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Letter from the Editor I am especially excited to feature Jack and Cindy Whitworth of Whitworth's Stained Glass. When I wandered into their shop two years ago, I couldn’t believe all of the beautiful stained-glass creations that were being designed and built right in our own backyard. I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I had visiting their shop and if you’re ever in the area, you should definitely stop in and say hello. They would love to show you around! Another shining star in the downtown area is the proprietor of our go-to winery; Brandie Jewell of Water 2 Wine. As soon as you walk-in, you just want to slip into a cozy spot and enjoy a glass/bottle of wine from her wonderful array of wine selections. Equally entertaining, is being able to make your own custom wine for sharing at home or gift giving.
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really enjoy perusing the different businesses in town, meeting the owners and hearing their stories. There also seems to be some kind of event going on just about every weekend and this year will prove to be even more so as New Braunfels is set to celebrate their 175th throughout the year. For more details on these events head over to www.Since1845.com for a complete listing. In this issue, we highlight some of these events and showcase some of the wonderful entrepreneurs that work tirelessly to keep their businesses successful. Shana Corzine with her businesses, The Red Stag, La Belle Vie, and Lux Design Studio have become staples in the downtown area where her shops are brimming with antiques from France and Belgium, European home goods and American-made custom upholstered furniture, accessories, fine linens and gifts. But her special project, which we feature in this issue, is an up and coming wedding venue/chalet that will surely bring an elegant European ambiance to any bridal affair.
This issue is full of interesting reads on local businesses and shops but the stories give no justice to the real experience of actually visiting the spaces. It is my hope to share these experiences with you thru New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine and that you enjoy the glimpses of these acquaintances as much I do. p.s. We are always available to discuss coverage and advertsing opportunites through our publication and website. To contact us, email us at info@nblifestylemagazine.com or call us at 210.570.2076 All my best,
Melba Romero Melba Romero Creator | Publisher | Editor-In-Chief
Adele Kerr & Co. is another fine example of a company that offers unique architectural finds. The shop appeal is truly the diverse group of outstanding vendors who form a collective, offering mid-century, industrial chic, vintage and repurposed items with primitive and fine antiques, all in one place. Image: Gazebo at Landa Park, New Braunfels, TX
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Contents & Credits Feature City of New Braunfels Celebrates 175th
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True North - Profiles of the Entrepreneurial Spirit
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Written By: Gail G. Collins
Photograph By: Melba Romero
Texas Chalet: Beginnings of an European Venue Shana Corzine of The Red Stag, La Belle Vie, Lux Design Studio Written By: Gail G. Collins Photography By: Melba Romero
Labours of Love - Profiles of Local Artists & Crafters
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Sharing the Light of the World Jack & Cindy Whitworth of Whitworth's Stained Glass Written By: Stacey Lovett Photography By: Stacey Lovett
NB Homes & Gardens Authentic & Rare Goods Antique Market
Adele Kerr & Co. Written By: Gail G. Collins
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Photography By: Melba Romero
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Feature Auction House Pioneer Lark Mason Associates Written By: Gail G. Collins
Photography By: Melba Romero
NB Mingle - Places to Gather, Eat & Drink Neighborhood Winery in the Heart of NB Brandie Jewell of Water 2 Wine Written By: Gail G. Collins
Photography By: Melba Romero
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Editor-In-Chief Melba Romero Graphic Design Melba Romero Contributors Gail Collins Stacey Lovett Photography Melba Romero Stacey Lovett Publisher Black Pearl Publications
New Braunfels Lifestyle MagazineŽ is a registered trademark of Black Pearl Publications and may not be used without permission. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, Black Pearl Publications. The information contained in this magazine is provided AS IS. Neither New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine nor Black Pearl Publications, make any representation or warranty with respect to this magazine or the contents thereof and do hereby disclaim all express and implied warranties to the fullest extent permitted by law. New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine and Black Pearl Publications do not endorse any individuals, companies, products, services, or views featured or advertised in this magazine. ŠNew Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the copyright owner.
