LMFA Perspective Magazine - Vol. 3 Issue 2

LMFA PERSPECTIVE

EXHIBITION SEPTEMBER 7 – DECEMBER 20, 2023

Robert Langham III – Ten Texas Tornados

Unique photographs from a local artist and Guggenheim award recipient. Artist remarks at 6:00pm

EXHIBITION SEPTEMBER 7 – DECEMBER 20, 2023

Alexis Serios & Dewane Hughes – Haikus & Horizons

Juxtaposition of serene abstract landscapes and engaging steel sculptures.

IN-DEPTH SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

Conversations with the Curator

Discussion about Velox Ward with Andrew Walker from Amon Carter Museum Director and Derek Frazier, LMFA's Curator of Collections.

EXHIBITION SEPTEMBER 15 – OCTOBER 15, 2023

Spiritual Expressions of Latin America

Powerful exhibition showcasing works from Latin American artists. Opening Reception September 15, 2023 – 11:30am to 1:00pm

EVENT OCTOBER 14, 2023 | 6:30 -11:30PM

Magic & Mayhem: Adventures in Wonderland

Annual Costume Party and Sponsor Celebration

EXHIBITION OCTOBER 26, 2023 – MARCH 2, 2024

Jammin’ with Jamin Shepherd

Colorful exhibition of surprising textiles and ceramics.

CONCERT NOVEMBER 4, 2023 | LIVE MUSIC @LMFA

Terri Hendrix & Lloyd Maines

Doors open @ 6:30.

$25 – LMFA.ORG

EVENT DECEMBER 5 - 8, 2023

Holiday Tea Room & Market

Polar Express – DECEMBER 10, 2023 @ 3:00 TO 5:00PM Crafts & snacks with Santa.

CONCERT FEBRUARY 10, 2024 | LIVE MUSIC @LMFA

Grace Pettis

Doors open @ 6:30.

$25 – LMFA.ORG

EXHIBITION FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Made in America – Culture Connect

Selections from our Permanent Collection, and private collections harmonizing America's diverse heritage.

EXHIBITION MARCH 7 – MAY 2024

64TH Student Invitational

Featuring works of high school students from 18 area schools in a variety of categories.

YOGA

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY

Led by Grayce Weaver, certified yoga instructor, from noon to 1pm in the gallery. FREE to members and only $10 for non-members.

LMFA GUILD

EVERY SECOND TUESDAY

Meets at 5:30pm in the LMFA Texas Bank and Trust Lecture Hall.

CLAY CLUB

EVERY THIRD MONDAY

Meets from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Free to members, $10.00 for nonmembers. All supplies provided.

MISSION STATEMENT

Longview Museum of Fine Arts seeks to enrich lives and ignite a passion for the arts!

PHOTOGRAPHY

VizCre8ive: Official LMFA Event Photographer PERSPECTIVE is published biannually as a benefit for Museum members. ON THE COVER

WEEKLY VOLUNTEERS

Debbie Anderson, Norma Cochran, Carol Guess, Jana Johansen, Carol Martin, Isabelle Seeger, Mary Shelmire, Nic Trent

Become A Perspective Magazine Sponsor

Get more information about advertising in the magazine by calling the museum or scanning the link above.

Robert Langham III, Leaf Twister, 2021

Board of Trustees

Keith Bonds

Michael R. Clark

Kristina Coolidge

Britt Davis

Mel Fish, MD

Holly Forbes

Jamie Frederick

Miranda Fuller

Mia King

Ashly Lloyd

Patricia Newman

Jerry Russell

Natasha Raibon-Sheppard

Kat Smith

Kimberly Taliaferro

Devin Tramel

Nic Trent

Jessica Waldron

Sue Wilson

Dorothy Womack

Advisory Board

Jane Akins

Kelly Belt

Linda Buie

B.W. Crain IV

Dan Droege

Carolyn Fox-Hearne

John Hillier

Chuck King

Carol Manley

Jack Mann, Jr.

Nancy Murray

Gordon Northcutt

Karen Partee

Caryn Pepper

Misty Roach

Linda Ryan Thomas

Charlotte Wrather

Patti Wright

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CURATOR OF EXHIBITIONS

Tiffany Nolan Jehorek

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Barbara Scott

CURATOR OF COLLECTIONS & PREPARATOR

Derek Frazier

DESIGN & EXHIBITIONS CONSULTANT

Stacy Gray Odom

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Sharon Boles

EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Flecia Droege

MUSEUM OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE

Gay Gilbert

CONTENT CREATOR

Mirabella Mendoza

BOOKKEEPER

Leslie Novy

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Jack Barkley

From the Executive Director MISSION, VISION, INCLUSION & FREE ADMISSION!

NOW in my seventh year as LMFA’s Director, I have never been more committed and excited about the museum’s vision and future!

This past week the museum celebrated its first STATE OF THE MUSEUM event at the 213 N. Fredonia location with more than 100 guests in attendance. The crowd, composed of patrons, members, volunteers, interested citizens and the media, were introduced to our Board of Directors, LMFA staff, the overall health and vision of the museum and an update on the plans for the building. See page 29 for more information.

For this column, I’d like to feature how proud I am of LMFA’s curatorial team - Derek Frazier, Stacy Odom, the Exhibitions Committee, and I are truly creating an outstanding permanent collection and exhibition experience complete with digital access, provenance, educational wall text and QR code audio accessible storytelling.

