New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine - 2023 Vol. 3, Issue 3

Jade Marie Patek

Fusing her edgy

Texas Country Soul with Southern Rock Influences

Austin Buck, Owner

COPILOT CREATIVE Conversations on branding and urban art

BONUS! NEW BRAUNFELS

UNIQUE HOME DECOR FEATURE

Anna Cochran, Artist

CALERA STUDIOS

Talks about drawing artistic inspiration from her love for small town living

Krystal, Englehart-Peterson

Owner, CURRENTS SHOP

Reflects on growing up in Corpus Christi, TX, and curating warmth and luxury thru home decor and apparel

About the Cover: Jade Marie Patek brings a powerful soulful sound to the texas music scene that has been inspired by blues,

rock, and country music. Check out our conversation with Jade on pg. 9.

Letter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

I can't even begin to convey the joy of knowing that we are about to transition out of these last brutal summer months and into Fall aka Festival Season! Fall in New Braunfels also marks a time that's considered the busiest season of the year for many business owners and, inevitably, it's always during these times that I find myself reflecting on the mission that has been at the core of our magazine's identity from day one: to celebrate the small businesses that make our community thrive.

So it is along those lines and while compiling this issue, that we endeavored to include articles that capture the timeless allure of New Braunfels, a town that continues to captivate tourists and locals alike, thanks to the vision and dedication of local businesses, shop owners, artists, and musicians. Their commitment to preserving the unique character of our community is nothing short of inspiring. As you flip through the pages, you'll discover the entrepreneurial spirit so fittingly demonstrated by these individuals. Read more of these bold entrepreneurs in our articles on Krystal Englehart-Peterson of Currents Decor & Design (p.15) and Austin Buck of CoPilot Creative (p.31).

And lets add how New Braunfels and Gruene have staked their claim as a vibrant hub for musical artistry. From the soulful strains of blues echoing through cozy taverns to the twang of country melodies resonating under the starlit skies at Gruene Hall, our town is a haven for music lovers. We start this narrative with our conversation with Jade Marie Patek, our cover feature (p.9). In every article, photograph, and interview, we've strived to capture the essence of New Braunfels, not just as a place on a map, but as a living, breathing entity brought to life by the people and traditions that define its character. Our hope is that you'll be as moved and inspired by their stories as we have been.

As we bid farewell to one season and welcome another, be sure to keep an eye out for the exciting fall festivities (p.42). From local music festivals to art exhibitions, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you for joining us on this journey as we continue to celebrate the heartbeat of New Braunfels.

Best,

Melba Romero

Creator | Publisher | Editor-In-Chief

Editor-In-Chief

Graphic Design

Creative Director

Photography

Melba Romero

Client Relations & Media Sales Associate

Kaleigh Schmidt

Social Media

Content Manager

Tammi Solis/Social Haus Media

New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine® is a registered trademark of Black Pearl Publications, LLC and may not be used without permission. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, Black Pearl Publications, LLC. The information contained in this magazine is provided AS IS. Neither New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine nor Black Pearl Publications. LLC, 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. LLC do not endorse any individuals, companies, products, services, or views featured or advertised in this magazine.

©New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the copyright owner.

Jade Marie Patek

Texas Singer, Songwriter

Photo Credit: Stacy Tipton - Stringlights Photography

I guess you can say my music genes come from generations past. My grandfather had a polka band that traveled and performed all over Texas: Joe Patek Orchestra. I was curious about them so I did some research and found that the band sold over a million albums! I grew up around their music and their dancehall performances so you could say I have a sweet spot for polka music but my dad raised us on many other genres of music so my music appreciation is pretty eclectic. It's for this reason that I truly believe that my own music is a reflection of the different genres I was raised on.

My heritage is mostly czechamerican; our last name "Patek" means Friday in Czech. I currently live in New Braunfels, TX, but my Texas roots span across the state with my mother from Moulton, TX, and my father from Shiner, TX. I have 2 sisters; an older (Kelsey) and a younger (Taylor). I'm the middle child. (And yes, I can attest that all those claims about the wild middle child are definitely true! Wink! Wink!)

