Buchanan Arts & Crafts Guild celebrates 50 years of creating art and lasting friendships
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
BUCHANAN DAM — When Anna Shultz moved to the Buchanan Dam area in 1992, she only knew a handful of people. Then, one of her friends invited her to stop by the Buchanan Arts & Crafts gallery, and one could say a new world opened up to Shultz.
“It’s not just a place I can sell my art, it’s really become my community,” Shultz said. “So many of my friends I’ve made are here. It’s much more than a gallery.”
Fellow Buchanan Arts & Crafts Guild member Shirley Shaw agreed.
“We’re definitely here to try and make some money by selling our art, but we enjoy each other’s company and have a good time,” she said. “If somebody says they’re heading for Georgetown one day and asks if anybody wants to come along, next thing you know, there are two or three cars headed that way.”
The camaraderie and support started 50 years ago when Alma Howerts’ desire to learn more about art and share that with others created the framework of the Buchanan Arts & Crafts Guild. She and a few like-minded folks formed the guild in October 1963.[box]IF YOU GO
WHAT: 50-year anniversary
WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 26
WHERE: Buchanan Arts & Crafts Guild, 17534 Texas 29 in Buchanan Dam[/box]
On Oct. 26, the guild members are celebrating the organization’s and gallery’s 50th anniversary from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is located at 17534 Texas 29.
“What’s amazing is this little guild is the oldest one in the United States,” said Ruth Jones, a longtime member.
A guild is basically a cooperative of local artisans and craftspeople. The guild supports members in various ways, including providing gallery space where members can display their works and sell them. While many guilds focus on arts such as painting and drawing, the Buchanan Arts & Crafts Guild includes “crafts” as well.
“I think that’s very important,” Jones said. “There are people who enjoy making other things.”
Shaw pointed out the gallery exhibits a breath of arts and crafts, including jewelry, woodworking and even knitted items along with the paintings and drawings.
A big part of the guild is sharing knowledge and fostering the development of artists and craftspeople. Throughout the year, the Buchanan Arts & Crafts Guild hosts workshops and seminars at the gallery. And it’s not just for members; all are welcome.
“That’s how we grow the arts, even here in this area,” Shaw said. “We want people to learn and study.”
Shultz said a big part of her growth as an artist came from attending workshops by other artists. These also provide opportunities for artists to explore other forms and mediums.
“We have people come from Fredericksburg, and we have one woman who came from Austin for (a Betty Bielser-led) workshop,” Shaw said.
While adults typically make up the attendees at the workshops and weekly open paintings, the guild sets aside a week during the summer to hold an art camp for youth. Shaw said the reason is simple: The youth need exposure to arts and crafts.
“Arts are so important,” she said. “They really help develop the entire person. And kids need that.”
Shultz said many children come year after year.
“It’s fun to watch how they grow and improve in their art,” she added.
Though Buchanan Dam sits far outside of a major city and is located on Texas 29 between Burnet, Llano and Kingsland, the guild and gallery have flourished over the years. There are about 30 current members, but more are always welcome.
The guild even counts the late Lady Bird Johnson as a former honorary member.
“Considering where we are, it’s kind of amazing the gallery and guild are here,” Shaw said.
“Can you imagine what was out here in 1963?” Shaw asked. “I think it really shows how important the arts are to the community. We don’t have a town out here, but we keep going.”
Everybody is welcome to the open house. Members and volunteers are making light refreshments to serve and there will be some door prizes.
While the members celebrate the arts and crafts, they also know it’s the people who really make the guild and gallery special.
“I think we all look forward to coming here and helping each other and anybody else,” Shaw said. “We do have a lot of fun.”
Go to www.buchananartsandcrafts.org or call (512) 793-2858 for more information. The gallery is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
daniel@thepicayune.com