tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835331164408181372024-03-13T15:43:21.267-07:00BrazoSphereRuss Cushman reports on Art, Entertainment & Fun in the Brazos ValleyRussell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-47739768968246829832017-03-08T18:12:00.004-08:002017-03-08T18:12:58.339-08:00A real ART PLACE- in Navasota!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitexxZoeWZ1NdIkZ9urfgzRST39ptdQxqmgdWqUYxLB_4lfHY7-fWNjJQzh5p18Ht1zeF2vgBZfPIwjKAg5JrbNdAjqNMJkPaZ_XfuwLDELkYkaUIF5kwxIhCqBA4ic6iI96gOAHtKNSbL/s1600/OLD+BRICK+REDCD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitexxZoeWZ1NdIkZ9urfgzRST39ptdQxqmgdWqUYxLB_4lfHY7-fWNjJQzh5p18Ht1zeF2vgBZfPIwjKAg5JrbNdAjqNMJkPaZ_XfuwLDELkYkaUIF5kwxIhCqBA4ic6iI96gOAHtKNSbL/s640/OLD+BRICK+REDCD.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Art could happen anywhere,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> but it doesn't. That is because the makers of art need a particular environment... and creative ambiance of a place is as important as raw space. Art happens where artists feel comfortable, free to create, where the right materials and space and light can come together to inspire. Artists function best working somewhere where they can concentrate, where they can make a mess and... solicit constructive criticism.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qcDqndAMU6h7vgMQNPT2hg8mMJjxZIneI-I5lTe_EIJ_ZFRjdSkgia1phVBI3Gxuzol8sFpPlzdZMD04tz3J0Y_NpGisQbOv_wca9dEwtGhIbv1lHxHTRImR_EuVr4Q6QrHtpUjf8W1q/s1600/HEAVY+LIFTING+REDCD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qcDqndAMU6h7vgMQNPT2hg8mMJjxZIneI-I5lTe_EIJ_ZFRjdSkgia1phVBI3Gxuzol8sFpPlzdZMD04tz3J0Y_NpGisQbOv_wca9dEwtGhIbv1lHxHTRImR_EuVr4Q6QrHtpUjf8W1q/s640/HEAVY+LIFTING+REDCD.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And now art can happen in Navasota, Texas at the new gallery and studio space created by Patricia and Mike Pederson. It is humbly called the Gallery Downtown, but it is so much more than anyone suspects, from down below. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxTEcsFX5XIl3aovakJIe6HjmBwmDAJO44PU2Kv7bF_ia6vQQ7Q87ZVegF7AAQ7LATIEsPbIUMZHsqwfEejlVcvh8UbPkL3SXJDb-VwaM_RToRfhyJd9Iaw4CmIDXoVjDRropycbMlsoT/s1600/MUSEUM+GALLERY_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxTEcsFX5XIl3aovakJIe6HjmBwmDAJO44PU2Kv7bF_ia6vQQ7Q87ZVegF7AAQ7LATIEsPbIUMZHsqwfEejlVcvh8UbPkL3SXJDb-VwaM_RToRfhyJd9Iaw4CmIDXoVjDRropycbMlsoT/s640/MUSEUM+GALLERY_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is HUGE.</span> The natural light is exhilarating. The rustic, authentic atmosphere whispers of Brazos Valley legends and lore. It's not too nice... a place where work can get done. But still, it feels like a giant old art museum, just begging to showcase the works of serious artists who find and appreciate the space.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This exciting place can be found upstairs above the Circle P Antique Mall, right on the railroad tracks in downtown Navasota.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pattie Pederson,</span> the owner and proprietor, kicked off the opening of this gargantuan art landmark with an exhibit of her own works. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF4AUgJlSkmIytGWVNk7r8FUhFQkqnei10F68VqR68rvvMwrDmaFjCCJFJGA9-NTjTLZ6oxdlBpNwYKRDKn8ZLocBDk0qicFJFfiDWv22rAKjMputZvj1dqV56jPTRcWOW6moR0i454eG/s1600/COMPASS+ROSE+REDCD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvF4AUgJlSkmIytGWVNk7r8FUhFQkqnei10F68VqR68rvvMwrDmaFjCCJFJGA9-NTjTLZ6oxdlBpNwYKRDKn8ZLocBDk0qicFJFfiDWv22rAKjMputZvj1dqV56jPTRcWOW6moR0i454eG/s640/COMPASS+ROSE+REDCD.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> "Compass Rose"</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If the space is grand, so is her vision.</span> This epic show was not only a long-awaited epiphany of a legitimate art gallery in this arts-conscious community, but it was the long overdue revelation of Pederson's art, which fills this monumental space as if made for it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, OK it was, in fact some of it was painted ON the museum... and it may be the most beautifully staged, well-placed art exhibit ever seen in Navasota, if not the whole Brazos Valley. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is Pederson's first show in this magnificent space, and art lovers will learn to anticipate and attend them in the future. They promise to be some of the most inspiring, artistically authentic, cutting edge art shows in the region. Navasota finally has a real art place. And it is a masterpiece... </span></div>
Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-36441165322660677112017-02-20T20:43:00.000-08:002017-02-21T10:54:26.864-08:00GUNS & ROSES of Texas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I just sat through</span> a grueling day of
watching <b>Texas Rising,</b> the behemoth made-for-television series which
premiered on the History Channel a couple of years ago. I was
pleasantly surprised overall, since being a Native Texan, I was born
knowing that nobody could ever do the story justice. But Bill Paxton made
an interesting Sam Houston, although at times he seemed </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">flawed and underwhelming; </span>very much
what his Houston character admits to President Burnet, his rival, but nevertheless loved because he was victorious
in spite of his faults. And that in itself gave people hope. True
enough.
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Western Channel devoted the whole
day to broadcasting all ten segments. After hours of reprogramming my
cherished notions, something a little less bothersome than Chinese
water-torture, I began to accept Paxton's Houston... and began to
enjoy the characters created around him.
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<span style="font-size: large;">Still, I had to get past several very
annoying artistic decisions which will forever grate on my Texian
paradigm. They shot the film in mountainous terrain, totally foreign
to the land which owns these legends which are revered all over the world. They
ignored historical characters essential to the story to make room for
a steamy sexual rivalry between Houston and Santa Anna, both of whom
supposedly shared the affections of the legendary “Yellow
Rose.” I would never waste time trying to defend Sam's honor, as
I am well aware of his infamous indiscretions, but it seems that
Rising's Houston was a great deal more in love with the Negress than
legend ever suggested. We're talking passionately devoted and begging
for marriage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The screenplay writers must have been
clueless that Houston was freshly separated from his Cherokee wife,
whom he had claimed when he filed for his Texas land grant. Not to
mention several other Native American women who were also claiming
him as they raised his offspring. Not to mention his first wife back in Tennessee, whom he had not gotten a proper divorce from. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The temptation to abuse artistic
license is just too great for movie producers to ever do an honorable
job of depicting the facts of history. You never want to get in the
way of a good story. Media has the same problem with covering the
news. People don't want facts, they want to be entertained, and we
should never disappoint them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I got over it and enjoyed the series
for what it was. Total fantasy. That made it easier to overlook the
craggy mountains over Victoria, Texas, the HUMONGOUS buffalo head
balanced oh-so-perfectly on Buffalo Hump, the Comanche war chief's
head while he rode around blinded, no doubt, and the Red Wing boots
on Deaf Smith's feet. By the time Sam was slobbering all over the legendary Yellow
Rose, ready to throw away all political viability, and father a race
of Texian mulattoes, I was sippin' the absinthe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Forgetting the movie was
supposed to be about Texas, I really got teared up when Deaf Smith
has to shoot his faithful horse, and when a bunch of scraggly Texas
Rangers empty their pockets to help pay restitution for their fellow
ranger's theft in a past life, to save him from the noose. I even
found the scene beautiful where Santa Anna comforts a dying Mexican
soldier, while hiding in a deep underground cavern... IN THE
BOTTOMLAND of the San Jacinto valley.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">AND THEN, there were those giant
mechanical wheels at the beginning of each segment... made up of
swords and guns and roses... outrageous stacks of powerful nefarious
gears, like Hong Kong bling cum Military Industrial Complex... with a
Texas star... And some sweet Millennial designer sighed: “There!
That makes it authentic.” I could just imagine the poor Texians
getting caught up and ground up by it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hey... but I loved it! I would give
this affectionate tribute an 8 out 10. It's not Lonesome Dove, which
may have gotten the only 10 that I have ever given for a “Texas”
film... I gave Places in the Heart a 9... and Trip to Bountiful a
7... so I am pretty hard to impress. So heck, for sheer art, I give
Texas Rising an 8.5! It made me cry and it made me think, and it made
me want to go write the TRUE Texas story that doesn't stink... that Hollywood would finally
make. But until then, Texas Rising will get a rise out of Texas.
</span></div>
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-6655285509548665112017-02-07T13:24:00.002-08:002017-02-10T20:18:14.457-08:00Hufreesh Chopra- ART ROCKETEER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> These magnificent eyes are devoted to revealing the unseen.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hufreesh
Dumasia Chopra</span> <span style="font-size: large;">was born and raised in India, and has faced
many challenges in her quest as an artist. Her father passed away
when she was young, and her mother had to work very hard to support
her and her brother. She had to learn to overcome adversity from the
beginning. Her mother saw to it that Hufreesh was well educated and
received formative exposure to art and dance, which she still loves
and lives today. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LQsi3e8vgPmojBEMGpgsIwQJUHWM5fXvHm8mldet5ogH4THPexx_jUC-VCxb1OpJ_aGq5RPhQr3sBTsZF_iJAC9CseUoCtlMRK7Y1fjEmHi_GbYJ1ZvYt6IX5zlEHWQYVDNCSXF6CWP_/s1600/HUFREESH+CHOPRA+painters+REDCD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LQsi3e8vgPmojBEMGpgsIwQJUHWM5fXvHm8mldet5ogH4THPexx_jUC-VCxb1OpJ_aGq5RPhQr3sBTsZF_iJAC9CseUoCtlMRK7Y1fjEmHi_GbYJ1ZvYt6IX5zlEHWQYVDNCSXF6CWP_/s400/HUFREESH+CHOPRA+painters+REDCD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Hufreesh has traveled and painted all over the world, even Huntsville, Texas!</span></span></i></span><span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">She has traveled all over
the world, showing her works and gathering friends, and inspiration
for her paintings. With considerable delight she explains how she met
her husband, and came to this country and began the inevitable
adjustments to her new environment. But it was all worth it. Her
husband Praveen brought her to the <span style="font-weight: normal;">Silicon
Valley</span> of California, where she has found acceptance and
encouragement; a place where she can continue making her art.
Hufreesh has found a nurturing environment, with convenient art
centers, museums and galleries, and more importantly, people who
understand her. Still, she is committed to break new ground, and
grateful for the opportunities in front of her. Today she is painting
with skill and passion, always evolving and looking into the future.
She is enjoying the taste of personal fulfillment. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: medium;"> There are unmeasured lifeforms under the sea...</span></i>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">That fulfillment </span><span style="font-size: large;">has been
a long time coming, and the result of blessings from above and hard
work. She has endured because she was conditioned early in life to
deal with adversity, and now she is a woman with a mission. She sees
herself as an “adventurer,” and finds fulfillment in trying to
express herself through her paintings. It is an other-worldly
mission.<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <b>“Life is more than what we can perceive by our senses”</b>
</span>she says with conviction. “When I make a work of art, it is like
shooting a rocket into space...”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">From her friendly eyes and
ready smile, we can rest assured her “rockets” are missiles of
love and altruism. Hufreesh loves the spiritual interaction which
happens between her art and its audience. She hopes to help connect
her viewers with their own exploration of those powerful intangibles
beyond our senses. Her art is not merely self-expression but, in her
mind, truly finds its purpose when it reaches others.<b> “If art is
not seen, it does not exist!” </b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsMVy8_CjllMbNXZtOO7VyClGSoG9VDt7ALuJP083d02rE4LongodvlKEBI9xfQdCI-eQGGEUs5Y4woKj_g3ZQIteyu6My4TDSXOzUQ74_0KOACvCTdeSGB0OESfAOeGeWz-KOpftd_EJ/s1600/HUFREESH+WORLDS+REDCD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsMVy8_CjllMbNXZtOO7VyClGSoG9VDt7ALuJP083d02rE4LongodvlKEBI9xfQdCI-eQGGEUs5Y4woKj_g3ZQIteyu6My4TDSXOzUQ74_0KOACvCTdeSGB0OESfAOeGeWz-KOpftd_EJ/s640/HUFREESH+WORLDS+REDCD.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i> Hufreesh had to lay out her most recent quad on the floor so it could be pieced together... she likes to make diptics and triptics and quadriptics?</i></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hufreesh is not so caught
up in themes or particular messages. They take care of themselves as
she puts down what she feels at the moment. Sometimes others add to
her experience by interjecting their own interpretations of her
works. Once an 11 year-old boy explained what a particular painting
was about... “It shows me the chaos caused between the energies of
love and anger,” he confessed. There is no doubt this was no
ordinary 11 year old, but then this was no ordinary art.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Still, connecting with art
lovers is not the same as financial independence. Hufreesh has had
to learn the hard way about the importance and the difficulty of
selling her works.<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> “When you are an artist... you are struggling.”
