It only comes once a year– about forty professional artists with regional, national, and international renown, gather at the elegant Cana Ballroom in Boerne, Texas to show collectors and lovers of the arts what they have been creating over the past year. Next weekend, October 16 through 20, the 11th annual Texas Hill Country Invitational will be hosting these artists in the region's most prestigious art show and sale. These artists will be exhibiting works in the media of oils, pastels, acrylics, water colors, photography, bronze, stone, glass, ceramics and jewels. And attendance at any of the events is open and free to the public.
Many of the artists from last year are returning, but you can also look forward to some "new blood." Dawn del Alamo, a glass artist, and Pam Ameduri, working in mixed 3D media, will be new additions as well as others. Widely known sculptors, John Bennett (2010 Texas State Artist) and Linda Sioux Henley (whose life-size bronze work appears on the Texas Capitol grounds), will be part of the returning crew. And I will be there showing my own work in fine art panoramic photography.
For several years now, the THCI has been a highlight of my art-showing year. The atmosphere is electric, the conversation rich, and the art exquisite. On top of these things, this year (and last) the setting has been the elegant Cana Ballroom. This is a true jewel of the Hill Country: a wonderful and spacious art-friendly environment, situated atop the highest hill in Boerne, with a sweeping view of the Hill Country through the northern exposure of a wall of glass. It is a special time to be surrounded by so many superb works of art, while immersed in the natural beauty of the Hill Country.
The show's events begin with the en plein aire "Paint Out" on Wednesday and Thursday. This event is recognized this year by the prestigious Oil Painters of America, and will host numerous painters creating works in the great outdoors in locations all over Boerne. If you have never checked out a "Paint Out" such as this you will find it an intensely interesting opportunity to watch accomplished artists produce a work of art before your eyes. You can talk to them while they work and ask them about their techniques, philosophy of art, etc. All works produced during this event will be available at a silent auction held at the show's Preview event on Friday. Part of the proceeds of the auction will go to public art in Boerne.
On Friday, Oct 18, from 7 to 9 pm, the THCI show and sale actually commences with its Reception and Preview. This will be your first opportunity to see the forty featured artists' work and reserve your favorite piece, before some other art-lover "steals" it! The evening will also feature complimentary food, beverages, and live music. At 8:30 the "Best" awards will be presented. This will also be your opportunity to participate in the silent auction of the paintings produced during the "Paint Out."
On Saturday, October 19, art show and sale hours will be from 10 am – 8pm, and will include a slate of demonstrations and art lectures throughout the day. These demos and lectures were quite a hit during last year's show, with many artists giving considerable insight into how and why they produce their art. Beverage and food trucks will be outside the Ballroom during the day.
Sunday, October 20, wraps the show up with your final opportunity to view (and buy!) these wonderful works, from noon – 3 pm.
Do yourself a favor and take the time next weekend to head to Boerne and experience all that the Texas Hill Country Invitational has to offer.
PS– if you are interested in staying overnight, special hotel rates are available at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott and Americas Best Value Inn— just use the code word "ART" when you call.
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