And coming this September, I’m proud to announce these wall texts will now be available in Spanish! Thanks to partnering with Trinity School of Texas’s advanced Spanish students, LMFA’s exhibitions will be BILINGUAL! This initiative is just one step in the Museum’s plan to be more inclusive.

The second step to be more inclusive and the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT…. Starting September 1, thanks to a gracious donor, LMFA's general admission is FREE , which means experiencing great art is available to ALL, ALL THE TIME!

In this same vein, the Museum is striving to become tech savvy to meet the demands of our increased membership and the next generation by offering DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CARDS. The cards also launched on September 1! See page 21. That’s three major initiatives all happening this fall that are truly moving LMFA into the 21st century!

So, don’t miss out and become an LMFA member! Be a part of the excitement and know that your participation and contribution is instrumental in helping make LMFA the premier art museum in East Texas!

Artfully Yours, Tiffany Jehorek Executive Director and Curator of Exhibitions lmfadirector@lmfa.org

State of the Museum 2023.

Photos by Michael Cavazos/Longview News-Journal

LEFT: Derek Frazier, RIGHT: LMFA’s Exhibition Team TST Students

Emily Feazel, Curator R.W. Norton Gallery gives remarks during the opening reception.

(L to R) Emily Feazel, Tiffany Jehorek and Melissa Cosper

YOUNG ARTISTS

in Bloom

Blooming – works by the children of Asbury House Enrichment Center was on display for the summer in the Bodenheim Gallery May – July, 2023. LMFA was thrilled to partner with Asbury House again this year providing a way for young artists to create and share their talents with the community. This year, art on display featured pieces with a common theme, flowers and blooming. The gallery walls were playfully colorful with the children's sweet expressive art. We appreciate the compassion their teachers and team have for enriching and educating the children lives and look forward to this exhibition each year.

TILE REINSTALLED

AN UPDATE ON THE MOSAIC TILE PRESERVATION EFFORT

The first outdoor element of LMFA’s new facility (213 N. Fredonia) renovation has been completed. As we mentioned in the previous issue of Perspective magazine, the tiles on the north side of the building (Methvin St.) had to be removed to preserve them from damage during construction and to resolve building waterproofing needs. After months of waiting for proper temperatures and rainfall to subside, the tiles have finally been reinstalled to their permanent location on the south side of the building (Bank St.), and the City of Longview’s proposed Art Alley. We are honored to conserve the tiles created in 1988 during the "Day at the Museum" program by fourth graders from public and private schools, and display them to the as a fixture of Longview’s historic community art.

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FLORA & FAUNA INVITATIONAL

CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREGG COUNTY

In our continued partnership with CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System enriching lives through art, LMFA was pleased to co-host the Flora & Fauna Invitational honoring Gregg County’s 150th anniversary.

Flora & Fauna showcases the county’s natural beauty through an array of talented local artists. The invitational received an amazing participation from the community with over 98 artist submissions. The works on display were selected by CHRISTUS and LMFA’s

exhibition team and will be on display in the CHRISTUS Art Hallway near the Healing Garden from July to December 2023.

As both supporters and advocates of the importance of community services and the growth of Gregg County, this honor couldn’t be more fitting. A littleknown fact - LMFA is Gregg County’s first art museum and CHRISTUS (Gregg Memorial) is the county’s first hospital and is currently the county's largest employer.

(L to R) Todd Hancock CHRISTUS CEO, Tiffany Jehorek LMFA Director, and the Honorable Judge Bill Stoudt

THE WAYWARD GUGGENHEIM

BY JACQUELINE BOGRAD WELD

Read and Researched by Harry Froeschke,

A passionate art collector and serves on LMFA's Exhibition Committee.

Scandalous eccentric, stingy, abrasive, dysfunctional, sad, promiscuous, farsighted, art addict. These are all words that have been used to describe the woman who introduced European Modern and Avant-garde art to America. Peggy sailed to Europe at the age of 21 and did not return to America for 20 years. Peggy expanded her love for both Avante-Garde art and men in Europe. During the early part of World War II, she went on a buying spree and purchased as many paintings as possible by the likes of Kandinsky, Miro, Leger, Klee. She escaped to New York with her future husband Max Ernst, likely saving his life from the Nazis in the process. In New York she opened a spectacular gallery “Art of

This Century”, showing her own collection as well as undiscovered artists in New York including Motherwell, Hoffman, Rothko and Jackson Pollock. Peggy gave Jackson Pollack his first one-man show and supported him in exchange for most of his paintings. After World War II Peggy moved to Venice and installed her collection in a Palazzo on the Grand Canal. It is now the premier collection of Modern Art in Italy. Cubism, DADA, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism and their artists, both European and American, are highlighted to the delight of the reader.

Portrait of Peggy Guggenheim, 1955

SUMMER ART CLASSES

AN ARTFUL LIFE: The Value Of Art EducationInToday’sWorld

Mark Nesmith Artist in Residence

This summer I had the pleasure of overseeing LMFA’s summer art program and being the in Artist in Residence. Spending our summer vacation in Longview away from Porte Neches, TX where I am a Middle School Art Teacher, was a nice change for our family. I enjoyed teaching classes for children of all ages to adults and interacting with the local art teachers. It’s been refreshing and rejuvenating to be out of my usual classroom. Over the years I learned a few things about the value of art education I’d like to share. I’ve witnessed many of these things already here this summer. Some of these aspects are self-evident on the faces of the students. Others only reveal themselves over time. All of them matter.