</span></b>She stated as a mathematical equation. She did not want to have to
worry about the art market, selling... the commercial side of her
vocation. “I thought it should come to me...” <span style="font-weight: normal;">Hufreesh
enjoyed success in her native India, and soon was responding to
invitations to exhibit her works all over</span><b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
planet.</span> She has traveled extensively and exhibited all over
Europe, and found Italy, especially <span style="font-weight: normal;">Rome,</span><b>
</b> to be her spiritual home, as if she had been there before. She
was amazed at her sales in <span style="font-weight: normal;">Germany,
where the German people proved to be amazingly open to her spiritual
rockets.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHdgSYCthyK84Z6X5Jue6mI2SJWgpi2hTOr4SDX3txAn_n1YKb6jYX4r3mBD_LXjfPTDMni5Y1pPLHo1r2bq3xcGKyA6UNr5YwEo9kmbjxJViVwiPZ4cfC8Et1fl6SpCLC8EzHfANYfFd/s1600/INNER+SUN_edited-1REDCD.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHdgSYCthyK84Z6X5Jue6mI2SJWgpi2hTOr4SDX3txAn_n1YKb6jYX4r3mBD_LXjfPTDMni5Y1pPLHo1r2bq3xcGKyA6UNr5YwEo9kmbjxJViVwiPZ4cfC8Et1fl6SpCLC8EzHfANYfFd/s640/INNER+SUN_edited-1REDCD.bmp" width="334" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> The Inner Sun</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But after all those miles,
Hufreesh has discovered a deeper truth; She never needed commercial
success to find fulfillment or happiness. She believes that a person
can find joy in whatever they may do. True happiness is a choice.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4TgRV6N72QP-uIwiKCBZGk2MwmCrQFnT7KA7aFsNdT0p8DyGweVf-iORyEFeeu_iGe8IR7sk78_AFnfIKyakf3l3D2C7t-389wgQBVTEv04PWy4sbpiga_-QGCYIlVpvr32f06Mjevwq/s1600/HUFREESH+FOLDS+REDCD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4TgRV6N72QP-uIwiKCBZGk2MwmCrQFnT7KA7aFsNdT0p8DyGweVf-iORyEFeeu_iGe8IR7sk78_AFnfIKyakf3l3D2C7t-389wgQBVTEv04PWy4sbpiga_-QGCYIlVpvr32f06Mjevwq/s640/HUFREESH+FOLDS+REDCD.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> Finding new ways to express eternal truths.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hufreesh is working</span> on her
paintings and also envisioning her next body of works. She folds a
painted canvas into a lovely accordion, to show the sculptural
quality of the folds... which come alive with her strokes of color.
She feels herself moving away from the traditional rectangular
canvas, and talks about adding metal forms to her latest painting, to
create depth and visual and tactile stimulation. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx-PW5YN_CbKoUSCfd1aLWCLSg7VX7kC1D4nu3V7ucK82oQWt7IfNhEUBJtA0lLxd8Ex0D43qP11OYFqp84tg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><i> This short video shows some of Hufreesh's experiments to break away from the age-old "box"</i></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hufreesh does not believe
that an artist is straddled with just one style for his whole life...
the opposite of the insistence of many art galleries, who bank on
consistency from their artists. Hufreesh will never yield to that
kind of restriction to her adventure.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEC3irspqhzJyvfF_-Ikv1xq4azfVwo3IEBNAkn9hd20iJn15VTroMr6fG1ibt_S7-B-_snUOBZu4LU-nmf_Yl5DjctFtA0IOEfBkalTDM14k39DAlYI3LPxzhP3wAPIDuNF-je4JByEe/s1600/HUFREESH+THEORIES+REDCD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEC3irspqhzJyvfF_-Ikv1xq4azfVwo3IEBNAkn9hd20iJn15VTroMr6fG1ibt_S7-B-_snUOBZu4LU-nmf_Yl5DjctFtA0IOEfBkalTDM14k39DAlYI3LPxzhP3wAPIDuNF-je4JByEe/s400/HUFREESH+THEORIES+REDCD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><i>Hufreesh is sort of an "art pioneer."</i></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hufreesh will soon leave
Navasota, Texas and put it all behind her. She will gladly return to
her love and her new California home and her evolving art. It has
been a time of challenge and growth, tempered with disappointments
and delightful serendipity. But she had hoped to exhibit and even
sell her works more, and to have some teaching opportunities in the
community. <span style="font-weight: normal;">Although she is humbly
grateful for her opportunity here, there may have been opportunities
lost on both sides. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That dysfunction has been
no biggie. The greatest kind of rejection, or even contempt, is being
ignored. But most artists run into this daily. <span style="font-weight: normal;">And
she feels far from ignored. </span> Moreover, her
Eastern upbringing makes her resilient and philosophical. Being in a
solitary habitat has helped her appreciate what she has, to better
know herself, and to foresee where she must go and what she wants to
do next. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-ftGg6XpQWe7N7Sp0lwCCzExCwdrgE-K8HB746XyKIChk26Kx0qNvUF-ZvfO6fyUtC_cbo2IJTh7zGaHF6wbioYq4qJuRWuot58XrWu85W5IisV3kk_9jX2Mk0ArTF2tnlUN65IlyQDn/s1600/OCEAN++REDCD.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-ftGg6XpQWe7N7Sp0lwCCzExCwdrgE-K8HB746XyKIChk26Kx0qNvUF-ZvfO6fyUtC_cbo2IJTh7zGaHF6wbioYq4qJuRWuot58XrWu85W5IisV3kk_9jX2Mk0ArTF2tnlUN65IlyQDn/s640/OCEAN++REDCD.bmp" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Chopra is fascinated by the forces of nature... the powers in the universe.</span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As her rockets go off in
the future, they will be fired by the soul-search she experienced
while living in the Horlock Art Center, in Navasota, Texas. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you want to know more about Hufreesh, you can explore her art at her website: <a href="http://www.hufreesh.com/"> www.hufreesh.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Navasota plays a significant role in
the development of emerging artists. The art community of the Brazos
Valley needs to embrace these journeymen and women so that role has
an especially positive and lasting legacy.</span></div>
</div>
Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-89481533874453061012017-02-07T12:51:00.000-08:002017-02-08T11:35:46.737-08:00Ashton Hall: Down and Dirty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbWfliUSsLMzHXYu7GGWTazrOtEbZW1JvIcFrXxLc0OyDbq5CcrzQg0rfoSRzB1z9Vopa6JzGLF6vEnqO2-7uPuMXVAjiQFkxP4rlA8pBrGcyw12vgYLc7EDKgmvBAfrAolR_lPSdcTGq/s1600/ASHTON+BIRCHES+redcd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbWfliUSsLMzHXYu7GGWTazrOtEbZW1JvIcFrXxLc0OyDbq5CcrzQg0rfoSRzB1z9Vopa6JzGLF6vEnqO2-7uPuMXVAjiQFkxP4rlA8pBrGcyw12vgYLc7EDKgmvBAfrAolR_lPSdcTGq/s400/ASHTON+BIRCHES+redcd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Ashton Hall</span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">is a rare package in the art world. She is young, quite aggressive in
her business strategies, very talented in her field, and blessed with
super-model good looks. My conclusions after our interview were that
she should go far. Maybe even television. She will get interviews,
contracts, and other opportunities because of her appearance, but
unlike many, she will be able to capitalize on them because she is as
fierce as she is beautiful.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I would love for P.C.
correctness-sake to ignore the issues of superficial qualities which
should not matter. But I am an artist, and visuals are everything.
And they do matter and we know they do. But as Jesus quipped, “To
whom much is given, much is expected.” It will be up to Ashton not
to mess it all up. And there is the rub.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAXqu56yL5D85NisR-TVXTFY4zUzJI7O5FHn27HTylcO3kSAfZXVj8k7ne_TmcLg70ZprR3AzB5NZm8vWXreaBDgpG18rU40TK7T5Jg_e1f1_4pTDVHQqSUK28oGe7rsOVR78lVemQr9u/s1600/WHEEL+OF+FORTUNE+nredcd.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAXqu56yL5D85NisR-TVXTFY4zUzJI7O5FHn27HTylcO3kSAfZXVj8k7ne_TmcLg70ZprR3AzB5NZm8vWXreaBDgpG18rU40TK7T5Jg_e1f1_4pTDVHQqSUK28oGe7rsOVR78lVemQr9u/s400/WHEEL+OF+FORTUNE+nredcd.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>"The Wheel of Fortune" </i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Ashton is kind of... complicated. In a good way!</i></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Can a lovely young person</span>
with her life in front of her, with so much going for her,
instinctively make those correct choices and decisions which could
take her to the “top”? They often do not. </span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It is not usually the
“blessed,” artistic savants who make it. Things come too easily
for them. The real artists I know achieved decent careers with tough
persistence and the ability to ignore and overcome adversity. I know
plenty of artists, making it as such, who had the gift of
determination, but were perhaps less talented than some of the
fabulously gifted students I have taught who lacked personal drive or
inspiration. Those who lack discipline, motivation or self-direction
fall by the wayside like mud off of a four-wheeler in the Brazos
bottom.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG6epGoADm-wcUspOz2L_VsfNerqqAzzCfUXCm_-wG7EyKQ9vcRKMIgVb8PEVfQ1Mnq28ByA2ycnfBBchKsBvBSsf6NTW6mohEtKryFjgjiTMuw83s1VIGjw5_-RKZvvzKo_JBYSWozuJ/s1600/i%2527m+good+at+design+redcd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG6epGoADm-wcUspOz2L_VsfNerqqAzzCfUXCm_-wG7EyKQ9vcRKMIgVb8PEVfQ1Mnq28ByA2ycnfBBchKsBvBSsf6NTW6mohEtKryFjgjiTMuw83s1VIGjw5_-RKZvvzKo_JBYSWozuJ/s400/i%2527m+good+at+design+redcd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> Ashton Hall: "I'm good at design... can I say that?"</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So let me introduce you to
another artist you wish you had met. Her mud will stick. Ashton Hall
grew up in a “blue-collar” home, with small-town values and
exposure to traditional Midwestern American culture. She is energetic
and passionate about her art, and has a hungry soul. A conversation
with her reveals many hours of thought and investigation in our
world... and beyond. And she has gained a wisdom beyond her years. </span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ashton pursued a career in
graphic design, and found that she could do it, but it did not begin
to utilize all of her talents. It was, as she says (and take no
offense ), a “normal person job.” Still it was a very beneficial
training, giving her skills she will always utilize, as artists today
are forced to implement technology to be competitive. She has tried
many jobs in fact, but she has always been brought back to pushing
around pigments. Painting is what she was born to do.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">She came to Navasota to
get away from the hometown where she grew up, to discover herself
beyond the boundaries which have always contained her. And she came
with few expectations, and mostly just a sense of adventure. Ashton
had decided to try to make it as an artist. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD83gNAekh4I2ISchgmV0AZppizmbl0eVyt0PGqHvUIgZ3LDEK4cHf7mYzVpriQLwHNDtGR9xTekPQUrqYyKiGNT0u1-tShR8Lg_VBQ45nP4elNp2XYe-wQeBWl1-_1qTx9qP48MfkC5Go/s1600/HORLOCK+WALLS++redcd.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD83gNAekh4I2ISchgmV0AZppizmbl0eVyt0PGqHvUIgZ3LDEK4cHf7mYzVpriQLwHNDtGR9xTekPQUrqYyKiGNT0u1-tShR8Lg_VBQ45nP4elNp2XYe-wQeBWl1-_1qTx9qP48MfkC5Go/s400/HORLOCK+WALLS++redcd.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Horlock House Study </i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>The completely restored Victorian house built in 1892, home of R. A. Horlock and his family for over seventy years... Now the home to resident artists, like Ashton.</i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzR87gqVSZE3bejZyw5HqCI--SbEXMI4r_MB9uIrIfg_7hjPHePBsIot_YlBbBxsf0LEWWb6Ho2FkTU1oXWCg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Here Ashton explains how she painted the house on a hot day</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i> with oil pastels. A freezer was involved!</i></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
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</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here in Navasota, at the
Horlock Art Center, she found an environment to begin a foothold in
her life-choice. Free rent, for six months, bills paid, adequate
space to create large works... peace and quiet... removal from the
tyranny of the urgent. To a large degree she found what she was
looking for, because Ashton will make the best of any situation.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEgDChK9LugNGU5jlA5FCdJMzcn7TaIHhE3_BL5FmiH54DCiSzPo8LvArQ15u7y7FA5kSo-WzOu3GdtVPvD8guibjq8Kpqe8KyCRjYlzazH0rbmcC5w3NPIprqSC3-IifPmLK8jk_CX2x/s1600/ashton+hall+starts+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEgDChK9LugNGU5jlA5FCdJMzcn7TaIHhE3_BL5FmiH54DCiSzPo8LvArQ15u7y7FA5kSo-WzOu3GdtVPvD8guibjq8Kpqe8KyCRjYlzazH0rbmcC5w3NPIprqSC3-IifPmLK8jk_CX2x/s400/ashton+hall+starts+%25232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> Ashton Hall painting "plein air" near huntsville. It's just a fancy French term for out-of-doors.</span></i></span></div>
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</span>
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</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ashton promotes herself as
a “plein air” artist, which suggests the interpretation of her
subjects firsthand... without photography, studying and translating
her subjects directly onto canvas from life. But she adds an infusion
of other “isms.” She fearlessly utilizes her experience with
stagecraft, abstract expressionism, fauvism, and modern color therapy
to dazzle her audience. She might be called a disciple of color. Her
art “is all about the color.” Ashton believes that color, and
especially color used effectively by an artist has powerful effects
on people. She believes people have no idea how important color is in
creating a positive environment... or a negative one. Thankfully, she
said “people gravitate to the colors they need.”</span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">These are actually
scientifically proven facts about the psychology of color. This young
artist is starting out with that kind of savvy. Ashton harbors many
edgy paradigms, some of which might make the average person nervous.
