Destination Art

Local galleries draw visitors to the Texas Hill Country.

The Museum of Western Art

1550 Bandera Highway, Kerrville, TX 78028 • 830-896-2553 www.museumofwesternart.com assistant@museumofwesternart.com

Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The legend of the West lives on at The Museum of Western Art, which grew out of the Cowboy Artists of America, an invitation-only group. Sculptor Jason Scull is the resident artist, working in a studio on the grounds. Just step on the porch and knock on the sliding glass door to say hello.

The museum’s permanent collection includes 750 paintings and sculptures by artists working from the mid-20th century through today. Artifacts, including knives, guns and saddles, are also on display. The interactive Journey West exhibition in the Children’s Gallery allows kids to dress in period clothing, climb aboard a Conestoga wagon and sit inside a tipi. The Masel S. Quinn Pavilion overlooks the city of Kerrville and hosts outdoor events and educational activities.

Many authors have worked in the museum’s non-circulating library, the Griff Carnes Research Center, including James Michener, for “Texas,” and Larry McMurtry, for “Lonesome Dove.”

The museum was the last structure designed by noted Texas architect O’Neil Ford. The Fred Fellows life-size bronze “An Honest Day’s Work” is the museum’s most-photographed item.

Bring the family the last Saturday of the month for Family Free Day. Check the website for upcoming events.

Purple Shack Makers Gallery at Enchanted Fredericksburg Ranch

7991 Ranch Road 965 • 830-321-7991 enchantedfredericksburgranch.com

Open Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment

Located on Highway 965, gallery owners Holly and Paul Simonette wanted to create something in Fredericksburg that didn’t exist. Holly likes to say Purple Shack Makers Gallery is “your funky art experience on the way to Enchanted Rock.”

The gallery features fine art and craft, including jewelry, pottery, felt sculpture, notecards and more. Guests can relax and enjoy the beauty of the Texas Hill Country on the 22 acres that encompasses Enchanted Fredericksburg Ranch, including relaxing in the pollinator garden, certified by the Native Plant Society.

Holly is a fiber artist who started weaving when a friend gave her a loom.

She apprenticed with an artist in San Diego and learned to combine textured yarn to make woven accessories and clothing.

“I like to show people what goes into making clothes,” she said.

Her husband, Paul, is a glassblower. After a career as a firefighter he took lessons in glassblowing and found a new hobby.

At the end of last year Purple Shack opened a glass-blowing hot shop, where visitors can watch glass art being made. In 2023 guests can participate in glass-blowing experiences of their own. Check the website for details.