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Feature
City of New Braunfels 175th Anniversary Celebration of City Founding Written by Gail G. Collins
Working hard and celebrating success are hallmarks of New Braunfelsers from their German immigrant past to their present plans for its 175th anniversary. A yearlong series of activities—from the New Year’s Eve Gala to Founder’s Day events to an autumn River Parade—will mark the occasion. Chairwoman Anne Miller and Chamber of Commerce Director Judy Young discussed the City’s heritage and commemorative salutations.
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uccess is the point where preparation meets opportunity, like the immense planning and happy accident that built New Braunfels. In July 1944, Prince Carl of SolmsBraunfels landed at Galveston to locate property for the first four shiploads of German immigrants to the new state of Texas. He had his sights on a grant between the Llano and Colorado Rivers. The land was unsuitable for farming and too far from the Rio Grande for trading prospects. Following advice from Texas Ranger Captain Jack Coffee Hays, the Prince sought a place called Las Fontanas (the fountains). Its natural springs formed the Comal River, which fed into the Guadalupe, providing abundant water and rich soil. On March 14, 1845, Prince Carl purchased 1,265 acres for $1,112, establishing the only city in Texas founded by German royalty. Seven days later, on Good Friday, he led the first settlers into New Braunfels, named for his ancestral German home.
“The beauty of the place was astounding. Masses of wild flowers covered the prairie and the powerful springs added to the magnificent beauty creating a crystal clear river which would serve the industry of the future,” wrote Hermann Seele in his diary then. The teacher, public official, writer and cultural leader was considered the Soul of New Braunfels. Within months, he began educating children under an elm tree. Large volumes of beef and pork supported sausage-making, a German art and an adopted Texas tradition. Winemaking thrived with a supply of wild Mustang grapes. The productive farmers, vintners and artisan fare gained a reputation for cordial hospitality and honorable trade. Gemütlichkeit was reborn in Texas. By the 1850s, New Braunfels was a bustling business center and the fourth largest city in Texas after Houston, San Antonio and Galveston. Since its 25th anniversary in 1870, the city has celebrated each quarter-century in a grand way. The original occasion included a celebratory parade through streets and buildings decorated with mountain laurel and cedar. A German cannon was fired throughout the festivities. At the 50th anniversary in 1895, the event added more cannons blasts, fireworks, concerts and dancing with proceeds funding a fountain on the Main Plaza. With that legacy in mind, Anne Miller took on the “heady responsibility,” as Young put it, of chairing the 175th anniversary. “We began meeting four years ago,” said Miller, “and, it’s come so fast.” As the first woman, she added, “We’ve always celebrated in as big a way as we can—it’s integral to our heritage. Bells will be ringing and fake cannon firing.” The bulk of fundraising was accomplished in less than a month by the Volunteer Committee, and they forged boldly forward. Sponsorship levels began at $500, ranging to $6,000.