She believes in heady concepts of “Divine right timing,” and the
“law of attraction”; things, people, events that are supposed to
meet or happen cannot avoid collision. We used to call that fate. She
is committed to follow the path of her fate to what she calls the
“highest excitement.” None of us should pursue careers, hobbies
or relationships which do not hold a significant degree of excitement
for us. If we do, it will not work... and our culture is full of
people in denial of this law... and miserable for it. She explains
that “Life is as exciting as the degree that you challenge
yourself.”</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPPQ_VFsgGLcUEQFYV88_OTXHalqKbqsIM31Dmmkiud9yhbvz4WoOLR5MJstmLI4RF2p_tQqCHs4MTH7fKyvY2GCFYEpwuwrh2zqOG3M6wVimj5invRxAOw5S4-TpB7D6Ig4MuydpYw2t/s1600/ASHTON+COLOR+redcd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPPQ_VFsgGLcUEQFYV88_OTXHalqKbqsIM31Dmmkiud9yhbvz4WoOLR5MJstmLI4RF2p_tQqCHs4MTH7fKyvY2GCFYEpwuwrh2zqOG3M6wVimj5invRxAOw5S4-TpB7D6Ig4MuydpYw2t/s640/ASHTON+COLOR+redcd.jpg" width="443" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> A delightful study in color therapy by Hall is the centerpiece in one of the Victorian parlors. </span></i></span></div>
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</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ashton loves the art part
of art, and gets down and dirty. But she does not shrink from the
business end, understanding one supports the other. Her paintings are
instinctively designed by a mind that automatically balances
self-expression with the science of subliminal appeal. She is having
a wonderful time working her magic, exercising her freedom, and
making contact with numerous fans. Her regular sales reflect her
remarkable gift of positive energy, where her artistic journey always
attracts hitchhikers. Her works are affordable, soulful, and... dare
I say it, mentally healing. </span>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mental health is essential
to physical healing. Ashton takes stock in that. We all need art,
even though most people have no appreciation for it. Thus it is a
no-brainer to say, you need your vitamins and you need art. And hers
is an excellent place to start your collection.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReQktAf2Gcm98gn3VxVrMhJ11-rQ5PadlQ5PBGQ1D5HJptnycJTVkCsTh5zR6O95IOZF2PVnTE4y1x72suadb2QpkoZeSv7Je6jDK4Jh9vdHeBNcQOyCJ542gtGKvSQSUBy-FGd0iwrAr/s1600/ASHTON+DILLO+redcd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReQktAf2Gcm98gn3VxVrMhJ11-rQ5PadlQ5PBGQ1D5HJptnycJTVkCsTh5zR6O95IOZF2PVnTE4y1x72suadb2QpkoZeSv7Je6jDK4Jh9vdHeBNcQOyCJ542gtGKvSQSUBy-FGd0iwrAr/s640/ASHTON+DILLO+redcd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> Ashton takes a break from a small mural commission.</span></i></span></div>
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</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ashton is optimistic</span> about
art and her future in it, as she has observed the historic cycles in
the economy and the evolution of artistic tastes. She believes they
will improve. She is presently planning her next exhibit in the Trout
Art Museum in Appleton, Wisconsin. And she is contemplating starting
a mural painting service, where she can most logically achieve basic
financial survival. Ashton is willing to do whatever it takes. That,
for her, will be the key to success. </span>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
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</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You have less than a week to
catch her and her colors in Navasota. Jump aboard. Be careful where
you sit... it may be muddy in here. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can see more of her art at:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">her blog: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ashtonhallartist.blogspot.com/">http://ashtonhallartist.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">OR (temporarily out of order) </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://flickr.com/people/ashtonhall%20artist/"> https://flickr.com/people/ashtonhall artist/</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">OR (also out of order!)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/ashtonhall%20artist/sets/72157630980012966/"><span style="font-size: large;">https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/ashtonhall artist/sets/72157630980012966/ </span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">OR THIS WORKS!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">find her on facebook at:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AshtonhallArtist/">https://www.facebook.com/AshtonHallArtist/ </a></span>
</div>
</div>
Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-41822856290397524672015-10-18T17:54:00.000-07:002015-10-20T16:48:49.475-07:00MEGAN BERTI mezzo-soprano: A Twentieth Century Banquet!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicett1i3o_WGJnsrS3GnlWBhHphICMSCt-zVTRJQ4YdYcnAe_5PMeFaRz3P9lwe5wV-SYkTgjOrvwB6kh3esqFdzhlUHLMm5bWQvj0twKvq7qhrufosU3LKMWcLXxzA8BWbkqIHqBNFm03/s1600/MAGNIF+REDCD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicett1i3o_WGJnsrS3GnlWBhHphICMSCt-zVTRJQ4YdYcnAe_5PMeFaRz3P9lwe5wV-SYkTgjOrvwB6kh3esqFdzhlUHLMm5bWQvj0twKvq7qhrufosU3LKMWcLXxzA8BWbkqIHqBNFm03/s640/MAGNIF+REDCD.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">An autumn
Sunday afternoon</span></b> in our Norman Rockwellian hamlet produced an
unexpected journey for me. The kind of journey possible only through
great art. And that was amply supplied by <b>Megan Berti</b> of Houston,
who gave of her talent generously in the glow of the natural light
and magnificent architecture of First Presbyterian Church in
Navasota. </span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">You can tell when you are
experiencing great art, because it always trips multiple triggers...
a banquet of personal wonder. <b><span style="font-size: large;">Sounds and sights and forgotten
thoughts expand and swirl like blackbirds in formation</span></b>, and you never
want it to end.</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoM4M2EYk_fivPYknU_0QUQ-nvEQGae_v1eF3yofxMBeVaHR-RJqZYnc1aRfRoEJROMj6rykja6an04DtEB5O2Q-F2dNw543SOkPgLPBB1-_uPDGY9Op2PcffQSG0C_tnloAjteVWgiIw/s1600/A+GLOW+IN+THE+ROOM+REDCD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoM4M2EYk_fivPYknU_0QUQ-nvEQGae_v1eF3yofxMBeVaHR-RJqZYnc1aRfRoEJROMj6rykja6an04DtEB5O2Q-F2dNw543SOkPgLPBB1-_uPDGY9Op2PcffQSG0C_tnloAjteVWgiIw/s640/A+GLOW+IN+THE+ROOM+REDCD.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">As one pushed through the
mammoth Victorian doors you immediately stepped back in time, and the
sparkling stained glass and austere, sunlit plaster walls promised
that Andrew Wyeth wished he was still alive, if only to capture them.
Performing Spanish and German classics, in their native tongues,
Berti especially shined while presenting three of Manuel de Falla's
Siete Canciones Populares Espanoles. I knew instantly that I had
“heard” this music somewhere before. But I had not. Megan Berti
was merely singing expertly the genre James Michener had perfectly
described in IBERIA, his exhaustive book about Spain. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">A great fan of Spanish
culture, James Michener spent a great deal of his spare time in
Spain, and considered Falla the most important composer from his
favorite country. Michener often compared Spain to Texas, another of
his favorite places, and he studied Spanish music like American
teenagers did rock and roll. He thought Falla was the most original
and inventive and inspired of all. And here a century and a world
away Megan Berti brought Falla's legacy to life to an appreciative
crowd. She sang Falla- saucy and evocative and even abrupt... as if
she were raised in a Spanish carmen- (a rustic country cottage).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtm0fYncYC9Oi8WowENZgB7f4yiZc21tN0y48dXIcocF0_UVDZjVdid7QMrg0jeokghkl05MNtGjUnBCXU6-7kxyRGO7KnhR14ckNg1MO6JDsAUzID-ilSn-AF8epptXq-yhKbGz0_GWJ/s1600/ARTISTRY+REDCD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtm0fYncYC9Oi8WowENZgB7f4yiZc21tN0y48dXIcocF0_UVDZjVdid7QMrg0jeokghkl05MNtGjUnBCXU6-7kxyRGO7KnhR14ckNg1MO6JDsAUzID-ilSn-AF8epptXq-yhKbGz0_GWJ/s400/ARTISTRY+REDCD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">But then, just getting
nestled into my cozy transportation, Berti began to sing Strauss and
Brahms... with equal authenticity. I am not quite sure of all the
reasons why artists choose to sing in foreign languages... But if
they are going to, they must be convincing and artistic at the same
time... and be able to convey emotions... and Berti prances through
her cultural sampler flawlessly. It's true I would not know if she
was singing, “I am going to kill you!” But whatever she sang,
she has that special gift, not just that of a musician, not that of a
performer, but that of a true entertainer.</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Thank you to The Music
Study Club of Navasota, for finding and showcasing Megan Berti and
the art she lured out of the walls and out of my imagination.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Postscript:</b> In my zeal for brevity ( a new goal of mine) I neglected to mention the equally precise and adoring accompaniment provided by her pianist... (please forgive me if I get this wrong!) <b>Kathleen Kaun.</b> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2Vg9BJSwwwKF_QWbWd4OY8jozabYN7pCqDlRhgDdZGNLebPiwyTYd7lTioSicPv_x73rDsc_k-_J0Sr2h-0abG5yUkglHunovT5NkeY8AG8IfbAMQuH9ppVSFRW6bAfb4IhDnQVD9DkD/s1600/PRESB+GLAS2+redcd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2Vg9BJSwwwKF_QWbWd4OY8jozabYN7pCqDlRhgDdZGNLebPiwyTYd7lTioSicPv_x73rDsc_k-_J0Sr2h-0abG5yUkglHunovT5NkeY8AG8IfbAMQuH9ppVSFRW6bAfb4IhDnQVD9DkD/s400/PRESB+GLAS2+redcd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-63375170387229871512015-09-06T12:12:00.000-07:002015-09-06T15:40:01.063-07:00NEXT DOOR In theTrinity Valley<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMxCqkVvwkLNfxK7aOvZk-KYRlSHJ3HaqSUmK12sTzxWJfVl5ACZc_dUXBFlDBxeoYWinosH0-gKarminuCGKb_ueaj-7Phcbx2Mbwi9GDdfY3IWPgu3_l-xaJsTHw2suzM9x81eQZnin/s1600/GRAPELAND+SHINDIG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMxCqkVvwkLNfxK7aOvZk-KYRlSHJ3HaqSUmK12sTzxWJfVl5ACZc_dUXBFlDBxeoYWinosH0-gKarminuCGKb_ueaj-7Phcbx2Mbwi9GDdfY3IWPgu3_l-xaJsTHw2suzM9x81eQZnin/s640/GRAPELAND+SHINDIG.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>39th Salmon Lake Park Labor Day Bluegrass Festival</b> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My friend <b>Scott Armstrong</b> has been a lifelong music enthusiast and a significant force in an awesome Bluegrass gathering north of Crockett on the outskirts of Grapeland. Every Labor Day THOUSANDS of folks come from far and wide like geese in migration, to their musical home. Scott has been gently inviting me and his other buds for years, always trying to humbly encourage our attendance to the MOST AMAZING EVENT UNDER THE STARS IN TEXAS; GREAT MUSIC- wonderful people, and a glimpse of what America once was.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEaW5rHHjINu5E85uuCAsajznGEa4e3_7zUa1aXzmkxESg5-XPNkvEYNs-mrLx2dnzroIoFQUx2PCt_Qvb8tVg-rNYzSyUJYeXhAHwChKiVjXDabzVar8OjXN3eswJC4VCLUktqe6XNoy/s1600/GRAPELAND+SCOTT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEaW5rHHjINu5E85uuCAsajznGEa4e3_7zUa1aXzmkxESg5-XPNkvEYNs-mrLx2dnzroIoFQUx2PCt_Qvb8tVg-rNYzSyUJYeXhAHwChKiVjXDabzVar8OjXN3eswJC4VCLUktqe6XNoy/s400/GRAPELAND+SCOTT.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <i><span style="font-size: small;">Multi-talented Aggieland businessman-musician Scott Armstrong is the emcee for this Grapeland Bluegrass tradition.</span></i></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, Scott, you're kind of a big deal! (He will hate that) Thank you for your yeoman's service to the Texas music scene... and for inviting me!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Highlights!-</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxpPEeFb0N_KoUq0lzwoiQRUdKuPxR4ROf6ttL97CHwhl3SEq-0PJfMYbN_0x15QOT1xA3BiyCF8XCrzy7gaE2XIil8SafI7hxM63ZnxpA0olbOptzyQ6UKKXLlzsJgOehxn0rI2c3Q7s/s1600/GRAPELAND+GLO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxpPEeFb0N_KoUq0lzwoiQRUdKuPxR4ROf6ttL97CHwhl3SEq-0PJfMYbN_0x15QOT1xA3BiyCF8XCrzy7gaE2XIil8SafI7hxM63ZnxpA0olbOptzyQ6UKKXLlzsJgOehxn0rI2c3Q7s/s400/GRAPELAND+GLO.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> As Bluegrass echoes through the pines, children gallavant on a nearby green space with fireflies- some natural and some born of technology.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7AO3u6orbMDPejZ21Uk7MbMSQoBWI5ddqTsGa5JWOe0hoM5PzXdAVxNOvoyXVkrCQvtlv9zg5Z-jpsHoEXStyaSTgfnSpDRGb4CqU6PxGHqeYX6RQXOU4Gh21_QZa6TWrl7ScRt0O31-/s1600/GRAPELAND+INN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7AO3u6orbMDPejZ21Uk7MbMSQoBWI5ddqTsGa5JWOe0hoM5PzXdAVxNOvoyXVkrCQvtlv9zg5Z-jpsHoEXStyaSTgfnSpDRGb4CqU6PxGHqeYX6RQXOU4Gh21_QZa6TWrl7ScRt0O31-/s400/GRAPELAND+INN.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Frontier Texas architecture lends character to the surroundings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Excellent food goes with classic music- and this classic food truck.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Favorite Bluegrass acts like the <b>Gary Waldrep Band</b> are brought in from all over the country to play at this thirty-nine year homecoming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> A covered market place offers souvenirs and recorded music.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday night was topped off with rising bluegrass performer, <b>Dylan Hall</b>, thought by some fans to be representative of the future of bluegrass music...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The centerpiece event Sunday was a worshipful Gospel music concert... just one major distinction which makes this event something to support and emulate. Look forward to a similar event every MEMORIAL DAY. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">America has been brought to her knees</span> in many ways... but there is a window of opportunity as events like this prove that there can still be hope for our people and our culture... Art and music and fellowship can be a powerful testimony for God and country... IF we support them. I'm in!</span><br />
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-85569894799582546732014-12-12T08:59:00.003-08:002015-01-02T18:49:31.757-08:00Legendary Names Sing to Preserve a Legend with the Blues Country Band!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<em>Joe Tex II in Navasota</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The Navasota VFW Hall</strong> hosted its second fund-raiser for the proposed Joe Tex statue and this time I was lucky enough to attend. I took so many photos... and then my computer crashed... and it took me this long to get around to looking at, cropping and posting them!</span><br />
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<em>Jett McFalls: Play that funky music white boy!</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was a very special night for me... getting to see <strong>Joe Tex II</strong> perform again... I'm so glad he found me painting on the street on that Saturday afternoon and reminded me about the concert.. I'm getting where I crash every evening at around dinner time and rest is all I care about. But I promised him I would be there... even if it was going to go past my bedtime...</span><br />