My grandpa was my first musical influence, and then The Chicks, Spice Girls and Shania Twain were a close second. I had the best female artists to look up to. They were constantly proving

to the world that women are kick ass. Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Grace Potter, Beth Hart, Stevie Nicks, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Bobbie Gentry, Susan Tedeschi are my current influences. They are some of the most talented and powerful women in music. They’ve paved and are continuing to pave the way for other strong, talented women to make a name for themselves. They were never afraid to sing about controversial topics and they fully embraced who they were and are as women. I've been told and it's interesting, when listening to my music, how you can pickup on the southern rock style I've developed in my own music and I truly attribute this to the many years of following these great artists.

While living in Texas and attending Texas State University, in San Marcos, TX, I became friends with fellow musicians Austin Garret, drummer Pat Green, and Michael Kelton (Michael also lives in New Braunfels)

and they taught me a lot about songwriting and the recording process. They "produced" a song I wrote from a closet. It was my first recording experience ever and I'll never forget it! I also started playing more gigs in this area and became friends with a lot more musicians in the Texas Music Scene and that was the start of my journey in the music business.

I just want to say, I'm a simple girl from Hallettsville, TX. Music has been a huge influence in my life, it defines me and I couldnt image a life any different.

I had the best female artists to look up to. They were constantly proving to the world that women are kick ass. Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Grace Potter, Beth Hart, Stevie Nicks, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Bobbie Gentry, Susan Tedeschi––have all been and still are my greatest influences.

Photo Credit: Kelby Rumfolo

Fun fact: I married on October 9, 2021 to Eric Starr of Boerne, TX. So my married name is Jade Starr. Pretty cool, right?

I was always the girl that would get in front of people and sing to them without feeling an ounce of shyness. I started playing actual gigs when I was 18 years old. After learning piano, teaching myself guitar and playing some talent shows, I decided to step it up and got my own PA system and started playing some gigs at the restaurant I also waitressed at. Fun times!

The “why” is that I’ve always loved singing and performing. My grandpa had a successful polka band, and he would tell his grandkids about how much he enjoyed it. I loved listening to his stories and I knew even then that I wanted to follow in his footsteps and be a musician someday too.

I love connecting with other people through music as well. I feel like myself the most when I’m strumming a guitar and singing, and I feel like other people see that and we are all in it together at that moment.

My soulful music is a glimpse into who I am, it’s when I feel most like myself and it’s the way I express myself. I cannot picture my life without playing music. It’s beautiful alone and it’s beautiful when collaborating with others. I still have so much of that to express to the world.

My advice to other musicians starting out is to find your authentic self and authentic

sound. No one else can be you. Tap into that and grind hard. Show up to the open mics, write every week alone or collaborate. Be kind. Create great content. Support others. Good things will come your way if you work hard.

I have a 10 song album that released in June called "Song In My Head". I have a brand new single out to radio (KNBT) called "Hey Darlin" that's also off the album. "Hey Darlin" and another off the album "Just To Survive" are both available on all streaming platforms.

For more on my music, my website is: jademariemusic.com.

Instagram: @jademariepatek

Facebook: Jade Marie Patek

Follow on Spotify: Jade Marie Patek

I also grew up in the best generation of female artists that taught young girls that they can do anything they set their mind to.

(L to R) JP Cuellar/Drums: Jade Marie Patek/Lead Singer-Rhythm Guitar Charles Cruz/Bass: Mike Correa/Lead Guitar

Photo Credit: Kelby Rumfolo

1617 New Braunfels St. New Braunfels, TX 78130 (830) 608-0690

thebirdhousetx.com

Come to The Birdhouse and take yourself back to that happy place with our devotion to making the best dang chicken you have ever tasted, served with warm southern hospitality and a great wine list.

--Ross Wilkinson

Krystal Englehart-Peterson Currents Decor & Design

Astrong work ethic was taught and instilled in me at a young age; my siblings and I always helped my parents around the house (cleaning, yard work, painting, plumbing, laying sod and I even helped my dad put a new roof on the garage once). We learned tons of skills and became quite handy people.