“We have a great city council and city manager Robert Camareno, who was born and raised here,” said Young. “It adds a whole different level of accountability.” He is among the oldest traceable family lines. The routes across Texas originated as Indian trails, marked by ruts from dragging teepee poles. Spanish and French explorers came, yet few North Americans headed West after Anglo immigration opened up. Nearly 7,000 Germans settled in Texas, and New Braunfels blossomed as a cross roads and point of safe passage across the rivers. In 1856, the first wagon bridge was built, and the whipple truss Faust Bridge—spanning 640 feet of the Guadalupe River—was erected in 1887. It is the only example of a multi-span bridge still surviving in its original site and a worthy testament to the goals of community then and now. City street signs also are receiving a revamp with the commemorative logo to be “timeless and evergreen,” said Young. The events are numerous. Glitzy galas like the Edelweiss Ball, Maskenball, Burger Ball and more compete for fun with music and beer festivals. Costumed and flag-waving parades are on the calendar. Significant events include the Simultoast with Braunfels, Germany on January 4, Downtown Rotary Club’s Community Breakfast and Founders’ Day line-up in March. Those activities include the Trail Ride, to simulate the settlers original trek from the coast to New Braunfels, a parade to Landa Park, music, dancing and other activities. Rocky Hill Equipment has funded a spectacular Founders’ Day fireworks show. A great deal has changed in New Braunfels, but not the inherent splendor of Central Texas, nor the characteristics of the people that carry on the mission of the place. Speaking of the festivities to come, Miller said, “Everybody is welcome.” The native Braunfelser has learned a lot through the 175th anniversary projects, like the 365-page historic pictorial, History Flows Here, the goal of Benno Engel and the Historical Committee. Unique accounts of events and places are told though bygone images, interspersed with current photos by Jim Flynn. The city’s founding principles of hard work and good progress are shored up by devotion to civic involvement and family. Miller challenges both, those who are born and raised in New Braunfels and those who are new to New Braunfels, to learn and understand the philosophy and culture. “Volunteering is a huge to pulling off events and getting involved will help them appreciate and understand the sense of belonging.” There are also mugs, hats and pins, ornaments, T-shirts, flags, posters, beer steins and more to commemorate and promote the big event. Items are available for sale at Sophie’s Shop at the Sophienburg Museum, Henne Hardware and The Local. Learn more about upcoming events and volunteer at: www.Since1845.com
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2020 Key Events March 14, 2020
March 21, 2020
Community Breakfast 9:00 am - 10:45 am Landa Park Dance Slab
Founders Gala
Presented by New Braunfels Downtown Rotary
March 14, 2020 125th Time Capsule Opening & 175th Time Capsule Installation
Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with dinner and dancing. For more than 170 years, celebrations have always included music, dancing and gemutlichkeit.
March 21, 2020 Founders Fireworks Presented by Rocky Hill Equipment
March 20, 2020
March 22, 2020
Trail Ride Arrival
Community-Wide Blessing
March 21, 2020 Kindermasken Ball & Parade
September 5, 2020 River Parade in Landa Lake
March 21, 2020
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Founders Day Parade
October 23, 2020
Trail ride arrival leads the parade, combined with Kindermasken. Every 25 years since the founding of the city there has been a parade and celebration in downtown New Braunfels — the 175th celebration will be no different. The parade line-up starts at 8 a.m. and will wind to the Plaza and then on to Landa Park.
Stein Gala
New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine
TRUE NORTH
STORIES OF THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
Texas Chalet: Beginnings of an European Venue
Written by Gail G. Collins
“Stuff means nothing, unless you share it with somebody,” said Shaina Corzine. The successful, self-taught antiques dealer certainly knows a thing or ten about valuable stuff and invaluable people. Owner of La Belle Vie in historic downtown New Braunfels since 2011 and Red Stag since 2012, she started small, but executes a vision that grows grander with the years. “You need passion and determination … start with what you do have, do the best you can, buy the best you can afford and grow it from there,” she said. Though Corzine studied marketing at Baylor, she reveled in her two interior designer roommates’ homework. With a job in the corporate world relocating doctors to small towns, it was an easy leap to decorating their homes on the side. Other professional work eventually returned her to interior design and beautiful things.
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Corzine built her antique business from nothing. She began by downsizing her home furnishings with a driveway sale, and the love of old, wonderful furniture propelled her. Buying from dealers, markets and fairs, she invested sweat equity that drew attention in Round Top, where a gentleman offered to show her the ropes of international importing. She happily paid him a fee, met the pro in Europe and learned the trade and area while receiving introductions to vendors. Soon after, Corzine traveled there several times a year, exporting goods and holding flash warehouse sales in the U.S. to supply dealers and stores. A shop of her own was an inevitability. La Belle Vie means “the beautiful life,” and the shop is filled with antiques from France and Belgium, European home goods and American-made custom upholstered furniture, accessories, fine linens and gifts. Corzine bought a building next and opened Red Stag with similar aims, relocating its sister store nearby. Both hold an endless list of unique finds: rustic leather journals, salt glazed pottery, cast iron dogs, apothecary, handmade jewelry and so on. She proudly buys from local artisans and works with charity focused vendors. And Corzine impresses on clients,
“There is a story, person or purpose behind every product we offer.”