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<em> Archie Bell</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were several warm up acts, all very good, and I did not know most of their names so I need help with that... SOME of the entertainers were Joe's kinsmen <strong>Neil Tex</strong> and <strong>Wymon "Bodacious" Armstead</strong>, formerly of Navasota, and <strong>David Karoska</strong>, <strong>Mark Powell</strong>, <strong>Carlos Sanchez,</strong> and <strong>Eugene Jones</strong>. I did recognize one familiar face however, <strong>Richard Lipscomb</strong>, grandson of Mance Lipscomb playing bass... But the big news of the night for many of us was to get to see <strong>Archie Bell</strong>. Archie Bell and the Drells were hot on the radio when I was just as little kid, and getting to see this Texas legend sing in person was a real privilege. And baby, he is still hot!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bell is a veteran performer and instinctively knows how to give a photographer what he wants, hence my shots of him were primo...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Joe Tex II, not so much, frolicking around in the crowd just like his dad did, IN THE DARK, and I hate using a flash... but he gave a great show. When he belts out <strong>Show Me</strong> there is no doubt what tree his little acorn fell out of.</span><br />
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<em>Blues Country Band: Jett, George, Dave and Smokey</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BUT, perhaps the greatest surprise of the evening and one of great pride for me personally was when I learned about the band hired to back these two great performers... no less than the <strong>Blues Country Band</strong>, formerly the Blues Alley Cats, who jammed and honed their sound in our weekly music jams at Blues Alley for a couple of years. They have ARRIVED!</span><br />
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<em>Blues Country Band (The Faux Drells!?) poses with Joe Tex II and Archie Bell.</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blues Country did their own set and backed up two great acts as well, so they really earned their keep. Anyway, all of this was to raise money to help pay for a proposed sculpture monument of Joe's father, Joe Tex, the</span> <span style="font-size: large;">famous soul singer of the sixties and seventies,</span> <span style="font-size: large;">who lived and died right here in Navasota. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Joe Tex II & Carlos Sanchez for all the names of the musicians. </span></div>
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-4445455411648412152014-11-16T16:40:00.000-08:002014-11-17T11:20:01.140-08:00A Gathering of Angels- in Whitehall, Texas.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My friend <b>Faber McMullen</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> has perhaps the most eclectic and exotic circle of friends of anyone I have ever met. After spending many a Sunday afternoon in worship at his home, I have come to expect almost anything, from the sublime to the ridiculous. So when invited to come and be entertained by his Chinese friends on Saturday evening, I came with a certain sense of adventure. But I did not expect to fall into a thrill, both human and artistic, never to be forgotten...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It all started </span><span style="font-size: large;">with a sumptuous meal made by expert hands, authentic Chinese food from Xinjiang. Then four radiant Chinese ladies came out in native costume and danced as their ancient ancestors must have, as beautiful Chinese music filled the living room. It was a Holy moment. I think everyone felt it. I was sure God was smiling.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwnhBQJ1f_1N22Fk23kJHmcVmTA_-Dh3rNtVB-DfwbEphEkHcEvanc_Rif0K44P-O7jLJqpnuZtlkb9HSDofA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some of our American girls joined them and got a lesson in Himalayan folk dancing, creating a precious sight...</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwfsNZm4sw69sXBNtZf09vbt6xSHq4s51MP53pn6zKq70uq1QWxvVNLn_rcfV5PsbqfJrBgjVxpRLWdXlPEzA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">THIS is what Heaven will be like some day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soon the men joined in the moment of cultural exchange; doctor, lawyer and Indian chief... well Nick Falco our obligatory cowboy represented both sides of the wild west. It was a hoot. And very significant in a symbolic way. </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxzJnS1-ttNH0iWh1qywd-zqnsqIp6tZ9W6GOKFFkeJHzdM5VcHLiVOx-XJ5sd9Rcj9_MaOIrh7LifwgY_nUQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This IS what Heaven will be like. People of every race and gender and culture- praising and frolicking and worshiping God in their own tongues... and in their own way... and for Eternity!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I can't wait! Thank you to the McMullens for sharing this wonderful glimpse of the pure joy of Heaven.</span></div>
Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-65919548779110833662014-11-14T20:47:00.002-08:002014-11-16T07:50:30.535-08:00Nutcracker! Majestic. At Rudder! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I'm more Mantracker or weed-whacker than Nutcracker, but this was eye candy for anyone with a trace of good taste... Besides, the Nutcracker ballet is not really about a nutcracker!</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2mGb1Vx_qfD3V9MDwyFhQu4BkmfnwrKjsOiDPWtCbwW3-X8DkxTze-lPf-SbvG0vP0UV6CM_lijnHlC3y5aX2RlvTQA0yiI2-m0uyq3LjE5dddNX8jPhre7A1T8P3ALQMNb_ULKW5yGW/s1600/flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2mGb1Vx_qfD3V9MDwyFhQu4BkmfnwrKjsOiDPWtCbwW3-X8DkxTze-lPf-SbvG0vP0UV6CM_lijnHlC3y5aX2RlvTQA0yiI2-m0uyq3LjE5dddNX8jPhre7A1T8P3ALQMNb_ULKW5yGW/s1600/flight.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For exactly sixty years</span><span style="font-size: large;"> people have enjoyed various versions of the Nutcracker ballet as an American classic holiday tradition, ever since the Russian George Balanchine adapted </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tchaikovsky's 1892 score to the modern stage</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">. <b>ABC40</b> sent me and the crew to the Rudder Auditorium on the Texas A&M campus to catch the local ballet company's rendition of it. My crew got trapped in a festive traffic quagmire outside... but luckily I got a parking place just in time to catch their performance...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjI7L5hLNoc2xiLepGzcOc7E9TZXI_7-4dYcKoGCOxw_WoHKMYXrhXDdaW00VHvwS4wTpfSa7gelrR6eXt8QE6QQAIppzEsXL0miAjoIWlDD93tTqn3FwwgSsWZa0AH22589vOj8gOy8J/s1600/duel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjI7L5hLNoc2xiLepGzcOc7E9TZXI_7-4dYcKoGCOxw_WoHKMYXrhXDdaW00VHvwS4wTpfSa7gelrR6eXt8QE6QQAIppzEsXL0miAjoIWlDD93tTqn3FwwgSsWZa0AH22589vOj8gOy8J/s1600/duel.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In Texas we pride ourselves</span><span style="font-size: large;"> with town names like Winchester and Cut and Shoot, and The Nutcracker fits right in. The show really got cranking when they pulled out their swords and started hacking. Believe it or not, the first performance of this ballet was a failure, and Tchaikovsky was very displeased with his creation, having been given some artistically restraining creative boundaries. That should be an inspiration to every struggling artist.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfU1cl7imPwPj_7HI1hNX6EXJLcl_pK6Xaev4nuw42hA7VDfszM6lCCsjTUr8OOxmlp16EYMZzekVql7O7rClPY_ITBnqp8wOjLQs3j5N05HE14s8n64NDHub_BGKk2Ujh1Moas9LHCe5/s1600/ballet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfU1cl7imPwPj_7HI1hNX6EXJLcl_pK6Xaev4nuw42hA7VDfszM6lCCsjTUr8OOxmlp16EYMZzekVql7O7rClPY_ITBnqp8wOjLQs3j5N05HE14s8n64NDHub_BGKk2Ujh1Moas9LHCe5/s1600/ballet.jpg" height="401" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Look at it now! No matter the story, which is sort of a Christmas toy fantasy, </span><span style="font-size: large;">I knew this would be a crowd pleaser for these Aggies. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I may not now much about dance but I know athleticism and grace when I see it... Ballet is the epitome of artistic discipline.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3E7Hpq54runsgSL3QyXUIqbjhFiSrtZHnwBPypvXWcwjI63Cx6O5TW8tBbyVIKpRZNIhusZIf2l1oYNKk5_Q9mGgw8fy3I5UNqaLs-ACT13xLWiQTYZh8Kj_JNRXjdqa5S1jHzxJ5r66V/s1600/fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3E7Hpq54runsgSL3QyXUIqbjhFiSrtZHnwBPypvXWcwjI63Cx6O5TW8tBbyVIKpRZNIhusZIf2l1oYNKk5_Q9mGgw8fy3I5UNqaLs-ACT13xLWiQTYZh8Kj_JNRXjdqa5S1jHzxJ5r66V/s1600/fun.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The mix of grace and perfection would make anybody watch while forgetting to breathe. Still, the dancers wore genuine smiles of joy as if they were really having fun. That is the mark of natural talent... or just obliviousness to it. Either way it was a joy to watch. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CyBE2iucAAtFy7GMz1CiGToHvF1j2DUTdjWupoQtYHw7DQwcpBH0sD17NawR2ORt8YM82TH21Q4pX4_kLx3TaR7L6x-plGIpo-o9BFYFckrCbFXKxviJb6q0OjomFd3_ErFaqFwUmmK8/s1600/smiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CyBE2iucAAtFy7GMz1CiGToHvF1j2DUTdjWupoQtYHw7DQwcpBH0sD17NawR2ORt8YM82TH21Q4pX4_kLx3TaR7L6x-plGIpo-o9BFYFckrCbFXKxviJb6q0OjomFd3_ErFaqFwUmmK8/s1600/smiles.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A packed crowd </span><span style="font-size: large;">inside Rudder Auditorium endured the cold, impossible parking and busily milling crowds who were attending multiple campus events to get a glimpse of this ballet mega-hit. But there were many smiles and stares of wonder in the audience. The Christmas season had begun.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSb2WWzU8Go4nlCp1PiDTpTTmM3m5tMvglOsOnxBcSlDKiXagQmEscFGaanhIU3uX01qcmaiA-NZz6PEryXpa7hCC5-0ITlN650lFmX241V9Dir59hF8RLczE6PJLc0S89N825yq_iIw2z/s1600/high+kick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSb2WWzU8Go4nlCp1PiDTpTTmM3m5tMvglOsOnxBcSlDKiXagQmEscFGaanhIU3uX01qcmaiA-NZz6PEryXpa7hCC5-0ITlN650lFmX241V9Dir59hF8RLczE6PJLc0S89N825yq_iIw2z/s1600/high+kick.jpg" height="378" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">THAT'S what I'm talkin' about! This was a prima ballerina worthy of the name.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwp7-I2hy8XXm6jKiPjfjHc0Nzdml7g7b7TSfDn1VIZX-1J8pldjUVR0huCAh_BJmeo3fovb7vG6MLAyRLPRb7-AfVQRY5pNEUOrONzHyITpxM4OYxlP33LBkJVYHw44h35gmE82XVcz9f/s1600/joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwp7-I2hy8XXm6jKiPjfjHc0Nzdml7g7b7TSfDn1VIZX-1J8pldjUVR0huCAh_BJmeo3fovb7vG6MLAyRLPRb7-AfVQRY5pNEUOrONzHyITpxM4OYxlP33LBkJVYHw44h35gmE82XVcz9f/s1600/joy.jpg" height="640" width="569" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She was exquisite, and if she was not actually enjoying herself, then she is a great actress as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhft0kZInIE-lofa0iLsKd485kMIW6DhUjxbvx917TmDtPZLuGE2EH_OF-MOfJhr1RpCqp2U7XD_eJO12SXgwpmDUdf0ykLh9sjHUbZNgcQM-EPAGyJtTUmV68UhBm8CiaxFdttfzM7t7/s1600/curtains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhft0kZInIE-lofa0iLsKd485kMIW6DhUjxbvx917TmDtPZLuGE2EH_OF-MOfJhr1RpCqp2U7XD_eJO12SXgwpmDUdf0ykLh9sjHUbZNgcQM-EPAGyJtTUmV68UhBm8CiaxFdttfzM7t7/s1600/curtains.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It went really fast... before you knew it they were done. And I was finally learning how to photograph them!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRge7QIIY5q-_M0h3scmPi_PxaqFXqPWRR_HfV5Bbeowk6zJaqeMjec2suiIu35huE_kU1bnKfTZt0ToY8TtyfBhRGlXxQqL7waA1rA01-4YYbOc7HaIYZY6lowpnzOJyf6P_mjx1yrqFT/s1600/honors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRge7QIIY5q-_M0h3scmPi_PxaqFXqPWRR_HfV5Bbeowk6zJaqeMjec2suiIu35huE_kU1bnKfTZt0ToY8TtyfBhRGlXxQqL7waA1rA01-4YYbOc7HaIYZY6lowpnzOJyf6P_mjx1yrqFT/s1600/honors.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They always give them flowers at the end... and it never seems like enough for all that work.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">BRAVO! I failed to get a program, so if somebody wants to give me some names<b><i> I would love to recognize these artists</i></b>... This was a real jump-start for getting into the Holiday spirit. But they are going to need a much bigger auditorium when the word finally gets out about the quality of art you can see right here in the Brazos Valley.</span><br />
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-60825404476813857692014-11-12T16:08:00.001-08:002015-06-10T13:27:33.982-07:00Catherine Kaleel- Basic Values<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpzdUJ1x3dlgacPfNCLb_XyorEe88wlQwVrA-9UqGq0URNXkkOSAzM9mZBH43UqTEhUB8qUYAlz9w3cJAEjUU-_ws3HkKJ4-h4wbwm4I4Ic1zd3Gbbhh_edpkqWKWn5citfyPqbWfkoOJ/s1600/11390000_1025063677504643_5475510975752904588_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpzdUJ1x3dlgacPfNCLb_XyorEe88wlQwVrA-9UqGq0URNXkkOSAzM9mZBH43UqTEhUB8qUYAlz9w3cJAEjUU-_ws3HkKJ4-h4wbwm4I4Ic1zd3Gbbhh_edpkqWKWn5citfyPqbWfkoOJ/s400/11390000_1025063677504643_5475510975752904588_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>A portrait by Catherine Kaleel.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Catherine Kaleel</b> is another one of the artists in residence at the Horlock Gallery in Navasota. She works in oil on plywood. At 34 years she is the veteran in the house and has finally zeroed in on several things. She is a painter. She likes basic things, and she paints with a fairly limited palette, using her own version of primary colors, as she seeks to find signature traces of humanity in simple things... </span><span style="font-size: large;">Catherine wonders about the artisans who designed the objects she paints. She edifies something like an electric soldering iron as an example of the material culture of a past generation...</span><br />
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<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kaleel is passionate as she explains her interest in the design inherent in everyday things.</span> </i><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOehVk0eVwnNrTsZUUVs5H_d5-XH-42AyDWjaRrmXGMUFncCAJnK1UPfjFhnGdMFBun2twNyf_g1aIBcPhcGXx6N0MscaWuGX-QzuYpc7kftrE4W485G2toVnDHiRGJDbKTNgsWXb-1ov/s1600/11402250_1025063704171307_931978434530952992_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOehVk0eVwnNrTsZUUVs5H_d5-XH-42AyDWjaRrmXGMUFncCAJnK1UPfjFhnGdMFBun2twNyf_g1aIBcPhcGXx6N0MscaWuGX-QzuYpc7kftrE4W485G2toVnDHiRGJDbKTNgsWXb-1ov/s320/11402250_1025063704171307_931978434530952992_o.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><i> Yes... that is a<u> painting</u> of a cassette tape. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdO-LIilPjGm13xGe0BaCHJwe8ePdouKeL9CcWgiLMXTu5r8LUAtcM6OWMDFVM8ASyNaen0cENjtnKm6opdVUHzi5FEtsTtona4NzdY_judklRXHT8WktHBvZkZtsArK1I18eeQBM60QI/s1600/11425657_1025063620837982_8479840236595843710_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdO-LIilPjGm13xGe0BaCHJwe8ePdouKeL9CcWgiLMXTu5r8LUAtcM6OWMDFVM8ASyNaen0cENjtnKm6opdVUHzi5FEtsTtona4NzdY_judklRXHT8WktHBvZkZtsArK1I18eeQBM60QI/s400/11425657_1025063620837982_8479840236595843710_o.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Catherine is a relatively young artist with some old school expertise. She draws quite well. On her canvas you can detect notations that have been used by portrait artists since ancient times to attain proper proportion. With these she can create a stunning likeness of another person. She also has good command of color.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0NnNtIhzaqIXnJMmXZ2kf3R6AaTDps42UXh0rE_O1H-cUIwsqJ4tNQUXtZdj-paTDVibHWdmECz7C4rOTUuVjYIrGccbpL_b4CrhzzwHzCAbs1UvYU6IKzucKA9tG41gKkpq0dlB5RTr/s1600/11430167_1025063700837974_4379020084676336538_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0NnNtIhzaqIXnJMmXZ2kf3R6AaTDps42UXh0rE_O1H-cUIwsqJ4tNQUXtZdj-paTDVibHWdmECz7C4rOTUuVjYIrGccbpL_b4CrhzzwHzCAbs1UvYU6IKzucKA9tG41gKkpq0dlB5RTr/s400/11430167_1025063700837974_4379020084676336538_o.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Catherine understands the importance of excellent lighting within the design to achieve a compelling painting. She takes scores of photographs experimenting with the best possible lighting on a subject.</span><br />