My entrepreneurial spirit started early as I began babysitting and mowing lawns for cash, as early as Middle School. I learned what it felt like to complete a job well, to have satisfied customers, to make people smile with a good job and the amazing sensation of accomplishment and I still live each day working hard and loving work.

My creativity budded and began to bloom in my little safe small town and especially sparked by long days at my grandparents’ house. I would spend countless hours with my Grandma Lopez in her sewing room; we would dream up new projects, she would sew dresses and costumes and I would paint, glue and have fun with all sorts of arts and crafts. She has a beautiful sense of color, style and florals. She taught me all I know about being creative, playing with colors and dreaming up new ideas.

After High School graduation, I moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, and attended Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, also known as the "Sparkling City by the Sea".

It was a wonderful experience, I woke up to dolphins swimming in the bay outside my bedroom window and I could see them while walking to school each day. Corpus is a perfectly sized city for a small town country girl to learn how to live in the city. It's big enough to have everything you need but small enough to keep from getting lost. Each time I drove off the island I slowly explored the City and new neighborhoods; I always felt a little nervous and yet adventurous.

Attending A&M-CC allowed me to know myself, to see the world in different lights, to discover different perspectives on life, study literature, art and politics; creating an insatiable desire to learn more.

I graduated in two years with a BA in English with an emphasis in Pre-law and Philosophy. From there I jumped right into a Masters Program in English which grew into teaching High School English in Corpus Christi for five years.

My shop name "Currents" is an homage to Corpus Christi, TX, a place and time in my life that was simple, free-spirited, and full of color and joy...like my shop!

I eventually moved off Campus to a historic area of town and would walk and run the streets trying to visually absorb the gorgeous colors, landscaping and wood work details on all the charming houses. In the neighborhood, was a coffee shop attached to a magic wonderland of a store named Blue Frog Mercantile. I would stalk through the store for hours and hours mezmorized by their gorgeous items and dazzling displays. I realized that owning a store would be a dream come true and that maybe one day when I retired from Law or teaching I could then open a little shop and fill it with pretty things of my own. Never did I imagine that I would have a shop, much less. the beautiful Currents store I have today.

Life is too short to not take chances, to not love each day to the fullest; So Jump! Then learn how to swim once you land in the Current…it’s lots more fun that way!

During this time, I also met my husband Kevin in this salty city by the sea. In grad school, I worked as an english tutor at the library and he would study in the library every day with his backpack and subway sandwich. It was a pretty immediate connection and we’ve been nearly inseparable ever since; he was a Corpus native, so he showed me where all the locals hung out and where all the secret treasures were hidden. We were married two years later and have two sweet boys.

When I was a high school english teacher, I started refurbishing, painting and refinishing furniture and selling them on my Facebook page. This grew quickly and I was soon able to stay home and make a little side cash. I was blessed with a quiet life of painting furniture and playing with my babies.

We loved Corpus, but Kevin was offered a job opportunity in Dallas, so we took a chance and headed to the “Big D”. When moving to Dallas our realtor was contacted by HGTV Magazine; this really boosted my decorating and design confidence. In Dallas, my furniture side job grew into a design job that offered furniture refinishing.

But, as much as we enjoyed living in Dallas, it wasn't home to us. One day, Kevin asked, "if we could move anywhere, where would it be?" We rolled out a map and picked

our favorite places and that’s how we ended up in New Braunfels; our version of living in paradise. We soon knew we were definitely river people. However, owning a shop was not exactly in my plan.

After a long weekend at Wurstfest, Kevin decided we needed a Blizzard and to go for a nice ride. Cruising along we found the downtown shop, it was empty and needing love, but we both knew the potential for that location. So we opened Currents!