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Privileged relationships with craftsmen for restoration, upholstery, installation and so on, multiply the shops’ talents. Corzine is complimentary to a vast array of skilled artisans for their cabinetry, tiling, painting, carving and other painstaking labors, praising their authentic aptitudes and abilities. This even includes a staircase built by her son and his friend, who were fresh out of welding school. Corzine consistently credits the collaboration of competent, resident artisans for their labors of love.
Lux Design Studio services were a natural addition. “We can decorate your home … turn shutters into a headboard, hang a custom door … nothing is too big or too small,” said Corzine. Even the gift lines are artisan driven. Commercial projects, like boutique hotels or a senior living center, within Texas or out of state, have benefitted from her expertise, whether the style is industrial, contemporary or traditional. Still, her personal love is Old French style with texture. And pieces need not be pristine. “I believe, we should embrace imperfection … some wear and tear and a durability that stands the test of time—100, 200, 300 years—that’s remarkable!” It is this repurposing and giving new, productive life to objects that animates Corzine. Homes are a sanctuary, a reflection of the owners, and should be livable. Corzine’s latest expansion effort is The Barn. The enormous building is reclaimed wood from a Pennsylvania horse barn with mid-1800s iron
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work, like massive gates set in place with hydraulics and patience. She is accustomed to hearing, “You can’t do it—it’s too hard,” but she believes in slowing down and taking the time to do whatever it takes. The Barn is not competing or duplicating shops in town, but creating a retreat, which will include cottages, a chapel and an outdoor venue at completion in three to five years. “You don’t have to get on a plane for 12 hours to go Europe,” she said, “You can go down 2722 and be on 22 acres that feel like Europe—that’s the long term goal.” A mix of formal French, ironworks, heavily-carved painted wood, a museum-sized collection of paintings, and more reflects character and age, pulling from dealers and markets along the French Riviera to Paris and points in between. More items came from Belgium, a bit from Holland and Germany, plus pieces from Spain, where vendors have second homes, to stock an eclectic, extravagant showroom.
New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine
“Curation, not only of beautiful objects, but of history and people and places—that’s meaningful in life.”
For more information on The Red Stag, La Belle Vie, or Lux Design, contact Shaina Corzine at: www.lbvhome.com or (830) 627-2747
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LABOURS OF LOVE
Sharing the Light of the World
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Written by: Stacey Lovett
ringing “God’s light in color” to life is not only Jack & Cindy Whitworth’s business motto, but undoubtedly their life’s meaning as well. They started their work with Whitworth’s Stained Glass almost 50 years ago, building a successful endeavor out of a hobby which has led to housing their work in churches, residences and businesses throughout the United States and even abroad. They specialize in restorations as well as new creations and their labor of love brighten the lives of the many people it touches. Located at 104 Melody Lane, the couple has proven to be harmonious not only in their collaborative process but with their higher calling. Their prayers were answered when they had the opportunity to purchase this large complex which had previously served as a temporary church building to hold services while their actual house of worship was being built. While Cindy jokes that she lacked specification in her manifestation - hoping for an actual church with windows and a gothic point – they were nonetheless grateful for their gain. The Whitworths have called New Braunfels “home” since 2007 adding local business to the 100+ churches they
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had restored prior to moving here. Increased business led to quickly outgrowing their walls, however, they were met with divine intervention once more when lightning struck the building and ultimately led to the opportunity to add on additional workspace. When all was said and done, they reached the nearly 6000 square foot space they work in today which houses a public showroom among their workshops and office. Following a career in the United States Air Force, where during this time he picked up his interest in the medium, Jack didn’t actually become a full-time stained glass artisan until many years later. He considered it a temporary hobby as he placed focus on earning his business degree from Southwest Texas University and Masters in System’s Management from the University of Southern California, however his calling to create and restore these glassworks proved stronger. While he claims he pursued this medium because he possessed no other artistic talent, the craft proves it requires an eye and hand steady on the final concept, and his analytical side perhaps plays a more pivotal part as the entire product is quite literally a puzzle;
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one which he and Cindy have devised their own system together to make these pieces of art come alive. Cindy slowly joined in the process when she and Jack wed in 2001. She had a painting background but with oil on canvas – a very forgiving medium next to painting on stained glass. With that, each layer and new color on the glass piece must be fired in a kiln and one mistake in the process leads back to step one. With learning how to revise her talents, she also had to diversify her thought process to fully encompass the bigger picture of the piece, incorporating all of the steps – from the size, detail, color and painting process of each section of glass to how it will fit and flow in with the rest of the hundreds to thousands of pieces in the panel – all prior to the first stroke.