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-67982779710610111202014-11-11T13:22:00.000-08:002014-11-12T16:10:02.485-08:00Woolscapes and Other Discoveries in Navasota: Horlock Gallery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>There are
three new artists occupying the historic Horlock House on Washington Avenue in
Navasota, now dubbed the Horlock Gallery and History Museum. In an effort to make the house relevant to the community, the City of Navasota has transformed the house into an artist’s
gallery and living quarters for three lucky artists who are selected every six
months.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Right now the house is occupied by<b> Lisa Urban</b> of Salina, Kansas,
<b>Catherine Kaleel </b>of California, and <b>Mick
Burson</b> from Waco. These artists were juried and selected from a large number of aspiring artists around the country, who applied for the opportunity. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">They recently
hung individual exhibits of their artwork in various parlors of the
spacious Victorian house where they now live and work. After their opening Saturday, two of them graciously
agreed to talk some about their stay as artists-in-residence in a small town
in Texas…</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTeOUZEKIKE6rBstsdfVh5w-6MeDXDXv3kbjqH3MKJ_ZKmvJe_PvWYCb2Cs8B1XgcO2bhjCm3yYawd1hTlXCIlDuWIlpKE__cdeqrubD1eFv2Limso4S59Pf_GGTxstMzY8ozmxC7PniT/s1600/lisa+u.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTeOUZEKIKE6rBstsdfVh5w-6MeDXDXv3kbjqH3MKJ_ZKmvJe_PvWYCb2Cs8B1XgcO2bhjCm3yYawd1hTlXCIlDuWIlpKE__cdeqrubD1eFv2Limso4S59Pf_GGTxstMzY8ozmxC7PniT/s400/lisa+u.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;">Lisa Urban speaks enthusiastically about her art and her stay in Navasota.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Lisa Urban</b>
is just a little excited about it all… Here is some video of our interview...</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> (sorry, you have turn up the volume all the way</span><span style="line-height: 107%;">!)</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzZczw5q_BBrWHQ05nAETGcuRZDZKb8mzdKjmXDnYK9uYLbmDYnqPaovU0pZMMNxpatZFEvfEmJ3Z4HumKPgA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lisa has entered into a journey uniquely her own, producing what I like to call "Urban woolscapes" from lighted set-ups which she creates...</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>The focus of Lisa Urban's studies is wool, weavings, yarn... arranged in dramatic ways, such as the still- life above...</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>The lighted still-life might inspire a major work of surrealism, such as this one, or the smaller studies surrounding </i></span><i style="line-height: 107%;">it.</i></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lisa explains the steps in her artistic process...</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lisa talks about the Horlock Artists-in-Residence project...</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Mick Burson </b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">was more laid back, and yet his message was very similar. Both artists seemed
to be truly appreciative of the opportunity to work in this environment... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Rather than focus on a family of related subjects, Mick is constantly looking for that element which he has not considered before, that which the rest of us might never consider, a path less taken.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="line-height: 22.8266677856445px;">Burson went on to explain that for him a main point or satisfaction of his art is this freedom… to explore and produce whatever he wants… such as the “obnoxious” timeline with paintings stacked one on top of the other, rendered with latex house paint, some of them partially made from concrete, nails and metal scraps... and then inserted into a minimalist twelve foot column reaching all the way to the ceiling. Mick Burson likes to explore boundaries and use the </span></span><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 22.8266677856445px;">materials and the </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8266677856445px;">space, wherever it is, which he finds in front of him. This is a man who appreciates the little things in life...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Mick takes things as they come. He left (for instance) his studies at the University of North Texas in Denton to engage in this unique six-month program in
Navasota. He tries to use things which he finds in his everyday life in his
art, and he does not let the business or commercial aspect of art affect his
artistic journey.</span></div>
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Portraits by Catherine Kaleel</div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Catherine Kaleel</b> has a couple of different forms of </span><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 22.8266677856445px;">artistic </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">expression. One is a stunning portrait
technique, with a true gift for capturing a human likeness. The other is an almost photo-realistic approach to rendering studies of relatively obsolete modern objects, such as random cassette tapes or power tools. The contrast between the two is arresting; the nobility and power of the human soul juxtaposed against the ultimate refuse of planned obsolescence. She fittingly studies her humans with a fresh, lively, almost impressionistic style, and yet the manufactured items with technical precision.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-f55P4pwgxddsi-RWO4lS5rByuOeC5Hdg2zTWl50nXB24jkZI28TfdxmEZkR7nZd0Ygi7Gdl-lQ6aHknn9bexPpibnQWN53JSH_T97VnWCr0e2tk0-D3NAU8pIeZJ4GA2Lfi5zXRneJF/s1600/kaleel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-f55P4pwgxddsi-RWO4lS5rByuOeC5Hdg2zTWl50nXB24jkZI28TfdxmEZkR7nZd0Ygi7Gdl-lQ6aHknn9bexPpibnQWN53JSH_T97VnWCr0e2tk0-D3NAU8pIeZJ4GA2Lfi5zXRneJF/s400/kaleel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Her portraits are exceptional. They might be called her "bread and butter" business, while she develops her artistic vision based somewhat on the story inanimate objects can tell, or perhaps the stories we subjectively attach to them. A little older than the other two, Kaleel has worked in the art world for a decade and welcomes the chance to get a change of scenery and the stimulation of hanging out in a new environment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;">A stroll through the galleries</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> at the Horlock House seems to produce a recurrent theme by these different artists from different places in the United States, and that is re-purposing, or recycling. The popular causes instilled by our American educators are surfacing in the paintings by their students, in paintings portraying discarded material culture, or paintings done with recycled materials, or paintings showing the intrinsic beauty of everyday craft and construction materials.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IbHKbHPjLnwjybAKtuXQesAjSN9x7v-4Wks-0vP5rviBq5tQKmuXl8MwJDqfM9QmtLaYdBKM1zOmctOq55gf4cvMFeLgzMWPa4tOUrtgysQsxEtS-5F7ECnf1iAJAXBc_zTHP2ncysix/s1600/lisa+studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IbHKbHPjLnwjybAKtuXQesAjSN9x7v-4Wks-0vP5rviBq5tQKmuXl8MwJDqfM9QmtLaYdBKM1zOmctOq55gf4cvMFeLgzMWPa4tOUrtgysQsxEtS-5F7ECnf1iAJAXBc_zTHP2ncysix/s400/lisa+studio.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is an old theme with an new look, truly reflecting the resourcefulness of the American spirit, hearkening back to when tramps made lamps from popsicle sticks and grandmas wove gorgeous rugs from discarded cotton rags. Now the latest generation of artists reminds us of that pioneer eye, then governed by necessity, which craved and created beauty and utility, and gave new meaning to everyday things.</span></div>
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-7125009596436024002014-11-09T19:11:00.000-08:002014-11-09T19:53:30.551-08:00When Drums ATTACK! COME LISTEN!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">The <b>2014 Drums Along the Brazos Drumline Contest</b> was held at Cougar Stadium in College Station and hosted riveting performances by High School bands from all over central Texas. There were performances from 11:00 Saturday until late in the afternoon, beginning with<b> Bastrop </b>High School and including <b>Lorena, Italy, Teague, Holland, Madisonville, McGregor, Blanco, Elgin, College Station, Belton and</b> of course its host, <b>A&M Consolidated</b>. <b>Cypress Woods</b> ended the marathon of the thunder at 4:00.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Intro...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When some of these bands enter into the stadium, it takes on the appearance of an army... Belton's "Marching 100" was quite stately rolling in with its artillery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check out the dramatic performance demonstrated by this drum line from McGregor High School.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And McGregor's got soul man! Check out that drumstick twirling!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blanco was not to be outdone, firing away on all cylinders...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There was something for everybody...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">And I mean EVERYBODY! I think this unusually creative performance was from Elgin High School... Yes, that is a blue plastic bucket!</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwRPqPv9h8Vmy5mIqUAQXxi6Kbw4CIq4g1t93WPheIUT4dWde4SQhzQpfuTQBWLas7PbevogpnSNS2HTbzwjw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">They had a regular band as well... with a light-footed, hard-driving drum line...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It would be hard to be the judge when considering such well planned and executed performances by such talented musicians. Winners or losers, this is one battle that will have TO BE CONTINUED!</span><br />
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-56635178377325296842014-10-24T20:08:00.000-07:002014-10-25T04:35:33.502-07:00 Halloween? No A Hallowing... NAVASOTA THEATER ALLIANCE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i> Working for Dr Harris, this devoted nurse became worried about transmitting deadly diseases to her own children.</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"We live and die with the choices we make..."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Said nurse Tribble</span> <span style="font-size: large;">after a lifetime of sacrificially serving the Navasota community as a nurse. And The Navasota Theater Alliance made a great choice in this instance. Once again <b>Lanterns and Legends</b> at Navasota runs away with all of the awards for Best Halloween Season Production, Best Wardrobe, Best Scripts, Best Set Design, Best Organization... and Best Bang for the Buck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are my awards, but why not?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_Gxee2M-vTaqI4Sr23mw5ZQHubXwm9JeSA1q8SsLb8BM_cTmjDalY7O_Taoqy-9w8znR6QRtvZH-FtIImnF2ErpKW6aaH4o5C1r-JMoQy8jmezBawttdRADgf5esuEHtS7yrEhEpoVMb/s1600/Doc+Foster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_Gxee2M-vTaqI4Sr23mw5ZQHubXwm9JeSA1q8SsLb8BM_cTmjDalY7O_Taoqy-9w8znR6QRtvZH-FtIImnF2ErpKW6aaH4o5C1r-JMoQy8jmezBawttdRADgf5esuEHtS7yrEhEpoVMb/s1600/Doc+Foster.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>After doctoring during the tragic and bloody Civil War, this doctor gave up medicine after the helplessness he felt during the 1867 Yellow Fever epidemic.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know a little about art, music, theater... and I will place my awards against any other opinionated person and argue successfully that </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">this may be the most moving, the most significant, the most useful art ever produced in Navasota... </span><span style="font-size: large;">or anywhere nearby. There were probably fifty cars in the makeshift parking lot at the Oakland Cemetery, now hallowed ground for a new set of reasons, telling me lots of folks agree with me... They were nearly sold out at every performance.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Z4i-nnbNYWeFxn0PxEfsPwo9rdKMuvOxKCcAuZfV1cv7hn63uDnclRyvU8u_ZTEF-q2FnnzXwY5VmR2iBbifBuD-YvqDVVmvWdB_CcBY68oCEJLs6LXLV2x50cHkqJsQdAA_d7pMw1uH/s1600/scary+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Z4i-nnbNYWeFxn0PxEfsPwo9rdKMuvOxKCcAuZfV1cv7hn63uDnclRyvU8u_ZTEF-q2FnnzXwY5VmR2iBbifBuD-YvqDVVmvWdB_CcBY68oCEJLs6LXLV2x50cHkqJsQdAA_d7pMw1uH/s1600/scary+people.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Even the crowd will give you the creeps out there in the cemetery at night.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This years' theme was <b>"The Brave in the Grave,"</b> and that was well illustrated by the characters who emerged from the cemetery darkness to tell their touching stories; A stoic woman who lost her brother and her child in the world wars; An army sergeant killed in action; </span><span style="font-size: large;">A newspaper publisher who fought in the Texas revolution, barely escaping the Mexican holocaust, only to to see his newspaper building burned twice, and lose a daughter while quite young and have to report her death in his newspaper.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm1hNFBxFWu3Gs0PaE9AC2bdB1I6AWnZriLToPMJ_JuExS9Xd6T1xjJ2F0lBqhVo-arh5pNEjtRGBvCQk0LMU0KVmdRMz2gNlCbIJ780Iqx9Tb8FCrWVf4ygE2iN5QpJZJPgWOT1LKGN8/s1600/jos+lancaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm1hNFBxFWu3Gs0PaE9AC2bdB1I6AWnZriLToPMJ_JuExS9Xd6T1xjJ2F0lBqhVo-arh5pNEjtRGBvCQk0LMU0KVmdRMz2gNlCbIJ780Iqx9Tb8FCrWVf4ygE2iN5QpJZJPgWOT1LKGN8/s1600/jos+lancaster.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Joseph Lancaster was a southern firebrand- who often had to put out his own fires.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The courage of our forefathers makes us seem to cower in comparison.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3Q8cxJWYZL-rtXfMM5I9R8Z5N2XbLF_Oxjl4NmxDTDXOxWlRmC4SzJuwGvl1MgfUgx5P3zvB6dvjZERSDk8C7zWBLeZNotnh5uhJxhyphenhyphenOWDGGjWjFjFDhUNAcnSCxN5NGAIlWLyBBkMQi/s1600/ranger+bob+werner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3Q8cxJWYZL-rtXfMM5I9R8Z5N2XbLF_Oxjl4NmxDTDXOxWlRmC4SzJuwGvl1MgfUgx5P3zvB6dvjZERSDk8C7zWBLeZNotnh5uhJxhyphenhyphenOWDGGjWjFjFDhUNAcnSCxN5NGAIlWLyBBkMQi/s1600/ranger+bob+werner.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Ranger Bob Werner comes to life as a ring tailed tooter.. and shares his experiences as police chief in Navasota.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lanterns and Legends is a theatrical hit</b>, on any level... and makes most other Autumn events seem trivial and a waste of time... But that's just my opinion. You will, and should see it for yourself to prove me wrong. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But if you do... watch your step!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPen6kWKEBoZJKjINanQPc7oNwcKI8XMhvidVJgSsruVBRbq4eICxXUmQ0CWhc_u9Uxm382tfhREARSY44WWxnwJuXK9iMFa5xSmdx01H-CoeIkoE2OkQ07XE17jnaOyJl2eMIpFkMsJ-N/s1600/lite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPen6kWKEBoZJKjINanQPc7oNwcKI8XMhvidVJgSsruVBRbq4eICxXUmQ0CWhc_u9Uxm382tfhREARSY44WWxnwJuXK9iMFa5xSmdx01H-CoeIkoE2OkQ07XE17jnaOyJl2eMIpFkMsJ-N/s1600/lite.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Lanterns and Legends runs through Sunday afternoon...</span></div>