1) Art Education helps ALL students, not just the ones that seem naturally “artsy.” Regardless of age, skill level, socioeconomic background, ethnicity, left or right brained, or any other categorization, everyone benefits from engagement in the arts. Statistically this is seen repeatedly with improvements in math and reading test scores. Several studies have shown as much as a 22% increase in math scores over time. Anecdotally it appears as improved focus, reduced stress, and the development of interpersonal and social-emotional skills. I think this last part is of ever-increasing relevance in our modern world. So much time is spent texting and typing away at a screen every day. Art classes provide a constructive and creative manner for students to learn how to interact with others.

2) Art enriches the lives of students. Expression is a core aspect of being human. For many students, particularly pre-teens and older, art might just be what makes them want to go to school. It’s hard to teach much of anything else if they don’t want to come to school at all.

3) Art helps develop creative problem-solving skills. Unlike other subjects where questions often have one specific answer, the arts allow for a variety of outcomes. Outside of a classroom life is rarely multiple choice. Practicing the arts allows students to apply skills in an authentic manner that helps lead to the ability to cope with the unforeseen obstacles life throws at us all.

4) Studying art can help students understand how to manage constructive criticism. Working adults are often presented with criticism or suggestions for improvement throughout their careers. Art is taught through individualized and constructive criticism. This dialogue and feedback helps teach what it’s like to have someone question them, and how to express or defend their ideas.

5) Art improves focus and develops impulse control. The act of concentrating to improve one’s craft can also lead to the ability to focus closely on other things as well. Neuroscience studies have shown that training in the arts strengthens the brain’s attention system. Conversely, studies have also shown that students who have excessive “screen” time are more likely to develop ADHD and other behavioral problems. Trading hours on a phone for hours with a paintbrush or ball of clay can improve these issues and supply a sense of fulfillment.

6) Art is healthy. Research from the University of Michigan revealed that “older adults who both created art and attended arts events reported higher cognitive functioning and lower rates of both hypertension and limitations to their physical functioning than did adults who neither created nor attended art.” Research has also shown just two hours of exposure to the arts every week can improve mental health and well-being. That means art classes aren’t just for kids and can help us all become smarter, stronger, and happier throughout our lives.

7) Art WORKS! Art nourishes our souls, but it can feed families too. The nonprofit arts industry alone accounts for more than $160 BILLION in economic activity including as many as 5 million jobs. When you add in the for-profit arts related industries like design that number grows. Remember this when someone suggests funding for the arts and art education isn’t an essential expense.

8) Art is FUN! Look at the many faces seen in the LMFA classroom this summer and the joy is inescapable. Moreover, this is a joy that can continue and sustain a person throughout their lifetime.

Art inspires, awakens, and challenges us.

As a therapist and life coach, I’m proud to support LMFA and it’s influence: past, present, and future.

VELOX WARD LONGVIEW’S ARTIST TO THE NATION

SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2023

Come join us for a once in a lifetime unscripted discussion regarding Longview’s influential artist, Velox Ward. Andrew Walker, Executive Director of Fort Worth's Amon Carter Museum and Derek Frazier, LMFA's Curator of Collections and Art Historian discuss the importance of Longview artist Velox Ward and his presence on the national art scene. Never before seen provenance and pre-drawings of Velox's will be on display for observation and questions.

Velox Ward (Born in 1901 in Longview, TX) was chosen to be one of 13 artists in a Smithsonian 1976 Bicentennial celebration traveling exhibition. The show included 13 works of art to honor America's first 13 colonies. The exhibition was part of the Smithsonian’s “The American Experience” program and was part of the festivities in towns and cities throughout the country. Some of the 13 artists included American masters such as Roy Lichenstein, Rauschenberg, Christo, Edward Ruscha, James Rosenquist and none other than Longview’s very own Velox Ward. The 1976 Smithsonian exhibition is part of LMFA’s permanent collection and currently on display through December 21, 2023.

Stella Kaye Butler

FEATURED GUEST ANDREW WALKER Executive Director, Amon Carter Museum

LMFA

present Isabelle Seeger with the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award

Isabelle has been an ambassador and supporter of the museum for more than 25 years. She is an enthusiastic volunteer; assisting at the front desk, events, and opening receptions an a member of the LMFA Guild.

LMFA partnered with Gregg County Historical Museum and Longview World of Wonders for Family Day. The collaboration among the three museums brought more than 500 guests downtown Saturday, August 26th to experience our local arts scene with many family friendly activities.

EVENT

GOING TO BE - Devin Tramel, LMFA Board Member

was honored to

ROBERT LANGHAM III TEN TEXAS TORNADOS AND OTHER STORIES

SEPTEMBER 7 – DECEMBER 20, 2023

ROBERT LANGHAM FOCUSED ON STILL LIFE about ten years ago when he and his wife Katie moved their studios close to home to deal with her diagnosis of cancer. “I couldn’t stand to be more than five minutes away from wherever she was, so I started to work out of the yard on images that weren’t photographs of constructions I’d made or copies of little sculptures, but on images that could only be seen with a camera. My intention was to drag still life out of the painterly tradition.”

