Piney Woods Live Jan 2012

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PINEY WOODS priceless - take one

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january 2012

Mosaic Artist CASSIE EDMOND’S TYLER LOFT SPACE THE EAST TEXAS SYMPHONIC BAND Lonnie Davenport ARTIST SHARON GRIMES Dr. Jeannette Liu’s Contemporary Art Collection UNFORGETTABLE KZQX The Northeast Texas Regional Film Commission

Photography by Cara Herbert

publisher’s

NOTE

As 2011 draws to a close, we are completing our first full year of publishing Piney Woods Live magazine. We have met lots of interesting people, made some new friends, and learned a lot about art, music, and publishing a magazine. We have made many changes in the magazine since we started, most for the better, I think. Looking back at the plan we made at the end of last year, I can say that we accomplished most of the major goals we set for ourselves. There were only six issues of the magazine in 2010, the year the magazine was started in March by Denice Barton. When we took over the ownership in the middle of that year, we published the last three of the year, continuing to use the six week interval that Denice had established. We found though, that there is something about that timing sequence that seems to be at odds with the rhythm of the universe, so the first goal we set for 2011 was to publish every month. Which we did, starting in February. Our readers (and advertisers) can now depend on the fact that a new issue of Piney Woods Live magazine will be on the street by the last week of each and every month. Give or take a few days, that is, since when you get your copy will always depend on the effect of holidays on our work schedule and a certain amount of uncertainty in the delivery mechanism. (Even the oldest and the best magazines can be a little imprecise about their circulation dates. For example, my copy of Time magazine ends up in my mail box anytime between Saturday and Tuesday.) We think that the quality of our content has also advanced substantially in the past year. We hope you feel the same way. If so, we can only thank our many and diverse contributors. The work of the many writers is of obvious importance. But it is easy to overlook the help we get from folks at various arts organizations, almost without exception volunteers, who work diligently to insure that we receive information for publication in a timely fashion. Another major accomplishment for the year was to expand our distribution in order to reach a larger audience. Since we are a specialty publication focusing on art and entertainment, we understand that not every person in East Texas wants to read about such things. Nonetheless, a substantial audience does exist. Unfortunately, they are spread over 12 or 14 counties. So reaching them with the magazine can be a challenge. We think we have risen to the challenge by gradually increasing our press run to a total of 18,000 copies by December. Most are concentrated in our primary market area centering on Tyler, Longview, and Marshall, but we also place copies in sufficient quantities to reach the art communities of towns like Winnsboro, Henderson, and Nacogdoches. In fact, you can pick up a copy of Piney Woods Live at more than 250 locations in 31 East Texas towns. Looking back, are we satisfied with where we are? Nope. We know there are still many areas where we can improve and grow, and those will be addressed in 2012. Some changes have already been put in place with this issue which include a new more modern cover design and a revised page configuration to accommodate more modular ad sizes. Look for more changes as the year progresses, including major changes at pineywoodslive.com that will allow us to expand the subjects we cover and the audience that we reach. We are excited about this prospect and hope you will be too. Happy New Year!

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January 2012 - Page 2

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content PINEY WOODS

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Art is defined as a product of deliberately arranging elements in a way that appeals to the senses or emotions. Piney Woods Live is an expression

About the cover:

of the community it serves.

Our cover artist: Cara Herbert

Cara Herbert ................................................................. 3 Artistic Spaces & Places: Cassie Edmonds ..................... 4 Jill Phillips and Andy Gullahorn at the Old Firehouse ... 5

“The chime photos were inspired by a project I was working on dealing with light reflection and refraction. I was trying to use some of my favorite items from home to make art.”