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-91558010319162790282014-10-19T09:44:00.002-07:002014-10-19T16:05:43.976-07:00The Whiching Hour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLZ93-cE-LrHbbZTx12B1mqIgu7MEeuRHhgwRXckXYGSC-ldOx07BZcE97Orb-QZMhF5F2iJnLsWfMFwtoR7bAEi9pDpwB_-aopknfSPiqAWaRiQqSzsjMQUyGEZctkCQXQ9UKWLIkwjv/s1600/MILLER+TIME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLZ93-cE-LrHbbZTx12B1mqIgu7MEeuRHhgwRXckXYGSC-ldOx07BZcE97Orb-QZMhF5F2iJnLsWfMFwtoR7bAEi9pDpwB_-aopknfSPiqAWaRiQqSzsjMQUyGEZctkCQXQ9UKWLIkwjv/s1600/MILLER+TIME.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;">5:19</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Friday
afternoon I made one last attempt </span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">to capture with my camera the “Navasota Sparkles” as they passed
over my new mural. I have become fascinated with what some very reflective windows
across the alley in cooperation with the changing sun do to the artwork. I had
discovered that the last sparkle that starts with Blind Willie Johnson around 3:30 migrates
and centers (more or less) over the beer clock by Tom Shaw at approximately
5:19. So I painted the hands on the clock accordingly. That was pretty neat I
thought. You can read all about the new mural @ <a href="http://navasotamusicmural.blogspot.com/">http://navasotamusicmural.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then when I
woke up early this morning, my head full of profound experiences from an especially exciting weekend, my fingers itching
to type them out. I lay there wondering whether I should roll over or get up and write. Which would it be? Soon I obediently hopped out of bed and glanced at the clock. It was
5:19.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So here we
go, whatever that means.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Profound</b> may
be an understatement for my experiences, </span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">but since I easily dance on the precipice of overstatement,
I will have to try to control myself and allow you to judge for yourself. Here is the thing- I am
fortunate enough to get to follow stories, much like a hunter after prey, as they unfold, partly because I have studied history and have learned how to transect with it… and partly
because, as I have often observed, I have the gift of finding, </span><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 19.9733333587647px;">and you will see that sometimes I get a lot of help.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> <b>Forest Gump</b> has
got nothing on me… </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I had too
many choices, in order to cover the numerous prospective stories unfolding in the Brazos Valley
this past weekend. I really had no idea which ones were the best material for
this blog, but I had to make a decision. I had started an article, yet unpublished, about our
local music venues, and so I chose two on Friday night. The Lakeside Ice House sounded
perfect on such a beautiful evening, and my friend Randy Pavlock was playing
there. Done deal!</span></div>
Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-90085122841881375142014-10-19T06:24:00.002-07:002014-10-19T16:03:36.476-07:00Lakeside Ice House- Eternal Bonds and Rock and Roll<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfjzGu-SxJ6c496vEYsxDW4ZLvwzkoIsSCp3uQIz-Hu9CYdT5tUWKvqlIo0Oxa-b5u8ZqZ-t3w03CNLun5WoVZ1pfAmdE38-dV640GW2x_pm2scdy03vsaBXXxV7FOtd1sanDozzFSie3/s1600/about+to+make+plunge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfjzGu-SxJ6c496vEYsxDW4ZLvwzkoIsSCp3uQIz-Hu9CYdT5tUWKvqlIo0Oxa-b5u8ZqZ-t3w03CNLun5WoVZ1pfAmdE38-dV640GW2x_pm2scdy03vsaBXXxV7FOtd1sanDozzFSie3/s1600/about+to+make+plunge.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Randy Pavlock in deep thought as he rocks the Lakeside Ice House.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Every good
entertainer</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> has a few
tricks or surprises up his sleeve, and Randy Pavlock loves big surprises. None
of us have ever forgotten the night he brought Buddy Miles up on the stage at the
Navasota BluesFest, a little age-dizzy and gratuitously cursing as he loved on
all the little adoring children around his wheel chair… or at least that’s the
way I remember it. This was almost as good. And as spicy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzuBr9IPT0wFy8eUuTKB1rbYdOIONAF4UO-WgdRue_y0pkE6s9yCCvdtB-ncxglPnP8BqnoU-VG_50SIMAAkQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>A snippet of Randy Pavlock and Twenty-Four Seven... playing Hold on (I'm Comin')</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">At break
time, </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">after some vintage Pavlock rock & roll, Randy stepped down from the limelight
and invited Whitney Brandl to spend eternity with him. Now I understood why there
were all these big-gun photographers around with their monster cameras and
everybody had whipped their camera phones out like there was about to be a
rumble.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He took a
little time gathering his thoughts… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The object
of his undying love, Whitney </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">complained that he always took too ____ long,
and then he spit it out, very eloquently I think for a Polish boy from
Plantersville, and she teased and pranced and then squealed YEEEES! It was the most exotic proposal most of us had ever seen.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv3atNKjt7iK_ofAW2gDIwtTFd-mdoBL1cbMefIyCTx2dx-ro8E9_icRTdoHMaAbwZmwZhXWs9Tlv59YKU-dScd_muvjnm32Kz7NdurKwZ_ZGrw-gIdejhO2xcIymdcIojb2GtdA7x6jA/s1600/YES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv3atNKjt7iK_ofAW2gDIwtTFd-mdoBL1cbMefIyCTx2dx-ro8E9_icRTdoHMaAbwZmwZhXWs9Tlv59YKU-dScd_muvjnm32Kz7NdurKwZ_ZGrw-gIdejhO2xcIymdcIojb2GtdA7x6jA/s1600/YES.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was a
real rock & roll history moment…</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> at least for the Brazos Valley. Our crown prince
now has his princess. She is a hairdresser from Bryan. They appear to be a
perfect match and truly deserve one another and I wish them the greatest happiness.
I’m just glad I stumbled in to that one!</span></div>
Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-77192103603362963422014-10-19T05:43:00.001-07:002014-10-19T12:26:57.735-07:00Chris Strachwitz- Of Mice and Men... and Monuments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Mance Lipscomb on stage again... in a viewing of <b>This Ain't No Mouse Music</b>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Chris
Strachwitz</b></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">, by agreeing
to be the subject of a documentary, has inadvertently introduced our favorite
son <b>Mance Lipscomb</b> to the world at large, once again. <b>Mayor Bert Miller</b> and I got
wind that the legendary record producer was going to be in Houston at the showing of the documentary film on is life. I’m talkin’ Rice University. It was a
must go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;">Chris is the
adventuresome</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> folk music enthusiast who discovered Mance Lipscomb and recorded
his music and made him the famous blues celebrity that he became. As one
admirer explained, Chris was able to do it all, from “womb to tomb.” And he did
it for Mance first and then for hundreds of others. And he did it in blues,
conjunto, zydeco and many other music languages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">In This Ain’t
No Mouse Music, Chris Strachwitz is celebrated as the treasure he was and is to
the music world.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> He came to Texas looking for Lightnin’ Hopkins, discovered Mance
Lipscomb in Navasota in the process, and with the encouragement of fellow
searcher Mack McCormick, made Mance his first artist to be released on Arhoolie Records. What
followed was a rich, bountiful harvest of various samplings of regional folk
music that became the most extensive collection of American folk music ever produced.
I do not think that is an overstatement. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Chris also witnessed Texas farm labor traditions first hand before the Civil Rights Movement, and actually visited with the legendary Tom Moore, subject of many blues recordings... Here is a short anecdote about Mance and the somewhat subversive song he was often asked to sing, the Tom Moore Blues...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">What Chris Strachwitz has done, and has been very beautifully captured in the documentary, is to search, find and preserve
the very heart and soul of America.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH35mvEkXMTfq9Y9PkbjaAJN6kg9hXdjyzUvZzV6Xy-9FLjuOA_Or_nx6EMu31WKTlxge_PBYpelpqGMojFSCOSvxV6K1_WKa7cZrNF4ISepr8lSx0lcwR6AhGAacTmSHka9w33ZWaz3iT/s1600/bert+chris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH35mvEkXMTfq9Y9PkbjaAJN6kg9hXdjyzUvZzV6Xy-9FLjuOA_Or_nx6EMu31WKTlxge_PBYpelpqGMojFSCOSvxV6K1_WKa7cZrNF4ISepr8lSx0lcwR6AhGAacTmSHka9w33ZWaz3iT/s1600/bert+chris.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;">Bert Miller meets Chris Strachwitz.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That might
not be an overstatement either, or at least it comes from my heart and soul. Bert
and I were glowing like two fireflies as we went home afterwards. I had
given Chris a copy of the <b>Navasota Examiner</b>. The one which pictured my new mural featuring
Mance on the front page. I told him Hell had frozen over. He seemed to be smiling with true joy. Bert
had shaken his hand and spoke to him officially as a representative from our
humble town, which will always be in debt to him for what he did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A veritable
WWII refugee from Poland, young and totally objective Chris Strachwitz came
from California and captured our most precious music, so that someday, when he
was old, we would finally be listening. It was a great feeling to hand him
evidence, second generation fruit which he had not planted, that his work has
left a permanent ripple in our Brazos Valley culture. The wall on Blues Alley
certainly proved that we value Mance more than ever, and that Chris Strachwitz
got through to the most deaf of ear. That must feel good to know that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">At the end
of the documentary,</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> Chris walks along in a glorious musical parade celebrating
his career. Unlike Mance and so many of his musicians, he has lived to be
appreciated and even be venerated and to taste the sweet nectar of validation.
It felt good to be a part of that. We cannot undo the past. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">But we can sure enjoy getting it right every
once in a while.</span></div>
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-86724879575726365612014-10-16T21:42:00.003-07:002014-10-17T10:49:40.940-07:00Benjamin Knox- The Art of Success<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Every once in a while the stars align</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> to provide everything
necessary for life in one place- <b>Art, music and wine</b>…</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>But rarely on a regular basis!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Benjamin Knox</b> has been perfecting his vision</span><span style="font-size: large;"> for a quarter
of a century in a veritable retail sweet spot. And over time his aggressive approach and hard work has paid off
in several ways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">His elegant and spacious art gallery featuring his own work is
surviving in a very tough economy. He continues to add features to his facility such as an event center, a wine bar and a party deck. And understandably his gallery has become the flagship for the College
Station art community, offering <b>fine art, good wine and live music every week</b>. In fact three times a week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Click on the arrow in the box below to hear Benjamin Knox explain his concept...</i></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzRYx7hlE2MFD41IdgaO3llayRcnacaVQGVVT67_1NtsUAxbItEdJXECsNm2pcrgBcoOLo6V8Y11mJ3m6LWqA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Indeed, there has NEVER been an opportunity like this!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZN01sAHnGx8XqIXvey9Zq1tJBbW05MzZrkzM4BwGPAQib3SbBIbivngv6VOng6f2mEFS0B_mDxuSsXwhEWY9F1CsrjqRkycL1apjxR8xblESbVJ7AFO4Ao4ZCwBFMA-69jsQjfakuSavw/s1600/gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZN01sAHnGx8XqIXvey9Zq1tJBbW05MzZrkzM4BwGPAQib3SbBIbivngv6VOng6f2mEFS0B_mDxuSsXwhEWY9F1CsrjqRkycL1apjxR8xblESbVJ7AFO4Ao4ZCwBFMA-69jsQjfakuSavw/s1600/gallery.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Knox offers several evenings a week where professional, popular art, live music and great wine and cheeses are served in gorgeous surroundings.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Once an architecture major</span><span style="font-size: large;"> at Texas A & M, Benjamin quickly
zeroed in on his niche and with great perseverance has gradually improved it until he stands victorious
among a diminishing field of competitors. You might say he has illustrated in
his business the true heart of a champion. So it is no surprise that much of
his work has been studies of traditional Aggie icons, such as Texas A & M football and not a few compositions featuring the famous Texas A & M Aggie Corp. The fierce, competitive spirit seen
on the A & M football field has been demonstrated on every canvas coming out
of his studio.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Knox talks about his current, near epic exhibit...</i></span><br />
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<i>We wish Benjamin the best of luck with that project!</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Wine Depot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And that same spirit</span><span style="font-size: large;"> has gone into every product, every addition
to his sprawling Art Gallery- Frame Shop- Wine Depot and Event Center. He
manages it all himself, with the assistance of half a dozen personnel. There
are full-time picture framers, food and wine servers, a couple of college kids
working part time, and musicians entertaining several times a week. And above
all of this activity he paints his large masterworks in his private studio
upstairs.</span></div>
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<i>The coolest people in College Station take advantage of this remarkable cultural asset...</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But tonight Knox calmly meanders among the crowd out on
the deck, enjoying his creation as if he were a casual guest. Meanwhile <b>T</b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;">he Greg Tivis Trio</b><span style="font-size: large;">
delivers tight, engaging jazz; the musical equivalent to his masterful paintings...</span><br />
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<i>Greg and his music can be enjoyed at several local venues every week.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Groups chat and
dine</span><span style="font-size: large;"> in private nooks and out in the idyllic evening air. The place functions automatically like…
something an Aggie would design; a very talented, somewhat right-brained Aggie.
