Old Jail to host in-person event
By Sandy Morris
With restrictions being lifted statewide, the Old Jail Art Center staff members are preparing for the first members’ in-person event in more than a year,
Back at the end of February, the museum launched two new exhibitions, but the usual in-person gallery opening didn’t happen because of COVID precautions and limited hours of operation.
The OJAC is now planning to host a members’ viewing and reception for featured artists Billy Hassell and Sterling Allen from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 15.
The reception, which is the first public event since COVID caused shutdowns in March 2020, 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.
Members need to RSVP by Wednesday, May 12 by email or phone at 325-762-2269.
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 masks while inside the museum.
To learn more about the Old Jail Art Center and its many 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.
Many of Hassell’s subjects are now extinct or endangered which is reflected in their title with “ghost” to indicate their current existence.
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 that he quickly photographs.
The artist is bothered by photographs representing his artwork, so visitors to the exhibit will find previous artworks and selected discarded materials utilized in the jail cells.
