Old Jail to host members reception May 15

By Sandy Morris

The Old Jail Art Center will host a members viewing and reception  this weekend for two exhibitions that opened more than two months ago.

No public opening was planned at that time because of COVID precautions and limited hours of operation.

The event for featured artists Billy Hassell and Sterling Allen will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 15. 

The reception, which is the first public event since COVID, will provide refreshments in the sculpture courtyard.  

The event is come-and-go and will allow patrons to enjoy getting out and seeing the spring exhibits, while safely visiting with friends, staff, and artists.

The deadline to RSVP for the events was Wednesday, May 12 , but the public is invited to visit the OJAC and view the new exhibitions from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 

The OJAC continues to follow CDC guidelines and requests attendees wear a mask while inside the museum. 

To learn more about the museum and its programs or to become a member, visit theojac.org.

Penumbra

Billy Hassell’s Penumbra exhibit features large scale paintings, offering perspectives and views of animals and nature that are rarely seen or are extinct.

Hassell composes his paintings with a focus on Texas animal behaviors and habitats, while getting his inspiration from images found in books and magazines, on the internet, and plein air sketches.

Cell Series

Austin-based artist Sterling Allen has installed No Visitors No Objects in the second floor galleries of the original jail building.

Allen usually creates his art outside of his studio or the typical gallery or museum setting by locating a building that has been ignored or forgotten. 

The artist will then work with materials he finds on site to create an exhibition.