After years of searching and considerable training, Benjamin proudly claims that he has a solid crew that
can handle these weekly events without any hand-wringing or angst. His crew makes him look good... and Benjamin Knox
makes success look easy. And he seems to have done it on his terms, a feat within itself.</span><br />
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<i>The Greg Tivis Trio makes time stand still while the world flies by.</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">But it has not always been so.</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> Knox has overcome some serious
personal challenges in recent years which have made him stronger and perhaps wiser, and an even smarter businessman, and if possible, an even more amazing artist. Now the near perfection of his ambitious domain is the result of decades of striving and passion, yet it all seems so ideal and serene. Perhaps his most fascinating, most magical art is his success. How can all of this achievement rise on University Drive, year after year, against impossible odds?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Knox pointed out a new work</span><span style="font-size: large;"> in his gallery of a Texas A & M
football player, the twelfth man, kneeling and praying. It is the picture of a
champion, nearly prostrate, leaning on his helmet, having given his all, exhausted and yet thankful,
and still knowing where all good things come from. And most importantly, having
the presence of mind to take the time to say a prayer of thanksgiving. It
pretty much sums up where Benjamin Knox is today; the life of a champion, feeling
gratitude for his success, happy with his performance on the field. It is a
sweet place to be.</span></div>
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<i>Benjamin Knox enjoys the fruits of his labors.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And Benjamin Knox is a big believer in giving back.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> In fact he credits some of his success to his reciprocity in this community. He has given a lot, and the community has given back in spades. He has also been sure to use</span><i> </i><span style="font-size: large;">his</span><i> </i><span style="font-size: large;">gallery as a venue for local musicians and emerging performers as well...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Art lovers, or music lovers, or Aggies</b>, or avid wine tasters will find their cultural home here at Benjamin Knox Art Gallery, and his Wine Depot, and in the process, they will be sharing a little of his success.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We can only imagine what Benjamin Knox might do next with this amazing
facility, and how or where he might aim his talents in the future. Knox says he wants to
explore landscapes and do more western and historical subjects, and other things
to do with our Texas heritage. If his delightful weekly parties are any indication… the
best is yet to come.</span></div>
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The Benjamin Knox Art Gallery is located at 405 University Drive, (East) in College Station, Texas. Hours are Mon-Wed 12-8, Thur-Sat 12-12, LIVE MUSIC Thur & Fri 7-10</div>
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-36284343810841915742014-10-05T19:44:00.004-07:002014-10-05T19:49:35.278-07:00CLASSIC SHOTS OF A CLASSIC FESTIVAL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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OF CLASSIC CARS!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes everything works out.</span> After you have done things a few times and work out the kinks, and if you get lucky, the weather cooperates... Navasota had a perfect classic car show this year that will become the standard by which its future car shows will be compared.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_74luor85-Y1v5jPho76foXCWlqk8fHXsKTLtiIrm32VxlE8LA0t0vmwdk33b8LXSqBzb45xwjMoKFrMcP1aEblf8KkK9ATRgmWEo6PFM_luzLXPU0fuXvE5-en0pynLT1G0BP9vl_F4a/s1600/grant+pride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_74luor85-Y1v5jPho76foXCWlqk8fHXsKTLtiIrm32VxlE8LA0t0vmwdk33b8LXSqBzb45xwjMoKFrMcP1aEblf8KkK9ATRgmWEo6PFM_luzLXPU0fuXvE5-en0pynLT1G0BP9vl_F4a/s1600/grant+pride.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Councilman Grant Holt</b> beams from his stunning red convertable.</div>
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My favorite was this 1940 Ford street rod.</div>
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These youngsters certainly found their favorite... the restored Navasota firetruck.</div>
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There was superb rock music by Suede. There were activities for children, food and drinks served by the Navasota Diamonettes.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Years of diligence have paid off</span>, and the Navasota Kiwanis Club, and especially Jon McNally are to be congratulated for this glorious event. Look at this picture! I could not find a bad angle. They deserve some kind of trophy... and it would look something like this...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was sad</span> to see these beauties depart. But the shear beauty of the perfect day will keep us smiling for months.</div>
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So put this event on your bucket list!</div>
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STUNNING- GLORIOUS- IDYLLIC. And the cars were cool too! :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Surely, a sign of things to come.</span></div>
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-64564492839388049752014-09-29T09:22:00.002-07:002014-09-29T09:32:14.265-07:00Ruthie Foster and Other Shooting Stars at Texas Reds...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>A few cars shy of a load...</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The annual Texas Reds Festival </span>seemed to be operating at around half capacity in the unforgiving Texas heat Sunday. There was something for everybody... but the event was so spread out that it seemed like <b>only a fraction of "everybody" took advantage of this cultural extravaganza. </b>Still there was a very impressive variety of quality bands, and loyal fans of of Ruthie Foster that made the day worthwhile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAVYNVYSTsr0GCLmcywjLodGpx2kgL-H3k5fkZxOPjnWtXfVGudDX6Akz0TVIQFkktkhWv62h_CvxEM0_IAW_-TX77J4IoGooNmcg5tOdkYrtfwEKoqNi5IyE6YwQ785MEIm8afvKslof/s1600/I+feel+like+i'm%2Bin%2Btrouble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAVYNVYSTsr0GCLmcywjLodGpx2kgL-H3k5fkZxOPjnWtXfVGudDX6Akz0TVIQFkktkhWv62h_CvxEM0_IAW_-TX77J4IoGooNmcg5tOdkYrtfwEKoqNi5IyE6YwQ785MEIm8afvKslof/s1600/I+feel+like+i'm%2Bin%2Btrouble.jpg" height="446" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>"How long as it been?"</i></div>
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<i>"TOO LONG!"</i></div>
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<i>"I feel like I'm in trouble"</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ruthie came and did her magic</span> in her unique, classy and soft spoken style, as hundreds gathered at her tent. Almost... yes indeed a spiritual experience, she introduced her proud family on the sidelines and spoke of "Paw Paw" and "Big Mama,"And shared a few memories from her formative years in her hometown of Gause; about Paw Paw driving up from the Brazos bottom in the noisy old pick up truck, with chains clanging on the tailgate, and him parking under the live oak tree, that made the oppressive heat seem like part of the act.<br />
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<b> And yes she sang.</b> She is the greatest voice to blossom in these parts since Texas Alexander. And nobody remembers him. Nobody will forget seeing Ruthie when she sings. Local guitarist Red Carson sat in on a few tunes, and made it a real Brazos Valley homecoming.<br />
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<i>The attendance to the overall event was strangely sparse, but Ruthie's stage was comfortably packed.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The artist's booths were well worth the time</span> to peruse. Amanda Lynne is a young mother who has committed the time with the help of her husband to produce these vibrant nature scenes. Very reasonably priced.</div>
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<i>Trevor Reed of College Station is a woodworker who turns chunks of rare wood into gorgeous instruments.... this bass guitar he brandishes was the epitome of functional art.</i></div>
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<i>DOZENS of excellent bands like Jonathan Tyler, from all over the country converged to offer an amazing music event.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Were you ever out at night</span> and someone said, "There goes a shooting Star!"? And you looked up but it was too late? For many folks in the Brazos Valley, that is exactly what happened here.</div>
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-31701932814526236362014-09-27T22:23:00.000-07:002014-09-29T08:35:01.872-07:00Texas Reds Festival- over the top<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Texas Reds Festival</b></span> in downtown Bryan is more overwhelming than ever, providing around six square blocks of solid fun, art and entertainment. Countless bands perform on<b> five different stages</b> ( and more in the Palace Theatre!) all day to totally dazzle and confuse people like me who want to see it all. You just can't, that's all.<br />
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But you can try.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ruthie Foster</span>,</b> the hometown favorite girl - gone big time, from lil' old Gause, Texas will take the KBTX stage at 3:30 Sunday.,.<br />
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And here some of my favorite scenes from Saturday...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Winers and diners meet their match</span> at the Texas Reds Festival. There is no telling how many grapes had to die so that dozens of wineries could offer samples to thousands of wine lovers, doing their Texas best to make them feel the love.<br />
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Energetic<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> Este Vato</span> played such infectious music that whole groups broke into spontaneous cluster dancing.</div>
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Este Vato</div>
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Rockin'<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> The Docs</span> were a real crowd pleaser, attracting one of the largest crowds of fans. They are solid, dynamic and seem to be having as much fun as their audience. And they had cool lights.</div>
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This ain't yo mama's Motown... but if she closed her eyes, she would have to admit these guys lay down some passionate, righteous soul, even if only one of them is black... <b><span style="font-size: large;">Soul Track Mind</span></b> proves once and for all that American music is finally colorblind.</div>
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Local award winning blues- rockers <b><span style="font-size: large;">Tubie and the Touchtones</span></b> held their own amid all the competition. These three bombarded the downtown canyon with original songs and their own versions of rock classics.</div>
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How do you drive an Aggie crazy? Send him to Texas Reds and tell him to find all the rock and roll.</div>
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There are numerous artists and craftspersons exhibiting, from as far away as Kansas and California.. Several were very pleased with their sales. Local favorite<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>J. Vincent</b> </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Scarpace</span> </b>was smiling the most, as he and his sales manager (his brother) enjoyed an especially successful day.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the best is yet to come! </span></div>
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-82728184064568377412014-09-18T20:54:00.001-07:002014-09-19T08:18:28.128-07:00Parker-Astin Arts Center: Bryan's Art Angel Takes a Bold Leap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The <b>Parker-Astin Arts Center</b> blossomed with appropriate fanfare Thursday, Sept. 18th, and promises to be the heartbeat of the art community in Bryan's historic downtown district. That is a mouthful, and is only possible because it is owned and managed by Bryan's angel in residence, <b>Greta Watkins</b>, formerly of the Frame Gallery just down the street. Greta has moved her studio and frame shop into the old Parker-Astin building, and offers much the same products and services as before- </span><span style="font-size: large;"> a very comfy cultural center.</span><br />
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<i>Greta's opening attracted a fairly young crowd.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The very respectable jazz band (with <b>Randy Watkins</b> on drums) playing during the grand opening inspired an aura of class and urban sophistication, but the crowd and the artists were a very laid back collection of home folks.</span><br />
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<i>All this stimulation!</i></div>
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<i>Theodora Krc poses with "The Guardian," a fitting symbol of Parker-Astin's matriarch.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I met vivacious <b>Theodora Krc</b> (kersh) of Bryan, who makes jewelry and paints contemporary abstracts. One of her nicer Motherwell-esque works was hanging in the restroom! Her heavily textured painting of an angel called The Guardian fascinated my camera as the light played on it. She insisted it looked better in the daylight. I'm pretty sure it relishes in each unique lighting situation.</span><br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">John Pinkerton</b><span style="font-size: large;"> was happy to stand next to his portrait of Janis Joplin, which seemed as alive as any of us in the room. John is always experimenting with new themes. Each one is treated with his special, unmistakable perspective. He started with cats. Then dogs. Then movie legends of his youth. He's done blues legends and now he's doing rock legends. Art buyers understand that he will soon be the legend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Highly acclaimed <b>Mary Scott</b> of Caldwell has transitioned into acrylics after many years of pastels and oils. She found that art galleries preferred paintings on canvas. She is now painting with rich hues and values which were impossible with her pastels. Still, we will miss those exquisite, dreamlike pastels. But Mary is not looking back, she is slated to appear in Southwest Art Magazine, and is committed to creating a style wi</span><span style="font-size: large;">th her new medium that will attract art lovers with equal passion to the past. And that is why we artists love art... it is constantly evolving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Becky Witherspoon explained her unique encaustic techniques. She paints with melted wax using a hot iron. Her smaller works were very intriguing and priced very reasonably. Becky was next to the swinging jazz band, and it was hard to hear her explanations, but her kind smile said everything you need to know.</span><br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Tim "Pops" Vanya</b><span style="font-size: large;"> of Somerville explained how he is once again forming a western artist's group, called The Western Associates, of which he hopes to exercise a good deal of paternal influence. He is still determined to connect the dots, and to help western art collectors find what they want without having to travel to Santa Fe or Scottsdale. </span><span style="font-size: large;">He also explained the definition of an artist; somebody who refuses to quit! He was probably referring to himself, but his definition would apply to many of the artists in the room, including the gallery owner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I decided to go and get this story posted, but looked around one more time. Perhaps a hundred people gathered and sipping wine and having a good time... with art as the backdrop. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm going to just say it.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>These dedicated artists cannot survive on good will and social popularity</b>. If you were thinking about buying a piece of art, there will never be a better time to weigh in at the CASH REGISTER, and affirm what these folks are doing.</span><br />
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<i>Creative juices can flow abundantly in places such as this.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you move the A in GREAT to the end, you get <b>Greta</b>. Parker-Astin is the real deal and should attract real deal collectors. Furthermore, it is a great addition to the downtown Bryan art scene, and GreAta and the other artists within deserve a visit, and your patronship.</span></div>