After five quick years of learning and running as fast as we could, the opportunity to open a second store in the Historic Gruene district was presented to us and we decided to jump again. Our store in Gruene is in a cute little 100-year old house. The house was a part of the Original Gruene Family residence so we worked diligently to keep the historic charm of the home that became our shop. This Currents location sits in the middle of all the action in downtown Gruene and it has been an honor to bring some of Currents' spirit to such a timeless place.

At Currents, we specialize in bringing with each season, the newest and prettiest Home Decor items, fun apparel and gifts to Gruene, New Braunfels, and the surrounding area.

I was born in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in the small town of Lytle, Texas. My parents met at a dance hall named Cowtown just outside of town and they were married six weeks later.

My dad is from Sabinal, Texas (near the Frio River) and my mom’s family is from Lytle. I was raised in a big, lively, loving and fun family filled with cousins, BBQ’s, birthday parties, Friday Night football games and tons of family events.

I guess you can say that my strong family roots and an upbringing built on trust and integrity are the drivers for my belief that small town, over-thetop customer service is what makes the difference; we strive to achieve the highest levels of a great customer experience everyday. We treat each customer like family and we are truly happy to see our customers walk through the door each day. Seeing their smiles is the reason we do what we do!

--Krystal Englehart-Peterson

Currents Decor

&

Design

364 E. San Antonio St. New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-302-7733

Unique Home Decor

NEW BRAUNFELS, TX

Nestled within the charming Texan town of New Braunfels, you'll find a cluster of charming boutiques that transcend the ordinary, inviting seekers of the extraordinary into a world where home-town craftsmanship meets creativity.

Each unique shop stands as a testament to the fusion of history and modernity, drawing inspiration from the town's rich cultural heritage while simultaneously embracing contemporary trends.

As the sunlight filters through the rustic streets, casting a warm glow upon the unique storefronts, one can't help

but feel an air of anticipation, knowing that beyond those inviting furniture store doors lies an array of furnishings that are not just pieces of wood and fabric, but expressions of imagination, passion, and a deep-seated connection to the heart of Texas.

The next few pages are only a small sample of some of the unique shops you can discover while visiting or shopping in New Braunfels, TX. Plan to embark on a journey through these hidden gems, where every piece of furniture has a story to tell and every shop is a treasure trove of unparalleled artistry.

325 IH 35 BL, New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.625.5513

GRUENE HISTORIC DISTRICT AT THE WATER TOWER - EVENT CALENDAR

EVERYDAY

LIVE TUNES AT GRUENE HALL

Gruene Hall features live music every day year ‘round. Most shows are free Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Friday and Saturday evenings are generally ticketed shows. For band schedule and availability, visit GrueneHall.com or call (830) 606-1601.

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS

FRIDAY AFTERNOON CLUB AT GRUENE HALL: 4:00 PM -7:00 PM

A Gruene Hall tradition, now in its 25th year, where hipsters, oldsters, suits, locals and drifters mix it up to start their weekend rite (pun intended!) This quintessential Friday happy hour celebrates the warmer weather with great beer prices, prize giveaways and the best in Texas tunes broadcast live by KNBT

92.1 FM Radio New Braunfels. There’s even a very special guest interview each week. A few who have been known to stop by for a chat have included Ray Benson, Steve Earle, Delbert McClinton, Radney Foster, Hayes Carll and Ray Wylie Hubbard. Cheers!.

September 2nd & 3rd

CHARLIE ROBISON AT GRUENE HALL*

September 8th

JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY AT GRUENE HALL*

september 9th

GRUENE 10K

Participants enjoy a leisurely or competitive run through the Texas Hill Country with medals awarded for each age group and a post-race social with food and beer for all participants. Sponsored by the New Braunfels Running Club and benefiting a local New Braunfels’ charity. For more information or to register, visit AthleteGuild.com or call (830) 708-2991 for an entry form.

september 9th

AUSTIN MEADE AT GRUENE HALL*

September 14th

GABBY BARRETT AT GRUENE HALL*

September 16th

JACK INGRAM AT GRUENE HALL*

september 16th - 17th; october 21st - 22nd

OLD GRUENE MARKET DAYS

Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. Market hours are 10-5pm. Free admission. For more information, visit GrueneMarketDays.com or call (830) 832-1721.