Ten Texas Tornadoes came out of that work as whirlwinds began to blow out of his imagination and into his tiny studio in the downstairs of AC Gentry’s (1973 Texas Artist of the Year), home. He considered these images “kinetic still life” that depended on the camera’s ability to see time. Blending flash, extended and multiple exposures, motion, responding to the flower, mushroom or leaf of the season, looking at ice, fire, and balance, this body of work grew. He was determined to use ordinary objects within arm’s reach, trusting that miraculous exotic images were already in front of his face… he just had to learn to see them.

Tyler, Texas native Langham's home is in an obscure terminus of the upper Blackford Creek watershed. His work is deeply regional, reaching into the Texan psyche to explore the whimsy, possibilities, and ideas that appear within the imagination.

A former assistant at the Ansel Adams workshops in Yosemite, Langham is included in regional and national museums and collections across the US. He is a 2022 Guggenheim Fellow in photography.

Robert Langham III

HAIKUS & HORIZONS

SEPTEMBER 7 – DECEMBER 20, 2023

HUSBAND AND WIFE ARTISTS DEWANE HUGHES AND ALEXIS SERIO bring an eccentric exhibition to LMFA. Although they are both Professors of Art at the University of Texas at Tyler and share an impressive list of gallery exhibitions across the globe, notably the Martin Museum of Art at Baylor University and as far as the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Japan, that is where their likenesses ends.

Haikus & Horizons is an exhibition of combining forces and contrasting elements, a Ying and Yang of art pairing. This juxtaposition of Serio’s serene landscapes and Hughes’ welded sculptures creates unique dialogs between the works of art and thus a deeper connection of communication with the viewer.

Abstract landscape artist, Alexis Serio describes her work as, “Reflections of my past, the events that I have drawn out as precious time and the stories of beauty I wish to share with the viewer.” Many of Serio’s expressive and relatable landscapes are in private collections throughout the U.S. and can be spotted hanging in the Houston Airport and Hospitals on the East Coast.

Through the execution of illusion, abstraction and movement of light and color, Serio’s colorful works cultivate a personal experience of remembrance for the viewer. One that has a natural illusiveness of both time and perception.

“My work has always dealt with language,” explained artist Dewane Hughes, on his sculptures.

“It is my contention that all “art” happens in the space between the object and the viewer, and it is from this perspective that I create sculpture to be a manifestation of the space between language and understanding.”

If unspoken words could be measured in weight or by the volume of matter, then Hughes has a lot to say to the viewer. Hughes sculptures are typically large scale and made of steel and other heavy materials. Many of which are permanent fixtures in outdoor sculpture gardens and on private estates. Hughes welds and manipulates various elements in his sculptures creating a linguistic ‘touch to the heart’ similar to authors Ferlinghetti, Huncke and Gibsberg style of writing.

Live From The Vault!

Due to an overwhelming response from our community, our concert manager and live music enthusiast, Keith Bailey, has introduced LMFA LIVE Concert Series. Originally held at our current location, the concerts are now being held live ‘under the star’ at the historic bank and our future location, 213 N. Fredonia. LMFA LIVE is a unique experience of live music in an intimate setting surrounded by art, architecture and 150 of your fellow music lovers. There are five (out of seven) phenomenal shows remaining lined up for the 2023-24 season. Visit www.lmfa.org/ticketed-events/concerts for more information or to sign up now for your series passes.

We welcome Longview residents to experience our innovative and contemporary lobby atmosphere!

Sample our classic breakfast options for a great start to your day or unwind on our beautiful patio (complete with 15 ft. firepit) while savoring one of our tasty dinner options and enjoying a cocktail from our fully stocked bar.

Need to re-energize? Courtyard proudly serves Starbucks around the clock, day or night!

WELCOME (A)BOARD

INTRODUCING A FEW OF OUR NEWEST BOARD OF DIRECTORS

KEITH BONDS

Keith is a native East Texan, growing up in rural Upshur County. Keith retired as a City Manager of Longview in 2022. He spent 34 years in municipal government, mostly in public project development. He loves downtown Longview and was involved in most aspects of the redevelopment of the public infrastructure that has taken place over the last 20 years. Keith has one adult daughter and two adorable grandchildren.

MIA KING

Mia was raised in Longview. She went to Wade College and Texas Women’s University in Dallas, learning about the arts and earning her degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. While working as a buyer for Neiman Marcus and JCPenny, she met her husband, Jason. Mia and Jason moved to the Woodlands, where they had two children: Jaxon in 2014 and Ella in 2017. In 2020, the family moved back to Mia’s hometown. Mia serves on several boards including Gilmer Chamber, Longview World of Wonders, The First Tee of the Pineywoods, several event committees and Junior League.

JERRY RUSSELL

Jerry and his wife, Linda Keasler Russell have one son, John Cason Russell. Before Jerry retired in 2020, his career included 30 years as co-owner, president and general manager of Martin's Fine Women's Apparel and 15 years as general manager and director of Baxter Sales, both in Longview. While serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce he helped spearhead the initial, major renovations and streetscape plans now seen in Downtown Longview.

NIC TRENT

Nic is a designer with over 15 years of experience. He has been actively involved in the local art scene, both as an organizer of art shows and as a participating artist. Trent is passionate about building a supportive community for local artists and inspiring them to create and share their work. Nic brings his experience and passion to help promote and support the arts in the East Texas area and beyond.