Stained glass in churches, historically, was intended to systematically transmit light into the area of worship bringing patrons away from the outside world and present to the moment of reverence, as well as serve as visual biblical narratives. The functional importance of stained glass windows plays into so much of the creation, and each detail must be considered from not only an aesthetic viewpoint but also of an ecumenical one. When Jack and Cindy Whitworth set out to create a new stained glass set for a church, they meet with the leaders first to engineer a master plan. With a traditional style, each panel will represent a part of the biblical story, full of symbolic motifs as well as the power of the scripture and its goal to view the beauty and depth of the holy word. Together they decide on the dimensions and research and
decide on the style of the window and the design. This becomes a serious process as these windows prove to stand the test of time and become a legacy of that church for generations to come, so the decisions aren’t made lightly. The Whitworths put an amazing amount of time and effort into each piece, personally understanding the importance they bring and thus is reflected in their art. They were commissioned to design and create the eight panels in their own church, First United Methodist Church New Braunfels, hand-drawing and coloring to scale each panel design. “It’s been a blessed journey for us to get to experience what the result is of what we do. It’s just so much more that putting in a piece of stained glass because the glass speaks to you in an emotional experience.” And stepping into the German settlement church right off the downtown square, sitting and taking in the hours upon hours of work from the planning process to the completion of the windows is just astounding that two people together saw and connected lead and glass to not only make, but evoke, pure heavenly beauty. Their own connection is special as well, a collaboration that joins two pivotal parts of the process so naturally and lets the light of their love of each other and God shine through into their work, with the blessing to do what they love each and every day.
soak and clean each individual piece of glass, replace any broken or missing pieces with historical equivalents, then re-join it all back together. The couple has completed hundreds of them all over Texas from McAllen to Longview and continue to welcome in these massive undertakings. Jack has also become one of three accredited stained glass appraisers in the US, aiding churches in insuring and valuing these colorful commodities. The art of stained glass, especially large scale, is incredibly labor intensive and individualistic. Jack & Cindy Whitworth’s passion and reverence for it is proven in their level of involvement to do the job with the utmost care of giving each piece the respect it deserves and puts forth to its viewers. Each of their skill sets unite the glory and power of stained glass and together continue to illuminate this ancient art. To learn more, contact Jack or Cindy Whitworth at: Whitworth's Stained Glass 104 Melody Lane New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.214.3370 www.whitworthstainedglass.com
Jack & Cindy’s expertise reaches even farther as they pride themselves in being there in every step of the process from removing to installing every single window themselves, with the help of one other employee they have trained in the intricacies of the process. The restoration process is undoubtedly a delicate one having to make rubbings of each window, strip away the old lead,
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NB Homes & Gardens
Adele Kerr & Co. - Antique Market Purveyor of Authentic & Rare Goods Written by Gail G. Collins
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s you would expect, when prominent designers are on the hunt for niche, antique home decor, they turn to Adele Kerr & Company. “They text me looking for specialty items, and we send photos back and forth for their projects,” said Kerr. Experts need a reliable source for authentic and rare goods. But would you also expect to bump into set designers from a television production company? Setting realistic scenes for shows is exacting and they know where to scout their needs. Artistic stylists have traveled to New Braunfels to kit out the sets of Pierce Brosnan’s The Son, Fear of the Walking Dead and others. Shhh, it’s one of our small town secrets. Adele Kerr & Company bloomed from a shop in town to a complex of four buildings with an enormous yard of unique architectural finds. The appeal is the diverse group of outstanding vendors, who form a collective, offering mid-century, industrial chic, vintage and repurposed items with primitive and fine antiques, all in one place. “We are the best of the hard to find,” said Kerr. The dealer spent 30 years in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the furniture and lighting business, selling an antique reproduction line represented nationally in trade showrooms and retail stores. Her children took over the business nine years ago, and she left the hustle and bustle of Dallas to build something new.
