LOCALS LOVE US: Highland Arts Gallery promotes creativity in the community
JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF
MARBLE FALLS — The “Locals Love Us” award for Best Art Gallery is a giant honor for the Highland Arts Gallery, according to board members of the Highland Arts Guild.“It’s the first time we’ve gotten this honor,” President Jan Hulen said. “That’s why we were surprised and thrilled. I do believe it’s because we are such a small gallery and, as inexpensive as our paintings are, is why we were selected.”
The pieces in the gallery, which is run by the Highland Arts Guild, are made by local artists, and they include works on canvas, glass and even pieces of granite.
“We have some beautiful art here,” the president said. “We have really come along in the last several years.”
The guild was founded in 1971 and opened a gallery in 1990. The gallery moved to its current location of 318 Main St. in 1991.
While the guild would exist without a gallery, having a place to display artwork goes beyond what artists sell their pieces for, Hulen said.
“It’s an affirmation more than making money,” she said. “It’s knowing people like your art and are willing to hang it in their homes.”
And other galleries are open in the area, which made the selection of the Highland Arts Gallery as the Best Art Gallery even better for members, Hulen said.
“I guess people love coming in and buying art at affordable prices,” she said. “And it’s good art.”
Second Vice President Rhoni Harris said the organization gives lessons, demonstrations, children’s classes and workshops.
“We want to promote the arts in the community,” she said.
jfierro@thepicayune.com