Kingsland House celebrates the old, readies for the new

• Janet Plentl of JaVibe Barn Quilts works with students Pamela Williams of Smithwick, Ladonna Crow of Burnet County, Jenny McCoy of Lampasas and Joy Frear of Marble Falls; they are representative the wide collection of local talents supporting the Kingsland House of Arts and Crafts. Beverly Walker/The Highlander
• An ancient oak tree shelters the latest home of the Kingsland House of Arts and Crafts. Contributed photo
• The Kingsland House of Arts and Crafts is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Contributed photo
• Beverly Walker/ The Highlander Carol Turner had just opened up shop for the day at the Kingsland House of Arts and Crafts, now located right behind the Wells Fargo Bank on 112 Chamberlain Street.
• The Kingsland House of Arts and Crafts has been in the local news since the late '60s as well as statewide publications. Contributed photo

Way back in the last century, the Highland Lakes Tourist Association started a Bluebonnet Craft Trail to encourage more tourism in the Hill Country. The first show was in August of 1968.

Early Days

Back when your grandparents or great-grandparents were going to college, handmade items were the rage of the day.

So – a group of local crafters and artists formed a committee to hold a show and they continued for several years to hold two shows yearly, in the spring and fall.

By 1974, the committee decided to formalize their efforts by creating the Kingsland Arts & Crafts Association.

Renting the picturesque Neal Wood Home, since destroyed by arson, the association worked throughout the hot summer to prepare the building for business and future arts and craft shows.

By the early 1980s, it was obvious that the association had outgrown its home and began looking for a larger place.

In 1987, a small engine shop nearby came on the market for a mere $70,000. Consisting of three lots, the 2200 square-foot structure came with two restrooms and a small storage building in the rear.

The association’s membership agreed to purchase the building in 1987 with a loan from a local bank.

All the members spent the rest of the year remodeling and preparing their new home. There was a lot of work to do: building a kitchen, reworking the electrical system and putting up pegboard.

Many needed items and hours of work were donated by the members. The new home of the Kingsland Arts & Crafts Association opened its doors on Jan. 15, 1988.

Recent Past

In the intervening years, many activities have been undertaken at the House.

There have been annual arts and crafts shows, workshops, special events, hosting chamber of commerce events, supporting local charities and numerous garage sales.

The building’s exterior colors have changed with the times.

The Kingsland House of Arts & Crafts continues to grow with the times with a presence on social media.

Daily business

We have monthly business meetings, semi-monthly workshops. Every Wednesday, members gather at the House to work on their current individual projects and to exchange thoughts and ideas, and socialize.

Over the years we have had many members join and sell a wide range of arts and crafts in a large variety of mediums.

Shopping

The selection of items for sale is always changing, depending upon the time of the year, the holiday season and what our members want to make. We encourage everyone to stop by often as you can as you never know if you will find that perfect item this time.

We also proudly sell U.S. made RADA knives and utensils.

We now have an event space available for rental.

We were honored to be featured in the Texas Monthly Magazine in July 2023.

We look forward to participating in the next 50 years of life in the community of Kingsland and the Hill Country.

We’re also looking forward to celebrating these last 50 years for the entire month of May, with 10% off all items in the House.

Join the Kingsland House of Arts & Crafts and the Kingsland Chamber of Commerce for the 50th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting for KHAC, at noon on Wednesday, May 8, to celebrate 50 years of business in Kingsland. Visitors will be treated to refreshments and store discounts. The KHAC is located at 112 W. Chamberlain, behind Wells Fargo Bank.