“With the booming housing industry, people needed to furnish homes with bigger, functional pieces,” said Kerr explaining her collective.
Pintrest spurs some shoppers to recreate ideas and repurpose things. “We have parts to put things together,” she said. This is especially true in the yard, filled with architectural salvage, concrete items, iron furniture, barbed wire, fencing, corbels, gazebos, a potbelly stove, plus racks and racks of aircraft parts. Wings become a bookcase or light fixture. Engine sleeves double as planters, and turbines find a new life as mirror frames or fire pits because they can take the heat. Within the buildings are beautiful displays of turnkey items, ready to go. “People enjoy the home settings,” said Kerr. “It helps them visualize it in their space.” The vendors are cream of the crop, admitted Kerr, and generally, create the vignettes. Chandeliers, paintings, sideboards, dining room sets, armoires, side tables and much more inspire mixing old pieces into one’s home. In the airy, rough building next door, commercial sales are steady as well. “You can find my stuff in stores all around town,” she
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said. “Artwork, counters, lighting, displays— it’s one-stop shopping.” Her employees know antiques or have a design background to assist customers with rare finds, such as a 100-year-old bakery store counter from a general store in a tiny Texas town. Clients are savvy trend-wise and Kerr’s base comes from Marburger, Round Top, Dallas, San Antonio, and California. The huge surprise to her was the huge traffic from Houston, which is consistent. New Braunfels draws folks over to spend the weekend eating out, shopping for quality clothing and antiques, relaxing by the river and so on—a happy destination. With Kerr’s location, just off the main exit, they have become Information Central. “People see us and stop before making it in to town,” she said. “We’re helpful and send people to where they can find what they’re looking for.” Kerr’s antique market is open seven days a week, and they do a brisk business on the weekends.
Kerr’s passion is art. “I go for anything— I’m drawn to it.” She shares this passion with her son, Austin, whose work is represented throughout, particularly Venetian plaster on board.
Though New Braunfels is growing fast, Kerr said, “Our shops are equivalent to a big town with that small town sensibility. People are nice, here.” It’s true. One day, Kerr received a note and three dollar bills to pay for mushrooms picked from her grounds. To reach Adele Kerr or to learn more go to: www.adelekerrantiquemarket.net
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Feature
Lark Mason: Auction House Pioneer Written by Gail G. Collins
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his dapper dresser in a subtle plum plaid coat, bow tie and trendy teal socks looks the part of an expert in antiquities—specifically Chinese furniture and art—but he is also an author, curator, educator and consultant. Mason is warm sophistication, buzzing with quiet energy as his eyes flicked intermittently at the bidding. The online auction process parallels sales at standard auction houses. Items are previewed by interested buyers, who admire a piece, and bidding begins with a set reserve. The process lasts for a couple of weeks. Bidders can set an upper range, and an algorithm automatically outbids other buyers with increased offers until their ceiling is reached. As the period closes out, bidders extend the final moments by 5-minute increments through final bids. The thrill of virtual bidding matches a standard auction house, so Mason is patient and measured in his quest for quality goods. That is likely the mark of experience and expertise. Mason entered the auction trade while in college, running a shop the size of Henne’s Hardware in a similar setting. He held various jobs before joining Sotheby’s, the world’s fourth oldest auction house, in 1979 to act as a chief generalist. Mason received a year’s formal training in London, exposing him to the finest objects—from jewelry to Old Masters’ paintings—to assess quality, levels of workmanship, condition, country of origin and so on. “I was the eyes for the auction house,” said Mason of the gatekeeper position, evaluating items before engaging experts. He developed into a Chinese art specialist by 1985. “By default, I was in charge of anything made of wood, and it expanded to other organic materials.” Items are categorized for reference and valuation, and Mason used this to hone the particulars. In due course, he found discrepancies in timeframe and wear patterns on furniture and wrote of such nuances. Speaking engagements and world records set at Chinese auctions followed, validating his approach. This led to a sabbatical from Sotheby’s to collaborate with top scholar Wang Shi Xiang on translating his classic work into English. Mason moved his family to Hong Kong and