SUE WILSON

Sue has the personal belief and passion for interpersonal positive relationships. Her husband, Jim, children Shane and Will and their families are like minded. Sue is an advocate for education for all students and wants all to achieve the highest level of success, no matter their path, including the arts. She is interested in the development of adults for literacy and the arts. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at her place of worship, The Church at Lake Cherokee, and formally was an executive officer for the Cherokee Water Board for both the state and local boards for the Texas Association of Principals and Supervisors Association, loves to travel and is an avid reader. She constantly looks for ways to give back to her community.

Jason Butler REMEMBERING ONE OF OUR OWN

Longview mourned the loss of local designer Jason Butler after a tragic motorcycle accident in April 2023. Butler was an influential member of the Longview community in many ways. He was a co-founder of the graphic design firm Forbes & Butler with Holly Forbes. Jason was very involved in the community and was a former LMFA Board member, a member of the Longview Main Street Board of Directors, 100 Acres of Heritage, a well-known local artist, husband, father, and a genuine one-of-a-kind guy.

Jason was an enthusiastic outdoorsman and enjoyed spending weekends camping, hiking, and kayaking. He also loved music, a passion he shared closely with his daughters. Jason was also a talented screen printing artist, and his work featured local landmarks and vacation spots as well as people and pets!

“It’s a tragedy.” Forbes said of friend Butler’s accident, “He was a creative genius in the field of design and an inspiration to work with. He had a big personality, a booming laugh, was passionate about doing excellent creative and unique work, and had a compassionate heart for people.”

He will be honored with a memorial mural of his artwork in a location downtown... he will be missed by many.

jasonbutler_fineart

SPIRITUAL EXPRESSIONS OF LATIN AMERICA

SEPTEMBER 15 – OCTOBER 15, 2023

Spiritual expression is very common in Latin American art due to its role in core cultural values, which are influenced by an enduring connection and loyalty to familismo (family) and members of the community. On the other hand, spiritual perspective involves theories that explore meanings to events, self and an individual's connection to a divine existence that may not be derived from church.

Folk art traditionally uses a lot of imagery and spiritualization, even if the original idea or belief has been forgotten. The mediums of folk art are mainly found in the artist’s everyday life and are easily accessible, such as wood, house paint, glass and dirt or clay.

The curated works on display feature paintings, masks, sculptures, vessels, photography, and drawings by Latin American artists. Many are done in the form of traditional folk art, blurring the lines of cultural and religious spirituality allowing greater connection with viewers.

JAMMIN' WITH JAMIN SHEPHERD

OCTOBER 26, 2023 - MARCH 2, 2024

Imagination. Language.

Come explore the world of Jamin Shepherd. Longview native, former singer/songwriter and currently a 3D artist, Jamin creates colorful textile sculptures and puzzling ceramics. Jamin describes his work and process as, “I imagine color, shape, surface, form and pattern as elements in development of a visual language with which diverse narrative and poetic revelations can present themselves. Shapes and colors are suggesting and creating relationships, but those exist most purely before language. I try to compose with a collaboration between this sensitivity and expressive, intuitive collaboration between the mediums and myself.” The connections, ideas, associations, narratives, etc. do manifest in the work but at the intersection of the boundless territory of mystery and imagination and the confines of language and structure.

MIRABELLA MENDOZA

MIRABELLA MENDOZA, LMFA's summer marketing intern during the months of June and July, is a business student from LeTourneau University. Dr. Isabella Cavalcanti Junqueira, her advisor, asked her to apply for the Museum's internship. Mirabella has now been hired to work as the museum's part-time social media content creator. During her summer with us, Mirabella quickly learned about social media management, content creation, website development, the varied aspects of running a non-profit and even LMFA's art collection. She hopes to use the skills she's continuing to learn here to one day help market her family's business Mendoza's Mobile Detailing Service.

FUN FACTS

Mirabella is an East Texas native, living in the Marshall area. She has always enjoyed the arts, hence her marketing major and fine arts minor. Although, she is a bit of a geek, loving to read books/articles on history and art, and going to museums across the country. Mirabella has also been known to have a bit too many hobbies for her own good, working with various art mediums, photography, crocheting, and baking. Mirabella seeks to see the beauty in all the things around her; whether it be nature, art, or the many people she meets along the way.

MECCA OF CREATIVITY The Longview Experience

AS THE END OF SUMMER draws near I wanted to take a little time to reflect on my time in Longview, particularly my time spent working as LMFA’s Artist in Residence and overseeing the Summer Art Classes. It’s been a joy to witness and be part of the enthusiasm Longview displays for the arts.

WHAT YOU AS A COMMUNITY HAVE CREATED HERE IS INCREDIBLY SPECIAL. Understand that I’ve spent my lifetime actively engaged in the arts, from the big city of Dallas to the small town of Port Neches. I’ve shown artwork and performed as a musician throughout the US. I’ve been an educator for almost a quarter century now. I’m certified to teach art, music, and special education from early childhood through high school. At one time or another I’ve taught all these subjects and more. I started my education career in “Big D” Dallas. For the past ten years I’ve taught art, music, and even robotics at Port Neches Middle School in a little district in Southeast Texas. I’ve seen the big and the small, the good and the bad. I’m not blowing smoke when I describe what’s happening in Longview as exceptional.