Texas A&M Singing Cadets to appear ............................ 5 Karen Dean’s Beyond Mere Thoughts ............................ 6 Ballet Tyler audition and workshop ............................... 6 Randy Brown’s The “B” Side of Music ........................... 7 Artist Profiles ......................................................... 8 & 9 Jan Statman’s Artist’s World......................................... 10 Ron Bigony commissioned to complete painting of the Dallas’ West End ............................................. 11 The East Texas Symphonic Band .................................. 12 Lonnie Davenport by Jim King .................................... 13 Sharon Grimes ............................................................ 14 Art in the Home: Dr. Jeannette Liu ............................. 16 Poetry in schools ......................................................... 17

Cara Herbert is a piney woods native, born and raised in Longview where she is married with two children. She is an active member at First Christian Church and spends time with Longview Interfaith Hospitality Network. When she is not weilding her scissors as a master stylist at the JCPenney salon, she is making photographs, whether it be personal, family or individual portraiture or weddings. She prides herself in her work in both crafts, saying that “There is no better feeling than loving what you do! At one job I get to make people look and feel beautiful and at the other, I get to capture beautiful moments in other people’s lives. I’m truly blessed.”

Unforgettable KZQX ................................................... 18 The Northeast Texas Regional Film Commission .......... 19

Light Through A Waterford by Cara Herbert

How to reach us: Call the American Classifieds’ Longview Office at 903-758-6900 or 800-333-3082. info@pineywoodslive.com Fax 903-758-8181 100 W. Hawkins Pkwy., Suite C., Longview, Texas 75605

Publishers / Editors Tracy Magness Krell & Gary Krell Advertising Director Suzanne Warren Public Relations Randi Garcia Contributing Writers Karai Kramer, Amanda Retallack, Jan Statman, Jim King, Randy Brown, Karen Dean, Graphic Artists Tracy Krell, Joni Guess, Mary Hernandez Sales: Randi Garcia, Donna Vincent, April Harlow, Shannon Dykes, Kathy Hollan, Cookie Bias, Suzanne Warren, Carolee Chandler

Sign up for our newsletter by going to our website: PineyWoodsLive.com © 2011 by Piney Woods Live. All rights reserved. This publication, its associated website and their content is copyright of Piney Woods Live. Any reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

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assie Edmonds is the Executive Director for Historic Tyler Inc. You might assume that she lives in one of Tyler’s many historic homes. In fact, Miss Edmonds lives in a historic old car garage that has been turned into some of Tyler’s most amazing loft living spaces. Visitors to Cassie Edmond’s loft are greeted with a plethora of colorful paintings, sculptures, glass art and antiques-turned-art. Its 15-foot ceiling and huge industrial windows are ideal for an art collector and artist. Cassie is also an established professional artist. She loves being able to have her studio in the loft.

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Art has always been a part of Edmond’s life. As a child, her parents exposed her and her siblings to artistic treasures with trips to museums. Later in life, she became a self-taught artist working with a variety of materials to create the fine art glass mosaics for which she is known. She is currently represented by art galleries in Dallas and Hot Springs. Just recently, the owners of The Jerrys showroom at the World Trade Center in Dallas have convinced Cassie to let them represent her art glass mosaic skulls. Buyers from around the world will soon be collecting her one-of-a-kind pieces. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” says Cassie. “Its almost overwhelming!” Just as her creations have found a place in homes, offices and galleries, Edmonds has provided a posh sanctuary for many pieces created by other artists or, in some cases, taking what isn’t normally considered a treasure and displaying it in such a manner that it takes on new life as art. “I have a fairly eclectic palette,” she said. “I typically collect older pieces of

artwork — things I find at estate sales, auctions or antique shops.” Edmonds admits, there is no real system to selecting pieces for her loft. It’s a matter of chance and attraction. Pieces are selected as they are discovered from a variety of treasure troves. “I have never sought out artwork for my home,” she said. “It always has found me. I buy art whenever I find

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art & news something that ‘speaks’ to me.� “One of the best things about living in this loft is the space. It allows me to display larger pieces of art that I could never have done in a typical home. The painting over my bed measures 62� x 50�. I had admired it at a local antique shop for quite some time but knew it would never work in my previous home. The minute I sold my house and began moving into the loft I went straight to that antique shop and bought it!� Over the years, the style and type of art has varied, growing into a unique collection that Edmonds said constantly motivates and inspires her own creative ideas. “To me, a good piece of art comes