SEPTEMBER 16TH

CITIZEN COPE: AN EVENING WITH CLARENCE GREENWOOD AT GRUENE HALL*

SEPTEMBER 21ST

COME AND TASTE IT: 5:00 PM - 8:00PM

Join us in The Grapevine Garden to taste some of our favorite Texas wine! Free and open to the public, this monthly event also features live music and complimentary tastings of a craft beer handselected by the Grapevine staff. Held the third Thursday of every month (except January), it’s the perfect opportunity to sit and sip in the heart of Gruene Historic District! For more information, visit GrapevineInGruene.com or call (830) 606-0093.

SEPTEMBER 23RD

KIN FAUX AT GRUENE HALL*

SEPTEMBER 28TH

THE BACON BROTHERS AT GRUENE HALL*

SEPTEMBER 29TH

KAITLIN BUTTS AT GRUENE HALL*

SEPTEMBER 30TH

BRANDY CLARK & LORI MCKENNA AT GRUENE HALL*

OCTOBER 5TH

37TH ANNUAL GRUENE MUSIC & WINE FEST: Come and Taste It for United Way

Kick off Gruene Music & Wine Fest weekend at The Grapevine in Gruene Historic District with live music and tastings from three Texas wineries and a Texas craft brewery. Admission is free to the public and tasting tickets will be available for purchase along with the featured wines and beers. All proceeds benefit United Way of Comal County.

OCTOBER 6TH

37TH ANNUAL GRUENE MUSIC & WINE FEST:

Rockin’ with Texas Wine & Food*

Benefiting United Way of Comal County and presented by Gruene Hall and KNBT 92.1FM Radio New Braunfels, this annual event features a dinner catered by Gristmill River Restaurant, wine tasting, a private performance by a Gruene Hall favorite and The Great Guitar Auction featuring guitars signed by some of the best artists to headline the historic stage. Event is 21 and up.

OCTOBER 7TH

37TH ANNUAL GRUENE MUSIC & WINE FEST:

Taste of Texas Wine & Beer

Join us for this popular event in The Grapevine Garden! Enjoy live music alongside six Texas wineries and two Texas breweries. Admission is free to the public and tasting tickets will be available for purchase along with the featured wines and beers. All proceeds benefit United Way of Comal County.

OCTOBER 8TH

37TH ANNUAL GRUENE MUSIC & WINE FEST: Sunday Songwriter Shindig*

Enjoy an acoustic lineup of Texas’ best songwriters on the legendary Gruene Hall stage. Presented by KNBT and Gruene Hall, proceeds will benefit the United Way of Comal County. This event is 21 and up.

OCTOBER 12TH

CLAY WALKER AT GRUENE HALL*

OCTOBER 12th, 19tH, & 26TH

COME AND TAST IT: TEXAS WINE MONTH EDITION - 4:00PM - 7:00PM

Celebrate Texas Wine Month at The Grapevine in Gruene Historic District! Enjoy complimentary tastings from up to 3 Texas wineries and a Texas craft brewery, live music and prize giveaways.

OCTOBER 13TH

LOS LOBOS AT GRUENE HALL*

OCTOBER 14TH

JUNIOR BROWN AT GRUENE HALL*

OCTOBER 20TH

COREY MORROW AT GRUENE HALL*

OCTOBER 28TH - 29TH

31ST ANNUAL TEXAS CLAY FESTIVAL

Respected potters and sculptors from around Texas display, sell their wares, and demonstrate a variety of techniques. Hands-on activities are available for children. Call (830) 629-7975 or visit TexasClayFestival.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 3RD & 4TH

THREE DOG NIGHT AT GRUENE HALL*

NOVEMBER 9TH

COME AND TAST IT: WURST EDITION

Join us for a night of complimentary Texas’ craft beer samples and live music at The Grapevine in historic Gruene. It’s the best time at the Wurst time of year! Prost! For more information, visit GrapevineInGruene.com or call (830) 606-0093.