THIS COMMUNITY HAS GROWN INTO A WONDERFUL MECCA OF CREATIVITY in East Texas, and it shows not just in the museum but throughout your wonderful city. I see the results of your emphasis and encouragement of the arts every time I stroll down Tyler Street and

strike up a conversation with strangers as I enjoy an Americano at Silver Grizzly Expresso. I see it in the wonderfully unique “niche” shops, boutiques, and restaurants thriving throughout the city. From the turnout at Artwalk Longview to the Great Texas Balloon Race, the artistic flair displayed throughout Longview is wonderful. It’s also a big indicator of the success and involvement of the arts community here. In our modern age cities increasingly look like cookie cutter re-makes filled with the same, generic chain stores.

LONGVIEW HAS DEVELOPED A UNIQUE PERSONA THAT HAS LEFT AN INDELIBLE IMPRESSION ON THIS NATIVE TEXAN. I look forward to seeing the continuing growth of the LMFA and the arts in Longview and am honored you invited me to be a small part of it. Keep doing what you are doing, and Longview will continue to thrive.

THE ARTS ARE INDEED ALIVE AND WELL IN LONGVIEW! It has been amazing to see so many people of all ages at LMFA events this summer. I will leave Longview with a touch of sadness at the end of the summer, but I will look forward to coming back to visit again and again. Continue your incredible support of the LMFA and arts education here. Continue to grow and strive to learn and improve and Longview will continue to grow and thrive long into the future.

Mark Nesmith Artist in Residence

Mark Nesmith is a Texas-based artist who earned his BFA in Studio Art from Lamar University. He served as Artist in Residence over this summer.

GUGGENHEIM’S PARENT TIME OUT CORNER

“ARE YOU READY TO SEE THE NEXT THING?”

I asked my kids for the umpteenth time during the whirlwind trip.

“Not yet, we need to finish these drawings,” they responded as they slowly perfected their postcard-size masterpieces on plain white paper.

In the midst of the busiest, most hectic city in the US, we quietly waited in a tucked away nook of the iconic Guggenheim museum. We waited for art to happen.

The artists were age 6 and 10 at the time of our visit to New York City last year.

Prior to arrival to the museum, we had feverishly rushed around the Big Apple, packing in as many of the attractions as possible. The Met, Times Square, the Harry Potter store, One World Trade Center, back to the Harry Potter Store, the Intrepid, the Lego Store, the Public Library, the Subway, Rockefeller Center, Battery Park, more Harry Potter Store, and lots and lots of walking. Before we made the trip, we showed our kids pictures and videos of what to expect, and we mapped out a full itinerary to make the most of our days.

Whenever we travel, we enjoy experiencing as much as we can. We have utilized our reciprocal museum memberships at LMFA and Longview World of Wonders

to explore dozens of museums around the country. The Guggenheim isn’t a reciprocal museum member, but children under 12 are free.

The architecturally beautiful Guggenheim was on the list for today. I had planned for us to explore the spiraling expanse of the museum just like they saw in Jim Carey’s “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” and then make our way to an afternoon baseball game at Yankee Stadium. What I hadn’t allotted time for was a creative respite.

As we walked up the spiral galleries though, my children discovered a quiet room beautifully lined with warm wood inside the otherwise all white building. On the table were pencils and paper. The artwork of previous small guests was displayed on the walls, hanging from a wire with clips. My kids immediately began to draw, determined their artwork would become part of the museum.

Sitting at the table, watching our kids’ imagination translated onto the page, the peacefulness of the small room gave our bodies and minds a moment to relax. After a moment of rest though, my mind returned to the day’s timeline, knowing the first pitch would be thrown soon. “With all the things to see, this is what they want to do?” I anxiously wondered. I had been to the Guggenheim before, but I hadn’t noticed this room then. I was probably too focused on the eclectic art as I checked

Shawn Hara City of Longview Director of Community Relations

each gallery off my completion list. When my kids had discovered this room, their focus was set squarely on creating their mark. So, I took a deep breath, and we let the timeline vanish into the quiet.

The kids finished their drawing, and then made another. It wasn’t on the itinerary, but it was the pause we needed.

We missed the start of the game, and that was perfectly fine. Prolonging the quiet and creating art were the new order for the moment. I actually don’t recall what they drew on those pages, but I will always remember their joy in that small room in the giant city.

DIGITAL CARDS

LMFA is taking on the digital age!

In a constant effort to better serve our members and community, we have implemented digital membership cards. Members can now simply scan to check-in from their smart phone. Reciprocal members will be able to also check-in at over 1,500 participating museums across the U.S. Be on the lookout for an email from us with a link and instructions on how to download your card into your digital wallet.

“LISTEN CLOSELY AND ATTUNE YOURSELF TO THE SOUND OF THE ROOM. DRAW WHAT YOU HEAR IN THE SPACE BELOW.”

CASETA 2023

Center for the Advancement & Study of Early Texas Art

history, preservation, and education. The 2023 CASETA event offered a unique opportunity to browse and buy artworks from galleries specializing in Texas art from the early 19th century to the present. Texas A&M University Press was on hand to help complete your art book, artist biography and 1st edition collections. The event was held at San Antonio’s Witte Museum from June 9 - 11, 2023.

