Fandangle events planned at Old Jail
Special Fandangle activities are on the Old Jail Art Center’s schedule over the next two weeks, starting with a Native American Dance exhibition this Saturday afternoon and ending up a Family Festival “Round Up” on June 29.
Located one block east of the Courthouse, the Old Jail does not charge admission and is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Fandangle performance nights.
In various galleries, the museum has exhibits that include artifacts from the Sallie Reynolds Matthews family, three temporary exhibitions, and items from the museum’s permanent collection.
In addition, the staff has planned two special events this weekend and then a Fandangle Family Festival on the day of the final performance on Saturday, June 29.
Native American Dancers
The general public is invited to the Marshall R. Young Sculpture Courtyard at the Old Jail on Saturday, June 22 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. to observe a traditional Native American costumed dance performance, including music and story-telling.
“This Fandangle season, enrich your exploration of Texas history through a celebration of regional Native American cultures,” said education director Erin Whitmore. “Bring the whole family for this free, entertaining, and educational experience!”
Walking Tour
The general public is invited to join volunteer museum staff members for a free guided tour of the downtown area of Albany.
“Starting at the 1870s Ledbetter Picket House and ending with the 1920s Aztec Theater, travel through Albany history through anecdotes and architecture,” said Whitmore. “Walk in the footsteps of the original settlers to this West Texas frontier!”
The tour will be given at 2:00 and again at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. Participants are asked to meet near the Georgia memorial fountain in the Bank Park.
Free refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the tour.
Sallie Reynolds
Matthews Collection
This year the Fandangle script is based upon Sallie Matthews’ book Interwoven, and the OJAC has a collection that honors both the author and her youngest child, Watkins (Watt) Reynolds Matthews.
The collection of furniture, books, and artifacts centers on the headquarters of the Matthews’ historic Lambshead Ranch and other area ranches.
“We have the Tonkawa dolls, Glenn Reynolds’ watch, and Watt’s hat and saddle all out in the gallery,” said archivist Molly Sauder. “There are several copies of different editions of Interwoven, of course, along with Sallie Rey-nolds Matthews’ wedding band and some Princeton University mementos from when Watt was attending in 1921.”
The Old Jail has hardcover copies of the fourth edition of Interwoven, which was printed in 1982, for purchase for $33. History and Fandangle enthusiasts can also select Lambshead Before Interwoven by Frances Mayhugh Holden, A People’s Theater, Albany Texas, a three book set of Interwoven Family Memories, or a DVD that includes Making a Difference: The Story of Robert E. Nail and the Fort Griffin Fandangle.
Other Exhibits
Rene Trevino: A New Codex, Bale Creek Allen: My America, and Cell Series: Nick Bontrager, along with various displays featuring items from the museum’s own American and Europian, Asian, and Pre Columbian collections, are also available for the public to view.
The first few editions of “Spoken: Ardon B. Judd, Jr. Oral History Project” can be seen at the museum’s Stasney Center.
More than 20 outdoor sculptures are installed on the museum’s grounds.
The Old Jail Art Center is always free to the public during normal hours.
Family Festival
The OJAC’s Family Festival – Fandangle Round Up on Saturday, June 29 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. will feature free crafts, games, food, and music.
“This annual family festival highlights West Texas cowboy culture with activities, music, crafts, and games inspired by the history of our area,” said education assistant Molly Merck. “Enjoy stick horse barrel racing, roping demos, a dress-up photo booth, and virtual scavenger hunt. Create your own cattle-brand key-chain, fort flag, and rattlesnake mobile.”
Participants will also be able to make their own stick horses and take them home.
The Family Festival is free and open to the general public.