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commuted to Beijing. In an 18th century courtyard house, they sat across from one another curating the two-volume set Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture as a reference guide plus a glossary. “This is my scholarly hat,” Mason mused, eyes lively behind his tortoise shell-rimmed spectacles. He has written numerous articles and collaborated on other books, including the introduction to Classical Chinese Furniture for the Minneapolis Institute of Art. In 1995, a television production company approached Sotheby’s with an idea. The company appointed their top 10 specialists to offer opinions about local finds and family heirlooms, and the Antiques Roadshow premiered on PBS. “In the beginning, very few people came out, but the second year, the lines were miles long,” said Mason. “It became a sensation.”
The Chinese art expert’s exposure and reputation grew as well. Mason served as the chairman for Asia Week New York in 2016 and 2017, a national spring event celebrating Asian art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art hosts the opening. As Internet companies eBay and Amazon emerged, an online presence for Sotheby’s followed suit. “We conceived the auction houses would be overwhelmed by the online revolution … and pulled together teams of specialists to create a platform,” said Mason, who was chosen as the director as well as the recognizable and legitimate face of Sothebys.com. The online venture ended in 2003, and Mason faced a choice. “Would I remain with Sotheby’s or go it alone?” said the entrepreneur, who then founded Lark Mason Associates in Manhattan as one of the premier auction houses in the world. According to the iGavelAuction.com Website, associates “adhere to a standard of excellence and professionalism in the sale of works” via the platform. Design features, like extended bidding, transparency and publically viewed images were forged by Mason. Since its inception, iGavelAuctions has set numerous international records, representing private individuals, dealers, institutions and trusts in the U.S., Europe and Asia. A team of specialists can handle an item or a collection without outrageous costs.
permanent gallery and office space, and the Mason families bought homes nearby. In October, Mason put modest New Braunfels on the world map with the auction of Anthony Bourdain’s culinary collection. A trademark, handcrafted knife boosted the estimated overall value of the late chef’s favorite things upwards to $400,000.
“I love interacting with beautiful things and with history—it’s incredibly stimulating,” says Mason. So are his plans, like a second large space with an 8,000-square-foot retail showroom. He will continue writing articles, participating in Asia Week and sitting on the board of American Appraisers Association. Still, it is family that ignited an old passion. Mason sketched a graphic novel, its pages filled with colorful cartoons to capture family moments for his grandchildren. Yes, a beautiful life is so full of beautiful things. To contact Lark Mason or to learn more go to: www.larkmasonassociates.com
As we chatted, Mason’s online bidding ran its course. A bid was lost to a clandestine Mr. Wig, and another was abandoned as costs exceeded their value, but Mason successfully marketed the mammoth tusks. Several times, competing bidders excitedly extended the closing, and all told, the tusks sold for $17,500 plus commission. A strong foundation in history and the thrill of discovery animate Mason. Like the prehistoric tusks, bygone objects resonate with people and educate. “People forget why an item was made, the energy it took to make it and the purpose.” Mason discerns their special aspects, such as ownership, the creator’s station and their circumstances to enlighten others. For example, a mirror today reflects an image today as always. Before electricity, a mirror also reflected light and was gilded to add brilliance. It is this educational aspect that drives Mason to write and teach, previously as an adjunct professor at New York University, and regularly, at appraisal conferences. He imparts knowledge, experience, and vital context. “I share how to look at an object,” he said, “with a lens to the past and perceive its relevance in the world today.” Mason came to New Braunfels for family and fell for the area immediately. His son, Lark Mason III joined the business in 2013. After a few years of settling in, Mason moved a historic building to downtown New Braunfels as a
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NB MINGLE
PLACES TO GATHER, EAT & DRINK
Local Winery in the Heart of Downtown Written by Gail G. Collins The grape-colored door of Water 2 Wine stands ajar, inviting company. Dark wood, pub tables, wrought iron and leather plus original, plank flooring contribute to a timeless, rustic feel in historic New Braunfels. The paint scheme is chardonnay and merlot, and a wall rack of bottles beckons guests to shop the wares. Patio tables in front encourage lingering on a sunny afternoon with a weingarten to handle boisterous parties out back.