As always, the 2023 CASETA Symposium and Texas Art Fair was a three-day event showcasing the best of Texas art and culture. The symposium featured lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and tours led by experts and scholars on various topics related to Texas art

THIS GATHERING NEVER FAILS TO AMAZE ME. OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS, I’VE MADE LASTING FRIENDSHIPS AND CONTINUED TO LEARN ABOUT MY OWN COLLECTION AND THE AMAZING PEOPLE THAT MADE IT, PRESERVED IT AND CONTINUE TO RESEARCH AND KEEP TEXAS ART ALIVE AND VIABLE.

CASETA organizers always gather speakers who are passionate about their subject and engage with the audience in follow up Q&A sessions. All were filmed and will eventually be available on YouTube this fall or winter. For information about this and future CASETA symposiums, visit www.caseta.org.

My wife’s favorite was Judy Deaton, Chief Curator of The Grace Museum in Abilene. Her presentation revealed a collective of artists from the 1960’s that first engaged in trying to amuse each other with everyday items. This is not collage art but is known as assemblage art. Over time, their efforts reveal an intellect and purpose in their unique forms and presentation known as Jomo Boards.

I appreciated the recent focus of Michael Grauer, the Chair of Cowboy Culture and Curator of Cowboy Collections & Western Art, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum located in Oklahoma City, regarding his presentation of the importance and overlooked talent of Texas women artists. Often taking the back seat and support role to their male counterparts, his 2023 presentation of the life and times of Florence Elliott White McClung, reveals the mindset and accepted gender rolls indicative of the times these women (and men) were born in. He is a welcomed revelator of women artists past and hopefully yet to be revealed.

Sandy and John Barnett

John is an avid art collector and serves on LMFA's Exhibition Committee.

20 YEARS BE LIKE A TREE

CARLYN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR 20 YEARS OF SERVICE AS OUR VOLUNTEER YOGA INSTRUCTOR! To sum up how you have contributed to LMFA and the community we penned a few stanzas in your honor.

Surrounded by LMFA's gallery walls, Where artistry and serenity entwine, Stood Carlyn, the yogi, leading them all, A joyful guide for two decades' time.

With grace and wisdom, she stood on her mat, Amidst masterpieces, her students stretched, Her voice full of energy, and a boisterous laugh

A kind word to the weary and friend to the soul.

Through sun salutations and mindful breath, She nurtured spirits, setting them free, Her legacy woven in each yogi's quest, Giving her final goodbye - Be like a tree.

- By S.G.O.

TUESDAY,

11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Holiday Mimosas to Welcome You!

Come early to shop and visit!

Luncheon 12:00 - 1:00

$30.00 per Person

$240.00 per Table of 8

HOLIDAY TEA ROOM VIP TABLE

1 VIP Table Available Each Day

VIP Seating on the Christmas Tree Proscenium

Table for up to 10

Personal Servers

$500.00

HOLIDAY MARKET

Open 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M

Artisans and Boutique Pop Ups

The Place to Find the Perfect Christmas Gift!

For Reservations visit or call Barbara at 903-753-8103

Across

5. The lightness and darkness of a color

7. The path of a moving dot

8. The area in or around an object; positive or negative

9. Three-dimensional artwork

11. Equalizing visual components of an artwork; symmetrical or asymmetrical

13. How the surface of an artwork actually feels

14. Two opposites next to each other to stand out Down

1. These are created depending on how the elements are arranged by the artist

2. How an artwork looks like it would feel

3. Space inside an enclosed line; Two-dimensional

4. A repetition of shapes or colors in a certain order, over and over

6. When one part of an artwork is dominant and stands out more than the rest

10. The path the viewer's eye takes throughout the artwork

12. What the eye sees when light is reflected off an object

Derek Frazier Curator of Collection & Preparator

When the Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO) invited us to install art in their new building, we knew we wanted to include work that celebrated our great Texas heritage. In a hallway, right across from the glass walls of a conference room, are three heavy hitters from a special year in Texas history.

In 1986, Texas celebrated its 150th year of independence, or Sesquicentennial. I graduated high school that year and started college majoring in, what else, visual art. I remember going to the Fort Worth Museum of Art at its old, small location near the Natural History Museum. That’s where I first encountered art by David Bates.

Several of the paintings were massive, taller than me, and were done in Bates’ awkward, angular style; one featured a snake zig-zagging up a crooked tree to be repelled by a mother heron protecting her chicks. Amazing stuff to a young art student. At the time there was no way that I could have known that someday I would install a quirky work by my new favorite artist- in this case, an iconic, whimsical lithograph titled Corny Dog.

Made in 1986, Corny Dog celebrates one of the most recognizable faces in the entire state- Big Tex, who presides over the Texas State Fair in Dallas in a red western shirt and the largest pair of jeans

Corny Dog, David Bates, 1986

Rodeo, Derek Boshier, 1986

on the planet Looking at Bates’ lithograph, you can hear that slow drawl saying, “Howdy…folks. Welcome… to the… State… Fair… of Texas!” Up close, taking up nearly half of the composition, is another true Texan in a plaid shirt and enormous cowboy hat, happily contemplating his next bite of a corny dog, one of the ubiquitous symbols of contemporary Texas. The chaotic scene is done primarily in red, white, and blue, the colors of the Lone Star State’s flag. It just doesn’t get any more Texan than this.

