OJAC summer exhibit to open, other events set
The staff at the Old Jail Art Center has four special events scheduled during June in addition to new summer art exhibits, the continuing exhibition of Rene Trevino: A New Codex, and various displays featuring items from the museum’s own collection and archives.
Two new exhibitions are set to open at the Old Jail Art Center on June 15 and remain on display through Aug. 24.
Debuting at the opening will be Bale Creek Allen: My America and Cell Series: Nick Bontrager.
Those not attending the members’ opening party can view the artwork during the museum’s normal hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In addition, the local museum will stay open two hours later than normal on the performance nights of the Fort Griffin Fandangle, June 21, 22, 28, and 29, closing at 7:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m. each of those days.
The museum is always free to the public during normal hours.
Members’ Opening
The Old Jail’s board of trustees is hosting a members’ opening reception at the museum on Saturday, June 15 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
“Encourage a friend to become a member and join you at the opening of the OJAC’s summer exhibits,” said development and membership coordinator Susan Montgomery. “Enjoy a casual dinner, summer drinks, and meeting the artists.”
New members who attend the opening will receive a 20 percent discount on their one-year membership, she said.
My America
Bale Creek Allen brings attention to objects and scenes that often go unnoticed, said museum executive director Patrick Kelly.
“The artist has developed his own personal visual language through the use of diverse materials and mediums,” said Kelly. “He reconsiders images and objects through his work; creating content and meaning that is both personal and universal.”
Allen utilizes images and objects such as tumbleweeds, tire tread marks, longhorns, school buildings, and prisons as his inspiration, said Kelly.
“His cast bronze tumbleweeds and roadside tire treads instill a desire in viewers to reconsider banal objects often seen through a car’s windshield,” said Kelly. “Allen’s works invite us to consider where we have been, where we are, and where we might be headed.”
Bale Creek Allen: My America is supported in part by Dr. Justin and Ellie Cormack, Brenda and Glenn Picquet, Michaela and Holland Smith, and The Moody Foundation.
Cell Series
The founders of the Old Jail were passionate about supporting and showing living artists and their work, and the museum continues this mission with the Cell Series.
The latest artist challenged with producing a site-specific installation in the upper galleries of the jail is Nick Bontrager.
For the OJAC’s Cell Series, Bontrager has put together an installation of his work based on a U.S. Army field manual titled FM 21-76 Survival.
The 1957 era manual taught basic survival skills to soldiers.
“The artist’s installation of imagery, films, and objects will employ display techniques normally associated with science and history museums to allow viewers to ‘contemplate how our contemporary culture attributes a narrative or historical importance to objects and imagery’,” said Kelly.
The 2019 Cell Series is supported by McGinnis Family Fund of Communities of Texas in memory of Juli Weida McGinnis, Kathy Webster in memory of Charles H. Webster, Barbra and Jay Clack, Susie and Joe Clack, Jenny and Rob Dupree, Patrick and Amy Kelly, and The Moody Foundation.
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!”
Historic Albany
Walking Tour
The general public is invited to join 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.
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.”
The Family Festival is free and open to the general public.
