LOCALS LOVE US: Buchanan Arts and Crafts Gallery celebrates local artisans
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
BUCHANAN DAM — While Burnet artist Daniel Adams has his own gallery, the painter understands the importance and value of the Buchanan Arts and Crafts Gallery.
“This is a place people can come and learn and demonstrate as well as exhibit their own work,” Adams said.
Jill McAfee, who works with the gallery, agreed.
“What’s so special and important about the gallery and the Buchanan Arts and Crafts Guild is it’s artists supporting other artists,” she said. “We even have a wonderful summer program for kids. It’s a place for artists of all levels and backgrounds.”
The news that The Picayune readers selected the Buchanan Dam gallery as “Best Art Gallery” came as good news to McAfee and Adams.
“I think it’s more important of an award because it’s something people voted on,” Adams said. “Plus, since it’s from the community, it shows they accept us and they think we’re doing outstanding work.”
Buchanan Arts and Crafts is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The organization began in 1963 when Alma Howerts and several friends began painting in their homes. The group grew to the point that the artists took over a part of the Burnet County Courthouse.
Eventually, in 1967, the group bought the building at its current location, 17534 Texas 29 East.
It’s the oldest cooperative gallery in the United States.
The gallery and guild continue to grow and foster local artists through regular workshops and programs.
McAfee said having a gallery where local artists can show their work reminds the community about the value and importance of the arts.
A big part of the gallery’s role is helping younger artists grow and develop. Adams said the gallery provides an annual scholarship to a local high school student who is going to study arts in college.
The “Locals Love Us” award shows how important the gallery and organization is to the community, McAfee said.
The gallery is open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. For more information, go to www.buchananartsandcrafts.org.
daniel@thepicayune.com