Nathan Diebenow Editor Wed, 06/12/2024 - 05:50 Image

• Texas-based visual artists Alana Kay Latiolais (standing, right) and Judy Parton (sitting, right) chat with local art afficionados during the artists' preview of the 'Texas Women in Art' exhibit at the On5th Gallery in historic downtown Clifton on Friday, June 7, 2024. Nathan Diebenow | The Clifton Record
• Multi-Media artist Laura Parent attended the preview of the 'Texas Women in Art' exhibit at the On5thGallery in historic downtown Clifton on Friday, June 7. Her artwork will be on display there through mid-July, 2024. Nathan Diebenow | The Clifton Record
• Jing Zhao's oil paintings will be on display in the 'Texas Women in Art' exhibit at the On5thGallery in historic downtown Clifton through Thursday, July 18, 2024. Nathan Diebenow | The Clifton Record

Body

Texas has a place for everybody, and this June, the On 5th Gallery in historic downtown Clifton is showcasing eight female artists from the state’s different regions.

The show opened with a preview on Friday, June 7, and an artist reception on Saturday, June 8, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to explore a wide range of artistic expressions – from visually-striking hyper realism to though-provoking abstract pieces.

The exhibit is said to be the first of its kind to feature female artists in Bosque County, Texas.

Kassie Brown

Born and raised in a small west Texas town in 1976 but now based in New Braunfels, Kassie Brown creates art on two different mediums: oil on canvas and ceramics.

“In my artwork, I strive to evoke the fascination and wonder I experienced as a child growing up in West Texas,” Brown said in her artist’s statement. “I have a deep fondness for the region's culture, aesthetics, and natural beauty.”

Be sure to check out her paintings inspired by old westerns and classic films she watched with her grandparents.

Alana Kay

Self-taught artist, designer, and color enthusiast, Alana Kay is an alumni of Clifton High School now based in Fort Worth. She recently launched her 'othrwis by Alana Kay' collection available exclusively on HSN, a leader in livestream shopping (formerly known as the Home Shopping Network).

“I love where fashion is right now. Women feel more empowered to dress how they choose, rather than chasing the latest trends,” she said At the 0n5th Gallery, Alana Kay is showing four colorful acrylic paintings in addition to fashion pieces in her 'othrwis' line.

Vickie Mitchell

Folks who follow the photography scene in Bosque County know Vickie Mitchell’s keen eye for wildlife.

From covers of Clifton Chamber of Commerce membership directories, to the Bosque Arts Center’s auctions, her lens has captured the grace and wonder of God’s creatures great and small through her lens.

At the gallery on 318 West 5th Street, Mitchell is displaying a collection that represents her vision of the American west.

Laura Parent

A transplant from New York/New Jersey, Laura Parent is a multi-media artist now based in Central Texas.

Her passions are expressed through drawings, photography, and oil on canvas – mediums in which she started experimenting with at a young age.

On display, Parent shows portraits drawn in graphite of goats she raises on her farm outside Meridian.

Judy Parton

Billing herself as a Contemporary Western Artist, Judy Parton is a native Texan raised in Meridian with a fondness for the cowgirl way of life. In fact, she is an active member of the Cowgirl Artists of America.

Parton works in a variety of mediums, including ink, acrylic and oil paint, where she expresses her emotion in vivid colors.

“I like my art like my music – LOUD!” she said in her artist statement. “My goal is to make people excited when they view my art. I like to play with bold colors, designs and techniques that stir the emotions, resulting in a WOW factor.”

Ann Patton

Raised on a large cattle ranch in South Texas, Ann Patton is no stranger to Bosque County’s fine art scene, having been selected to the Bosque Art Classic three times in four years.

Upon retirement, she took up painting in earnest, re-discovering her passion for watercolor she cultivated in her youth.

“I love the vibrant, pure colors of watercolor and I strive for transparency and the effect of light in my paintings,” Patton has said. “It is a challenging medium, but nothing is more beautiful when you do actually get it right!” Ann Swingler

Ann Swingler mixes and remixes media in collages with photographs, wood, glass, and dried botanicals.

“This body of work emerged from decades of walking receptively, without agenda or expectations, foraging, gardening, and praying, quietly,” she said in her artist statement. “I hope this work will support, in some way, all who give back to the Earth, appreciate its preciousness, and hold vigil for its healing.”

Jing Zhao

Born and raised in Qingdao, China and currently residing in Frisco, Texas, Jing Zhao holds signature membership in many distinguished organizations, such as Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, Outdoor Painters Society and California Art Club, among others.

From an early age, Zhao had been drawing with aspirations to attend the Central Academy of Fine Arts in China. Yet, she opted to pursue law studies instead.

Not to let go of her dreams, she continued her art studies with renowned artists, such as Kevin Macpherson, Zhaoming Wu, Daniel Gerhart, and Huihan Liu.

Her painting “Check my Phone First” is currently on display at On5th Gallery along with the rest of the “Texas Women in Art” exhibit through Thursday, July 18.

Special event

The On5th Gallery will be hosting an “Art Takeover” at Valley Mills Vineyards on Saturday, June 15, starting at 6:30 p.m.

The works featured will be reduced selections from the Texas Women in Art exhibit.

Launching at the start of summer, On 5th Gallery will be electrified by the vibrant works of eight talented female artists spanning across different regions of Texas. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories and diverse artistic mediums of these extraordinary women!

A few of the artists will be in attendance to share their process and stories; tickets include a glass of wine.

For more information, visit on5thgallery.com.