NOVEMBER 9TH

THE RED CLAY STRAYS: WAY TOO LONG TOUR AT GRUENE HALL*

*Advance tickets recommended

Band Information: GrueneHall.com

Gruene Texas Information: GrueneTexas.com

AUSTIN BUCK

Beer!

Bikes! & BRANDS!

As a New Braunfels native and son of makers, I take great pride in my artistic roots. My parents made pottery for a living and owned a retail store called Buck Pottery in Gruene, Texas, for 35 years. Of course they encouraged me to make things and pursue art, but more importantly they showed me the way to thread lifestyle and art together.

As a kid growing up in Gruene, around fine artists, I’ve always been interested in “making things”. I just can’t stop. After school at Texas State University with a Communication Design degree, I moved to Colorado Springs to work for a design studio. I was ready to get out of Texas and needed a big adventure. From there I found my groove at another studio called CoPilot Creative and eventually purchased the studio in 2010. We moved back to central Texas 8 years ago to be closer to family and kickstart the interior design part of our business. To date, we work with clients to help communicate their brand message and brand experience in their space. We create the feel and the vibe of the marketing and the experience of the space.

Today, I own CoPilot Creative a boutique branding and interior design studio based in New Braunfels Texas. I run the studio with a team of talented designers and as a team, we are continuing the values that were started in 1975. Bold branding, simple effective design communication and personal integrity. We also love Beer… and Bikes!

Ihave two creative daughters. My 12 year old is interested in theatre and music while my 10 year old wants to illustrate books for a living!

CoPilot Creative is a branding and design studio. We create compelling identities, websites, marketing materials and stories that add value to brands.

We do our best work for clients who are passionate about what they do. Clients willing to take a risk, try something new, and build a long term strategic relationship. We work best when our clients have a solid product and believe in what they are selling.

Our Services: Brand Design, Interior Design, Website design, Digital and Traditional Marketing, Photography and Video.

We have also started our own fine art line over the last few years. We’ve illustrated area maps in a fun and unique way. Each one is then handsilkscreened, signed, and editioned for sale. We’ve had a ton of fun with these and it gives us a break from the day-to-day client work. They are sold online on our website and carried at a few stores in the area. The Local, Cotton Eyed Joe, and Feliz Modern in San Antonio.

I went to Texas State for their Communication Design program. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in some sort of art. Design seemed like a really practical way to make a living. I still make fine art for myself to scratch that itch.

My first biggest piece of advice when starting a new business is to keep it simple and minimize your overhead.

There are slow times and busy times. You have to be able to weather the slow times and not stress during the crazy busy times. Rarely are things flowing at a natural pace so getting used to income peaks and valleys is important. Minimize your lifestyle.

The second piece of advice, business has to be a true passion, otherwise you cannot withstand the demands.

Recently, I was encouraged to apply to teach Art and Design at Texas State University. I went through the application and interview process and am excited to start this fall semester! This will allow me to share what I have learned over the last 20 years as a designer, but also as an entrepreneur and business owner with 50 students each semester. I’ll be able to engage students in the work we are doing and prep them for their careers in the design world.

I also just started a “Ugly Walls” mural concept. The first installation was this Spring in Landa Park. I walk past this ugly wall on the back side of one of the bathrooms almost every day. I took a photo and mocked up a quick mural idea and contacted the parks director. They gave me permission and in 2-3 hours we turned an “ugly wall” into something interesting. Since then, we have a few other opportunities and other artists wanting to volunteer to help add public art to New Braunfels. The idea is simple. Create a more pleasing public space via art. Time is donated, the designs are simple (2-3 hours to produce) and the end results inspire and create a more pleasant space for our community. If you have a public space, please reach out.

-Austin Buck

CoPilot Creative

186 E. Garden St. New Braunfels, TX 78130

830.264.6920

My parents encouraged me to make things and pursue art, but more importantly they showed me the way to thread lifestyle and art together.