Not to say that our next artist doesn’t try. Also made in 1986, Rodeo, a lithograph by Derek Boshier, is a wonderful example of hybridized British and American Pop art, two related by different occurrences in the 20th century. Boshier was born and educated in England, but by the Sesquicentennial he had moved to Texas, where he was a professor at the University of Houston.

Rodeo combines the kitschy qualities of British Pop art with the use of iconography found in the American brand of the same movement. I don’t know if Boshier ever went to a rodeo, but he reduces the experience down to a single moment when a bronc buster is, well, bustin’ a bronc. Conchos, popularly used in western wear of the 80s, are scattered across the composition, a not-so-subtle identifier of the western culture of the time. And just to make sure we know where we are, the artist includes a big Texas branding iron, with a concho marking the location of the state’s capital.

Finally, we have Dallas artist Nic Nicosia’s 1986 Bobby Dixon and The Texas Stars Created just a few short years after Nicosia was included in exhibitions at the Whitney Museum and the Guggenheim, this 10-color screenprint is a fantastic example of the artist’s staged scenes. Simply through the placement of three costumed people and a cheesy backdrop, Nicosia captures the kind of ultra-low budget show that commonly played early mornings and late nights in the 80s. Thanks to Andy Warhol, the screenprint is the ultimate Pop art medium, one that Nicosia combines with over-thetop Texas iconography to create a masterpiece. Good stuff.

Bobby Dixon & the Texas Stars, Nic Nicosia, 1986

LMFA FUTURE HOME

BUILDING PROJECT and MUSEUM OPERATIONAL UPDATE

GREAT THINGS THAT ARE WORTHWHILE - whether they are goals for life or for business - TAKE TIME.

With that in mind, your LMFA Board of Directors and staff are taking the time to plan and ensure the Museum’s future home is GREAT and serve our region’s needs both today and over the long term.

As anyone involved with a building project over the past several years knows, construction costs across the board have skyrocketed since the COVID-19 pandemic. This has required LMFA’s leadership to rethink our original timeline in the context of current circumstances and to consider different approaches to accomplish our goals while staying within a budget appropriate for a project of our scope and ambition. We are confident this will result in the most successful outcome for our project in the end.

SUCCESSES

We continue to make great progress toward our dream. Through a recent grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts, renovations have begun that will help make the first floor of our new building accessible and available for community and museum events soon.

We are also celebrating other successes resulting from our hard work over the past two years. LMFA is debt free and we have raised $3.5 million toward our construction project goal. We’ve completed 90% of the abatement and the structural investigation work in the Fredonia Building and are close to completing a revised building design better aligned with our current circumstances.

We’ve also been awarded the nomination for our building to hold National Historic Register status and secured the eligibility to receive $2.8 million in state tax credits upon completion of our project.

OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS AND STAFFING

As the scope of our work has broadened, we’ve also continued to improve the day-to-day operations in our current home on Tyler Street. With director Tiffany Jehorek’s leadership role expanding to increase her focus on the strategic and fundraising work to make our Fredonia Street project possible, we’ve recently restructured and expanded the LMFA staff team.

Our administrative staff will include office manager Sharon Boles, bookkeeper Leslie Novy, and Flecia Droege, our executive assistant. In her new role as community engagement manager, Barbara Scott focuses on the museum’s membership and volunteer programs, as well as the rental of our buildings to companies and groups in the community. Tricia Summers serves as the facilities manager for our new Fredonia Building, and Stacy Odom and Derek Frazier are taking on additional responsibilities for exhibition design and installation.

The museum has also implemented a new database system and the infrastructure to support digital membership cards to strengthen and better manage our growing membership and fundraising programs.

These are just a few of the steps LMFA is taking to be ready to meet the challenges of a larger facility with an expanded audience and more public engagement.

BY-LAWS REVISION

Earlier this year, the LMFA board of directors revised the museum’s by-laws to change the frequency of its meeting schedule from quarterly to monthly to allow for active committee work during the time between full board meetings. This has already engaged and energized the board, bringing new ideas and momentum to our growing organization.

FREDONIA BUILDING PROGRESS

4)

1) Glass offices in the Lone Star Gallery, or what was once the lobby and main bank area, have been removed, opening the space for better visibility and event use.

2) The mosaic tile work installed in 1988 has been re-installed in bank alley and looks fantastic!

3) Demolition of the 1940s section of the first floor is underway with plans to have it ready by the first of year for the community to use for event rental space and for the museum’s use.

Currently, LMFA’s LIVE MUSIC CONCERT series is being held in the LONE STAR GALLERY. So, check out our concert dates at lmfa.org, buy a ticket and join us!

BECOME A MEMBER. JOIN

TODAY!

EXPERIENCE what makes LMFA the cultural heART of Longview.

RECEIVE the satisfaction of knowing your contribution ensures access to arts education and enrichment for ALL East Texans.

JOIN the LMFA Family today!

CORE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Offers a year of exclusive access to:

• Members-Only Exhibition Preview Receptions that include artist talk, music, hor d’oeuvres and libations! • Free Admission • First Notice of LMFA Programs, Classes, Concerts, and Events. • Free Access to Tuesday/Thursday

at Noon in the Gallery

For more detailed information about becoming an LMFA business sponsor, visit LMFA.org.

Thank You for Partnering with LMFA!

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