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-33318111450418358042014-09-15T17:54:00.002-07:002014-09-16T20:03:05.836-07:00BrazoSphere finds a home! ABC40!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I want to welcome ABC40</span><span style="font-size: large;"> of Bryan, Texas as my partner in this blog. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">ABC and I have joined together</span><span style="font-size: large;"> to give you a ride in the front seat as I explore </span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">art and entertainment</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> here in the Brazos Valley. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is a link to our new ad... to be aired soon...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/106226907">https://vimeo.com/106226907</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw_VSClc6tz3KdbwvITLww321suGpYdqYINwc7U8KXzLtUb-EP9NYD5M5H8nVmeOKMJU9kGbn02ub2e820nWfG1tERVe8ROBSeOOiR8VEtiBvLcPYccy98GkiDQD5oD2RCOLrEMVM8Y25/s1600/longhorn+proud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw_VSClc6tz3KdbwvITLww321suGpYdqYINwc7U8KXzLtUb-EP9NYD5M5H8nVmeOKMJU9kGbn02ub2e820nWfG1tERVe8ROBSeOOiR8VEtiBvLcPYccy98GkiDQD5oD2RCOLrEMVM8Y25/s1600/longhorn+proud.jpg" height="400" width="310" /></a></div>
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<i>With my sculpture in front of Stelzig's at Bush Airport.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have spent a lifetime immersed in the arts</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">and the history of this region, and believe this is the most intriguing and inspiring place on the earth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can only imagine how excited I am about bringing my stories to a television audience. Before we move on to wonderful things, I want to take just a moment and introduce myself to you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0yDcpVlvbfqisbY2kAE4AS34Obxesz93Zfeqex7k9z-2VvyPUd5_GGh1S5dmdMkjEohdjiH0kiSbWlW0s87Y0TEGhWi5F5M1JWHuIDjLnYq7Zxxdy-5W1iEc55elCFVvb3y03ms15Nd1/s1600/live+oaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0yDcpVlvbfqisbY2kAE4AS34Obxesz93Zfeqex7k9z-2VvyPUd5_GGh1S5dmdMkjEohdjiH0kiSbWlW0s87Y0TEGhWi5F5M1JWHuIDjLnYq7Zxxdy-5W1iEc55elCFVvb3y03ms15Nd1/s1600/live+oaks.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You might say my acorn rooted<u> right under the tree</u>. </span><span style="font-size: large;">My father was a civic leader and a published Texas historian, and my mother was an antique dealer and accomplished portrait painter. They shaped me into a passionate communicator and encouraged my pursuit of an art career. My family moved from Houston to Grimes County in 1972, and it has been home ever since. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Ironically, many of my </span><span style="font-size: large;">pioneer</span><span style="font-size: large;"> ancestors who have always been a great inspiration for me were buried in the 1870's in the Bryan City Cemetery. Now I will be covering their legacy for ABC40, a growing television station committed to covering our local color.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have been an artist all of my life,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and have made art professionally here in the Brazos Valley for almost forty years. I have also worked at various times as a carpenter, sign maker, ranch hand, museum director, and photographer. An artist has to be flexible to survive. I am married and have one daughter, and I have lived in Navasota for 25 years, where I have served the community in various ways, including on the board of the<b> Arts Council of the Brazos Valley</b> and the Navasota City Council.</span><br />
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<i>My mural at Wrangler Steak House.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have painted waaaay over fifteen thousand square feet of murals in Texas schools, museums and other public places. <b>The Star of the Republic Museum, Houston Baptist University and Blue Bell Creamery</b> are just a few of my mural customers. </span><br />
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<i>My latest life-sized bronze, of City Marshal Frank Hamer, in front of Navasota City Hall.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My monumental sculptures adorn neighborhoods all over the place, and especially in my hometown of Navasota. I have also worked locally as a theater set designer, taught art lessons for thirty years, promoted concerts and managed a six county tourism market sponsored by the National Trust.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-z5GJqMXc-7BL_huK8BaVOwaWIWqffXiZql2PoD45Mg5jJ-JBz7Ms6fToxv7QOD2-Pq7ESYJ-9pMMPMOZ_b9PnEqTAPdWcRAdNASkKj64UYldKC6rEmvzEd-pJsHiu2Vj2xaQn6ab207/s1600/cush+nav+city+hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-z5GJqMXc-7BL_huK8BaVOwaWIWqffXiZql2PoD45Mg5jJ-JBz7Ms6fToxv7QOD2-Pq7ESYJ-9pMMPMOZ_b9PnEqTAPdWcRAdNASkKj64UYldKC6rEmvzEd-pJsHiu2Vj2xaQn6ab207/s1600/cush+nav+city+hall.jpg" height="366" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am probably known more to local antique collectors as a source of information on early Texas stoneware. Around one hundred people a day visit my blogs on Texana, especially on Texas Ranger badges. I am a passionate writer, authoring five different blogs including this one. There is my blues blog: <a href="http://brazosvalleyblues.blogspot.com/">http://brazosvalleyblues.blogspot.com/</a>, my Navasota blog: <a href="http://russellcushman.blogspot.com/">http://russellcushman.blogspot.com/</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> , my family blog:<a href="http://cushmanroots.blogspot.com/">http://cushmanroots.blogspot.com/</a>, my art blog: <a href="http://russellcushmanart.blogspot.com/">http://russellcushmanart.blogspot.com/</a>, and this one, made especially for ABC40.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">ALL of this experience has prepared me to write this blog, called BrazoSphere, which will be your one-stop-shop for local cultural orientation and my impressions of art and entertainment <b>opportunities that will be of interest to YOU! </b>So check out the permanent features at the top...<b> explore our fabulous cultural history!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's Go!</span></div>
Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-6836406786548974922014-09-06T00:49:00.001-07:002014-09-06T17:58:37.330-07:00First Yell... Lasting Moments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Music</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> is a great unifying force. In this case bringing young and old, new and classic, Anglo and Tejano music, Aggies and some grateful bystanders, together for an evening rich with the sounds of Aggieland.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Yell Leaders of the Aggies at Texas A & M know all about yelling. But they also know how to put on one Yell of a show!</b></span><br />
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Below are some highlights of Friday night's entertainment which preceded the annual "Yell Practice" at Kyle Field... This was a fabulous show, a blend of that eternal Aggie Spirit, and deep traditions, and some performances that will live forever...<br />
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<i>Fellow Aggie and former A&M Corp officer <b>Max Stallings</b> kicked things off with his easy Texas lyrics and homegrown charm.</i><br />
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The State's Monster Aggie</span>, <b>Roger Creager,</b> blew out some earphones no doubt as he gave the Aggies his romping best. Here is how those Fightin', Dancin' Texas Aggies responded...<br />
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Creager even brought his dad into the act as they sang<b> El Rancho Grande</b>. It was a hoot. Or a whoop, or something like that. He explained he was about to leave Texas for awhile and tour in the west and needed to get a dose of Texas Aggie love to last him for awhile... And he got it, not to mention a standing ovation.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">THEN, <b>Gary P. Nunn, Joe Ely and Johnny Bush</b></span> made a rare combined performance, sharing the stage and the "house band" ( a combination of each of their bands) as they played some favorites. <u>Nunn gave us what we all wanted</u> when he sang <b>The London Homesick Blues</b>, first sung with Jerry Jeff Walker here in College Station many years ago.... ( I want to go home with the armadillo...) The transplanted Oklahoman did his own version of his song Willie Nelson made famous, The last Thing I Needed, and he also sang his classic, What I Like About Texas, which started out as a Lone Star Beer commercial... "You ask me what I like about Texas..." he sings as he points into the crowd.<br />
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<i>Yeah, Gary, it's the people... and especially the Aggies!</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Johnny Bush</span> thrilled the hard core dancers as he stepped up to the mic. He is approaching eighty but still has that beautiful voice. And it still makes Texan's SWING! He bragged that he did not have to use glasses. He said he just drinks straight out of the bottle. He gave us Whiskey River and There Stands the Glass... AS FRESH AS THE ORIGINAL RECORDINGS- and suddenly we all had separate out-of-body experiences to wherever we were when we heard those songs the first time. But we all came back before the show was over...</div>
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<i>Bush can still compete with his voice of fifty years ago... But he's probably more charming now. "I've been divorced so many times UHAUL rental company sends me a Christmas card!"</i></div>
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<i>Joe Ely renders I'm Gonna Live Forever.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The most special treat of the night may have been the appearance of Joe Ely. Yes, he's still around and as these pictures attest, stronger than ever. Joe rocked the Yell with an Aggie standard, The Road Goes On Forever, and did his version of Billy Joe Shaver's "I'm Gonna Live Forever." Yes Joe, in a way you will, through your hearty music. And the connection you made to everybody who was there, and that spirit in the Reed Arena... it will last forever too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But Ely is only beginning to unfold his "forever" connections...</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: xx-large;">Of special interest </b><span style="font-size: large;">is the film documentary </span><span style="font-size: large;">Joe is producing</span><span style="font-size: large;"> about Brazos Valley legend, <b>"Stubbs" Stubblefield,</b> who has become a famous barbecue icon... Stubblefield was born in Navasota, and became a major music patron in west Texas. I was able to capture a brief explanation of Ely's inspiration for this long overdue documentary... We look forward to the completion of this worthy project.</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw8j9mIL0G1XKKu53vFotL_mtsjkQJdEfRCn2mV5wVPe-jViTw48HDvh0lWeOGz7cYtPusF5FXPsB7Qoi4u' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">MEANWHILE, PUT <b>FIRST YELL</b> ON YOUR BUCKET LIST!</span></div>
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-21217994350710852192014-08-21T03:58:00.002-07:002014-08-21T03:58:26.871-07:00Ezra Charles Does It Again- and Again...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some <u>highlights</u> of the 2014 Navasota Blues Fest!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Ezra Charles proved ONCE AGAIN</span><span style="font-size: large;"> why he is the king of blues as far as we are concerned. And, one of the most exciting entertainers in Texas. Of course, I am smitten with his lovely brass section...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Doug Macleod</b>, one of the world's best slide-resonator guitarists, played early in the day and WOWed everyone with his original songs, winsome stories and incredible slide techniques. And there was much, much more...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Charles' gorgeous horn section blows and swoons with Las Vegas energy and even dances with the crowd!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ezra Charles took the stage and suddenly you forgot two days of stellar entertainment! </span><span style="font-size: large;">The evening ended with a full house screaming with approval. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not to be outdone by his band, Ezra goes up in flames at the end of his set.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And yes, the music is excellent.. thrilling., impeccable... Ezra Charles is a master of Live entertainment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">MORE BELOW ON THE BLUESFEST...</span></div>
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383533116440818137.post-29289225897343104462014-08-21T03:54:00.001-07:002014-08-21T03:54:59.566-07:00NAVASOTA BLUESFEST 2014- BEST EVER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The best year ever in my opinion.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The two day festival</span> started on Friday, Aug 8th, with a cigar box guitar workshop at Navasota Blues Alley in downtown Navasota, led by the wizard of such music, Justin Johnson.</div>
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<i>Justin Johnson does wonders with the humble diddly bow at Blues Alley.</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then Justin opened the festival out at the Grimes County Expo Center...</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Justin Johnson</i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Afterwards <b>Brad Absher</b> took the stage</span> with a full blown band and lit up the room. He has TWO saxophone players and an ivory tickler who brings his own (quite heavy!) piano. Very solid band called<b> SWAMP ROYALE.</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Brad Absher at far right up front with his sax men</i> </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tony Vega</span> finished off the first night with tight energy for a three piece band. They set the expectation for the weekend... which delivered GREAT BANG FOR THE BUCK!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Tony Vega</i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Saturday, Aug 9</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">The Saturday events kicked off </span><span style="text-align: left;">with a fun acoustic set done by</span><b style="text-align: left;"> Back Porch in E Flat</b><span style="text-align: left;">, (or something like that!) who graciously replaced Dr. Michael Birnbaum who was unable to attend. These guys each played multiple instruments. The bass player was blowing on a harmonica and tapping a top hat. A small crowd of hard core blues fans sat in chairs up close to the stage to get a better look, and time stood still... and flew by!. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Back Porch E Flat</i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Then, FINALLY, one of my favorite musicians ever, <b>Doug Macleod</b> brought his resonator mastery to the Blues Fest. I told him this must be heaven, because I was sure this is what it will feel like, getting to enjoy such fabulous music and sharing it with your friends. Doug is a National Treasure. He writes his own songs.. and they have a very useful message in this day and time. His slide guitar prowess shares few peers.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Doug Macleod</i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">BAD BRAD and the FAT CATS</span></b> came on and instantly connected with the crowd, quickly gaining the attention of this seasoned blues crowd and getting smiles. Brad is bad, but I mean that in a good way. This guy will go far as long as people want real blues.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyWH72qRzWCBfDtHVCtX0GRItTc0jlWJrOfSXPUK7ksOK_EBO4qOtIrQsOL5b1utWqFdt0WQTSEpKdtSM9HMLX0kTEkbuaz3oK7r3EO3O5q9nXRywVYtY3PiTd3ZffXRbH7aiEL_X0r0y/s1600/6+BACK+BAD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyWH72qRzWCBfDtHVCtX0GRItTc0jlWJrOfSXPUK7ksOK_EBO4qOtIrQsOL5b1utWqFdt0WQTSEpKdtSM9HMLX0kTEkbuaz3oK7r3EO3O5q9nXRywVYtY3PiTd3ZffXRbH7aiEL_X0r0y/s1600/6+BACK+BAD.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Bad Brad and the Fat Cats</i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Then everything got crazy. <b>Texas Johnny Boy</b> and his all-star band blew out the cob webs with his typical high energy blues assault. This man is a blues animal. You can tell he lives to play and plays to live. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuwdQ3iPuY5uQycG8cKJpAIn5heTtjn2Pu2O5WH5L4NL07XSj2syi3f0ctfgoQxOues-Q24FVC2IBZbNzjP_57PFOr7PDmMQzP-QqR_yuxVSQexzris-SXLpVAyxYjE7uMjS6vbsFK8c7/s1600/8+TEX+JNY+BOY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuwdQ3iPuY5uQycG8cKJpAIn5heTtjn2Pu2O5WH5L4NL07XSj2syi3f0ctfgoQxOues-Q24FVC2IBZbNzjP_57PFOr7PDmMQzP-QqR_yuxVSQexzris-SXLpVAyxYjE7uMjS6vbsFK8c7/s1600/8+TEX+JNY+BOY.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Texas Johnny Boy</i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Annika Chambers</span></b> came on like gangbusters as they say and showed why is she has left a wake of devoted fans all over the Houston area and beyond. She is a passionate performer, singing and frolicking on stage with a rare combination of power and abandon.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Annika Chambers</i></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And then there was the incomparable <b>Ezra Charles</b></span> and his fabulous band. In my mind the best act we have ever seen. Charles has found his dream team and nurtured them into a rollicking brass section that sings and struts and mixes it up with the crowd. By the time he got through playing, everyone was EXHAUSTED!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It will be hard to top this year's sterling stream of shows.</span> Some old traditions were broken to create the best line-up they have ever had. I'm one who thinks the sacrifice and the change was worth it, and hope they stick to their new plan... and that is offering up the best blues fest in the country! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!</span><br />
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Russell Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125943782255815588noreply@blogger.com0