Red & Gruene A Holiday Shop

Red & Gruene, a holiday ornaments specialty shop, is nestled under the beautiful live oaks of Gruene Historic District in New Braunfels, TX.

Our family has been creating and sharing the holidays with Christmas retail stores in Texas for over 40 years.

We can't wait to meet you and help find your "something special" for the holidays!

Specializing in: Holiday and year-round ornaments and other unique gifts.

1706 Hunter Rd., Suite B | New Braunfels, TX | 78130 940-704-5896

Anna Cochran,

Artist

Living in multiple Texas towns really solidified my love for different parts of the state and I think that experience played a big part in influencing what I love to paint.

Growing up, my dad was a pastor, so we moved around Texas several times. I lived in Dallas, Lubbock, Austin, and Corpus Christi, TX, before moving to College Station to attend college.

My grandparents lived out in west Texas, and my visits out there opened my eyes to a landscape some Texans never get to see. In fact, the name of my Etsy shop was inspired by Calera Chapel in one of my favorite areas of the Davis mountains. It’s that west Texas landscape that really first drew my attention to the idea that my eye was seeing much more color than I was able to capture in my very basic camera, and I began to admire artists who could bring that elusive world of color to life on paper or canvas.

My mother and grandmother were both artists and loved music and literaturemy grandmother painted china, and my mother is a watercolorist (and actually, a handful of her prints are also available in my Etsy shop.) Growing up, my parents were pretty great about taking my older brothers and me to museums and galleries and concerts and plays, and cultivated in us an appreciation and passion for the arts. My parents also instilled in us a love for travel and experiencing different cultures, and that inspires my painting as well. Texas is made up of such a variety of amazing cultures which makes for an ideal inspiration to paint from.

I attended Texas A&M University in College Station and graduated with a BA in Communications. While I enjoyed my major, I generally felt more passionate about some of my literature classes. During college I really began to realize how therapeutic it was for me to write or draw my thoughts out on paper, and I preferred doing that rather than typing or using technology. My notes were always covered in doodles and drawings, and I still prefer planning out my calendar on a paper planner.

During my freshman year at A&M I began working as a barista at Sweet Eugene’s House of Java, and that is where I met my husband Josh. Sweet Eugene’s is a coffee shop with a really funky and fun atmosphere and we loved working there together. After

graduation, we were married and are now blessed with our three beautiful daughters - Claire, Julianna, and Mary Ella.

For a few years, while my daughters were very young, I had a small business decorating iced sugar cookies, so that was my creative outlet. Then, after a trip to Mozambique several years ago, I picked up a paintbrush to paint memories of some of our experiences. Art became an outlet for me to work through some of the more complex emotions I felt, and I found that painting took my tangle of emotions and gave me back more clarity and joy. Once I found that feeling, I didn’t want to stop, and I’ve continued on my artistic journey since then.

Creating and drawing has given me joy since I was a small child. I’ve always been a doodler, and in my larger college lecture classes I sometimes snuck a miniature watercolor kit in with me to decorate my notes.

My hope is that those are the things people feel when they see something I’ve created. One of my favorite aspects of art is connecting with people through it.

I mostly paint with watercolor or pastel, and occasionally acrylic. I love the challenge of working with watercolor, and I am drawn to the vivid colors and texture that can be achieved with pastel.

I find Inspiration in so many places around New Braunfels and the hill country. This area is so full of culture and history and community events that there is always something beautiful to capture. Currently I display and sell original paintings for sale in the New Braunfels Art League Gallery in downtown New Braunfels. Additionally, I offer prints for sale through my Etsy shop, where clients can also request commissions or inquire about original artwork.

I try to approach both life and art with a sense of humor and a sense of wonder for the moments of beauty around us -in nature, in the places we go, and the people we meet.

New Braunfels is such a unique and special place, and so welcoming and wonderful for artists. We are truly blessed to call New Braunfels home. When my family and I moved to the area a few years ago, we were amazed by how friendly and supportive the community is, and at the same time full of so much individuality and personality. My husband and I tell each other all the time how thankful we are that we get to live here.