“I wanted to build a comfortable place for women first to come in, have a glass of wine and decompress,” she said. There are no television screens to distract guests. “I want people to connect personally.” The owner of the small batch custom winery left two decades in the corporate world of advertising and deadlines behind to make more memories in New Braunfels. Like many in Texas Hill Country, Jewell’s family emigrated from Germany in 1854. They settled in Bulverde, and for over a century, the family farmed feed crops, like sorghum. Jewell’s grandfather held a position as country commissioner for years and listened to German radio in the day. Her grandparents spoke both English and German in the home, and on summer visits, Jewell came to New Braunfels for business and pleasure. In fact, as Water 2 Wine had humble beginnings as a feed store, it is entirely possible that the family’s crops were sold on the premises. With a laugh Jewell added, “Our family did make some wine then, but Dad says it wasn’t good, so they stuck to jams and jellies.” Jewell bought the existing business with a
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New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine
plan to do something completely different and enjoy life. Fond memories of backpacking in Europe, specifically Italy, and her first introduction to wine in her early 20s, loomed large. “I loved sitting in a café with a glass of wine, watching the world go by,” said Jewell wistfully glancing out the window of her shop now. “There’s something so civilized about it— you can’t hurry it. Just connect, sip and take time.” As the sign behind the bar boasts, the wines are “world sourced, Texas made.” The result is award-winning wines made in our neighborhood. Jewell creates 50+ styles, utilizing low sulfite and low histamine products with no heavy preservatives for a cleaner taste and no wine headache. She encourages customers to try before they buy. Drop by Water 2 Wine to enjoy a glass, organize a tasting or even make small batches of wine. The custom crush idea is simple, and guests become the vintner. Choose the grape must, pitch the yeast and get involved to make your wine dreams come true. Labels can be designed, and 45 days later, an intimate Bottling Party is scheduled to fill, cork and label the 28-29 bottles of custom wine. The process begins with a triple-filtered, reverse-osmosis water source for purity. “The good news is that grapes want to turn into wine,” said Jewell. “We just help it along with as few additives as we can manage.” Water 2 Wine takes full advantage of one of the few basements in a historic building in town. Temperatures maintain a moderate 71-75 degrees, ideal for handcrafting wine in Ale Pail Kits. “The idea lends itself to great experimentation—it’s more playful—and there’s something for everyone,” said Jewell. The winemaker plots a yearly calendar of wine styles, so there is always something new or seasonal to try, such as a sweet watermelon in summer and a Müller-Thurgau varietal for Wurstfest. Some wines become standards though, like Guns and Rosé, a crowd-pleasing white merlot. For Christmas, holiday labels make it easy to give personalized bottles. Jewell keeps the nibbles simple and focuses on wine and people. The shop is built for locals. There is Wine Club with Basic, Gold and Platinum levels for every budget. Come in once a month to pick up wine and receive two complimentary glasses. The pick-up parties encourage couples to meet and friendships to form.
“So many of the most wonderful friendships are made over wine,” Jewell said. To learn more, contact Brandie Jewell at Water2Wine: 830.609.9463
Modern Country Living
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New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine