Arts | 2023

ARTS

Prior to her death in 1998, influential Amarillo philanthropist Sybil Harrington once told the New York Times that “art has to have freedom.” Rather than relying on government support, she wanted arts organizations to depend on private philanthropy, which would allow them to express themselves in ways that contributed to local culture.

Amarillo’s thriving art scene is part of her legacy, and those institutions—from performing arts to visual arts to higher education—have all benefited from that generous mindset. The arts organizations in the following pages are critical parts of Amarillo’s quality of life and depend on this community for support.

Amarillo Symphony

In 1924, the Amarillo Philharmonic Club produced a 12-piece concert conducted by influential local piano instructor Grace Hamilton. This continued, year after year, until 1950 when the organization changed its name to the Amarillo Symphony.

Celebrating its 100th season this fall, the Symphony continues to thrive as the largest and most active performing arts organization in the Texas Panhandle. It survived the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, World War II and other economic challenges—including the 2020 pandemic—without reducing its level of artistry or community programs.

In addition to a seven-concert subscription series, the 70-piece Symphony performs two Holiday Pops concerts and a Hodgetown Community Concert each year. It facilitates the Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra program for 300 area students, while other annual education programs reach more than 16,000 students across the Panhandle. Every December, the Symphony partners with the Lone Star Ballet to present The Nutcracker

Recently, the Symphony brought two stalwart Amarillo organizations into its family: the Greater Southwest Music Festival—since 1971, one of the Southwest’s largest and most recognized music festivals—and Chamber Music Amarillo, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.

Guided by conductor George Jackson, the Amarillo Symphony performs orchestral classics as well as popular music from films, Broadway, and other mainstream genres. More intimate performances through Chamber Music Amarillo reach and serve an even broader audience.

“The Amarillo Symphony is the only professional orchestra within a 120-mile radius of the city,” says Executive Director Larry Lang. “Amarillo, Canyon and the Panhandle communities are proud of their culture. They understand what the arts mean to the quality of life here on the High Plains, whether that’s music in the schools, religious institutions, on the professional stage, or out in the community.”

The Symphony reflects that cultural investment and seeks every year to represent the area’s diverse communities through relevant programming.

Amarillo Little Theatre

Amarillo Little Theatre is just a few years away from turning 100. Established in 1927, it began when Oma Link Rowley and Eloise Gibson opened a production of Frederic Isham’s 1920 Broadway play, Three Live Ghosts, to a small audience at the Amarillo Municipal Auditorium downtown. Today, ALT is one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the country, guided for 38 years by Allen Shankles before the actor and director handed the reins to Jason Crespin in late 2020.

ALT operates out of two locations: The Allen Shankles Mainstage Facility (2019 Civic Circle), which includes a 453-seat auditorium and administrative offices, and the ALT Adventure Space (2751 Civic Circle), which seats 180 in a flexible, “black box” theater space. The upcoming season will include four Broadwaystyle productions in the Mainstage facility and four contemporary, Off-Broadway plays and musicals at the more intimate and experimental Adventure Space.

Upcoming productions include the modern musical remake of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in September, followed by Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Play in October.

At ALT Academy, the theater nurtures the next generation of both performers and theater-goers. It offers theater and voice instruction to more than 300 students each semester, giving them a chance to perform throughout the year. In fact, current Managing/Artistic Director Jason Crespin started out in the Academy when he was just 15 years old.

“We are so grateful that the Amarillo community believes in ALT and our mission to produce high-quality theater with local talent right here in our city. Our volunteers include doctors, teachers, bankers, small business owners, moms, etc., who come together for one common goal: to tell stories to a supportive community who deserves to hear them,” says Crespin. “The only thing little about us is our name.”

Amarillo Opera

“Few know that Amarillo had a Grand Opera House in the early 1900s,” says Mary Jane Johnson, an acclaimed opera singer and the general director of Amarillo Opera. That building was destroyed by a fire in 1919—Crush Wine Bar & Grill and Six Car Pub & Brewery stand at its original location—but the history shows the community’s appreciation for the art form. That’s why, in 1988, former Amarillo College Opera Workshop and Vocal Professor Mila Gibson founded the company.

Amarillo Opera has grown artistically, financially, and administratively in the 35 years since. The organization is recognized by Opera America as a professional United States opera company in good standing.

“People want to hear good singing and see believable stories and Amarillo Opera strives to accomplish this goal,” Johnson says, pointing out that, as an art form, opera incorporates all aspects of visual and performing arts, celebrating the voice while also highlighting orchestral music and scenic artistry.

Amarillo Opera presents five events a year, including two mainstage operas, a fundraiser, and two standalone concerts. This year’s productions include Puccini’s dramatic and emotional Tosca on October 7. One of the world’s most beloved operas, this tragic story of passion and jealousy is set in Rome against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. “The music is fantastic,” Johnson says, describing Tosca as a wonderful opera for firsttime attendees.

Meanwhile, the company’s Fairytale Opera education outreach program educates elementary-age children with well-known stories set to classical tunes. Amarillo Opera also offers free Senior Care Concerts during the season for residents of senior living facilities.

“The Texas Panhandle is one of the luckiest places in the world to have so many choices of entertainment,” says Johnson. “The local arts community is thriving, and Amarillo Opera is happy to be a part of it.”

GEORGE JACKSON CONDUCTOR

ERIC BARRY TENOR

KARA SHAY THOMSON SOPRANO

WAYNE TIGGES BASS-BARITONE

Amarillo Art Institute

The late philanthropist and artist Ann Crouch and several other local artists joined together in 2004 to create a place for local artists to grow their skills while using art to inspire and enrich the community. The Amarillo Art Institute’s original focus was to bring in Master Artist instructors to teach workshops. Since then, the Institute has grown to include ongoing classes, workshops, camps, and studio opportunities for all ages.

Today, the Institute oversees the 120,000 square feet of the newly renovated Arts in the Sunset, including its artist studios, community gallery and event spaces. With more than 150 members, Amarillo Art Institute served more than 4,000 individuals in 2022—even during the building’s renovations.

Despite that growth, its mission is still educational. “Most of the programming offered at the Amarillo Art Institute is not duplicated anywhere else,” says Rachel Flores, executive director. “There are few opportunities in the city to grow art skills without being in a degreeseeking program.” AAI offers classes and workshops in ceramics, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, oil, drawing, glassblowing, encaustic, weaving, and other media. Its studio spaces create an atmosphere for artists to thrive. “Their art can be made, shown and sold all in one location,” adds Flores.

AAI broadened its reach over the summer by hosting the traveling Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition, which brought in a diverse group of attendees. It also has expanded programming for younger artists, with art classes after school and on Saturdays. The Institute partners with organizations like The Place, The PARC, The Hope & Healing Place, and Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum to provide classes. Community members love the free, monthly First Friday Art Walks.

“Every day we see artists grow their work, experiment with mediums and invest in one another. That’s what makes the art scene in Amarillo so strong,” says Flores. “The creativity among our artists is incredible.”

ARTS

West Texas A&M University

The upcoming arts season at West Texas A&M University includes a full slate of art exhibitions, concerts, recitals, dance pieces and theatrical and operatic performances during the 2023-2024 academic year.

“This season will show the sheer breadth of talent exhibited by our students and faculty,” says Anne Medlock-Ely, head of the Department of Art, Theatre and Dance. “Audiences will find something to love throughout the year among our stunning art exhibitions, wide-ranging theatrical productions and thrilling dance performances.”

Students and faculty in the School of Music and the Department of Art, Theatre and Dance will be featured in dozens of on-campus events. “In addition to providing worldclass entertainment for on- and off-campus audiences, our arts season offers hands-on educational experiences for our students,” says Dr. Jessica Mallard, dean of the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts.

Highlights include classic musical “Once Upon a Mattress” from Sept. 28 to 30 and Oct. 5 to 7 in the Branding Iron Theatre, a Sept. 28 performance of the Opera Cowgirls, the WT Symphony Orchestra on Oct. 6 and WT choirs on Oct. 19.

The popular Live Cinema series will return Oct. 26 and 29 with a screening of Buster Keaton’s “The General,” with a newly composed score by WT’s own Dr. B.J. Brooks performed by the orchestra.

The new drama “She Kills Monsters” will be staged in the Branding Iron Theatre from Oct. 26 to 28, and the WT Concert and Symphonic Band will give free performances on Oct. 31 in Northen Recital Hall. A full list of planned arts events can be found at wtamu.edu.

“Our commitment to excellence in education and artistry resonates not only within our walls but also throughout the community,” says Dr. B.J. Brooks, director of the School of Music. “We remain steadfast in our mission to not only entertain but also educate and contribute to the thriving artistic landscape in our region and beyond.”

Amarillo College

In 2023, Amarillo College received the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College excellence, and that pursuit of excellence includes the approximately 275 students majoring in Art, Music, Theatre, Photography, and Graphic Design.

But students are not the only community members who benefit from AC’s commitment to the arts. “Amarillo College not only provides entertainment, but it provides high-quality instruction for students from age 3—in our Suzuki music program—through adults of all ages,” says Camille Nies, Music and Theatre Department chair. Ongoing programs like Master Chorale, Community Band, Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz, Piano Ensemble, Opera Workshop, and Chamber Ensembles, for example, are open to almost everyone, including music majors, non-music majors, pre-college students, adult students, and members of the community who are not seeking degrees at AC.

“These performance groups allow musicians to continue their love of creating good music throughout their lifetimes,” adds Dr. Nathaniel Fryml, AC’s director of choral activities.

AC Theatre is currently developing its slate of fall plays and musicals. Theater performances are affordable and concerts and on-campus art galleries are always free. This year’s creative arts activities include the Art Force presents AC Piano series from October to March, with the concert Classic Hymns and Pop Rocks scheduled for October 3 at the Concert Hall Theater. Other events include holiday concerts, spring concerts and recitals, June Jazz, the recent summer contest Chalk It Up, and more. Amarillo College recently started a Latin American Orchestra and expects that ensemble to grow.

Meanwhile, community members are known to take visual arts classes several times at AC, using college studios and equipment to create. “Part of the reason that Amarillo College has such a strong arts community is that AC has helped artists develop their skills for generations,” says Dean of Liberal Arts Becky Easton. “Because we have a long-standing commitment to arts education, our people are the past, present, and future of Amarillo’s creative arts scene.”

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