--Anna Cochran, Artist

Anna Cochran, Artist—Calera Studios can be reached by email at anna@calerastudios.com. Her art can be found and purchased at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery or on her Etsy Shop.

NB 2023 CALENDAR

FALL FAIRS & FESTIVALS

27

SEPTEMBER

COMAL COUNTY FAIR

SEPT 27 - OCT 1

Come join us at the 130th Comal County Fair as a Volunteer, Shareholder or just to plain have fun. Enjoy classic fair attractions with carnival rides, fair food, the rodeo and much more.

GRUENE MUSIC & WINE FESTIVAL

OCT 5 - OCT 8

The Gruene Music & Wine Festival is an annual event with the purpose of promoting Texas and Americana music showcasing some of the region's best wines in a fun and relaxed setting while raising funds for the United Way of Comal County.

28

OCTOBER

NB DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

OCT 28

The New Braunfels Dia de los Muertos Festival is an annual event hosted by the New Braunfels Chamber's Hispanic Business Alliance and features live music, dancing, food trucks, arts & crafts, kids activities, face painters, vendors, shopping and more.

WURSTFEST

NOV 3 - NOV 12

Join us for a unique annual celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun! Enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German, Texan and domestic beer, special events and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian Style Entertainment.

OCTOBER 03

NOVEMBER

Weihnachtsmarkt

(SAVE THE DATE!)

German-Styled Christmas Market with a Texas Twist

November 17 - 19, 2023 - New Braunfels Convention Center

Weihnachtsmarkt (a holiday shopping market), founded by the Sophienburg Museum & Archives in 1988, is the museum's largest fundraiser.

Weihnachtsmarkt began in the Civic Center, and has expanded its presence to consume the entire venue. This allows for comfortable shopping no matter the weather. Merchants and artisans offer a wide array of wares. The market is a one-stop shop for artisan and international gifts, ranging from ladies apparel, T-shirts to jewelry, beef jerky to lavender, custom embroidery, holiday florals and other unique finds. And don’t forget to take Elfies with Santa just for fun!

Weihnachtsmarkt kicks off each year with the Glittering Star Party—a dressy, sparkling affair. The main hall is festooned in German fashion with stars hung in honor of donors. Guests enjoy a large spread of wine, drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres while live music and pre-market shopping keep the event festive.

Weihnachtsmarkt remains successful through the years due to the commitment of volunteers, who continue to show up and bring younger ones onboard. Interested? You can still join this season’s fun by submitting an application online to the Sophienburg Museum & Archives. Needs range from computer and cataloging skills to executing exhibits, working at Sophie’s Shop, Wurstfest and more.

To learn more, visit Visit www.sophienburg.com for details.

Natural Skin Care

Bath and Body

CBD

Hemp Flower

Clothing

Baby Items

Jewelry

Pet Products

Lake Goods

Pottery Plants

Hand Made Candles

Situated in the heart of downtown New Braunfels, TX, Marie Finger created Wild Bloom Market from a much needed change in her career and as an outlet to her love of artisan products. As a result, her boutique is a beautiful collection of merchant items with a little something for everyone. From wellness, clothing, and pottery to home goods, the Wild Bloom Market has it all!

Marie Finger grew up in San Antonio, TX, and considers herself a true entrepreneur at heart. She previously owned a Medical Spa for 24 years and is a Certified Nutrigenomic Specialist (Nutrition & Genes). Marie has her own wellness CBD brand, Wild Organics, and she also offers Nutrition Genetic Testing at her store.

Bring in this ad and enjoy 20% off any item. (Some exclusions may apply)

Call and schedule a wellness consultation or just stop by: 512-877-0400

Email us at: Bloom@wildbloom.market

Follow on Instagram to see all the latest sales and happenings: wildbloommarketnbtx

CoPilot Creative

Red & Gruene

Jade Marie Patek

Anna Cochran Wild Bloom Market

JLP Builders

The Gruene Olive

The Birdhouse Currents Decor

Sunset, Historic Faust Street Bridge, New Braunfels, TX