Live Music 2nd Saturdays January 14 Bob McClendon Singing the Standards 8QFOH -RKQ¡V &RIIHHKRXVH Join us for coffee, dessert, and great music! J.O.Y Hall, 1st United Methodist Church 406 E. Lane St. • Quitman 903-763-4127 Tickets available at the door or church ofďŹ ce. Doors open at 6:30 • Show starts at 7:00 Admission $7/adults • $5/students

from a variety of things: Sometimes it’s the piece itself and its overall visual appeal and quality,� she explained. “I also love art that has a story behind it or was done by an artist with an interesting background.� But, she noted, not all art is created as such. Sometimes, she takes common items and displays them as masterpieces. “Art doesn’t necessarily have to have been created by an artist,� she said. “I recently purchased some old traffic light turn signal lenses that I have displayed, as art, in my home.� For the not-so-savvy buyer, Edmonds suggests keeping the pressure low, selecting art on intuition and purchasing what’s appealing. “Great art is not necessarily expensive,� she said. “Great art is not just in

Jill Phillips and Andy Gullahorn at the Old Firehouse

art galleries. There are wonderful art treasures to be found at art festivals, antique shops, flea markets and auctions. I’ve occasionally found some fabulous pieces at the Salvation Army.� The formula, she said, is simple. “Buy what moves you. Buy originals.� Edmonds said her collection isn’t necessarily the result of having an ‘eye’ for art, but that she does have an ‘eye’ for what she likes. What she likes has grown into an eclectic mix of interesting and unique displays. It’s not just the space of an artist, but the space of an enthusiast. She has an appreciation for her entire assortment, so much so that she said she can’t bring herself to pick a favorite piece. “It’s like asking a parent, ‘which is your favorite child?’� she said. “I love every piece I own.�

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Nashville-based singer/songwriters Jill Phillips and her husband, Andy Gullahorn, whose acoustic folk music touches the heart and tickles the funny bone, will appear at The Old Firehouse in Edom, Saturday, January 14. Jill’s versatile vocals and insightful lyrics combine to convey and enrich age-old topics in fresh ways. Andy’s songs often serve as doors to introspection or calls to honesty, filtered through his Mensa-worthy sense of humor and keen wordsmithing. Between them, Jill’s and Andy’s talents will satisfy our souls with song and substance. Admission is $15 at the door. Tickets and more info at www.theoldfirehouse.net.

Texas A&M Singing Cadets to appear The Marshall Regional Arts Council will present an appearance by the Texas A&M Singing Cadets on Tuesday, January 10, at the Marshall Convention Center. The performance begins at 7:30 PM. Admission is $25. More information is available by calling 903-935-4484.

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How would you like to be a part of the largest meeting and discussing book club in the world? I recently met the founder of the Pulpwood Queens Book Club, Kathy Patrick, from Jefferson, TX. She has something mighty fun and exciting going on with over 500 book club chapters in the US and 10 chapters in foreign countries. The members meet monthly sharing the motto “where tiaras are mandatory and reading good books is the rule.” Their focus is literacy, reading, great authors, and promoting undiscovered talent. Kathy Patrick, owner of Beauty and the Book, the only Hair Salon/ Bookstore in the country is author of The Pulpwood Queens’ Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life. Men need not feel left out of all this because the Timber Guy Book Club is also headquartered there. Your senses will be dazzled upon entering this sanctuary of books surrounded by the glitz of a dress-up closet with a beauty shop interwoven in the back. Venture out to this adorable little red house jam packed with fun in historic downtown Jefferson. Oh, you

can’t seem to locate your old tarnished tiara? No problem, you can get a sparkly new one there! The Pulpwood Queens Book Club is not just about reading books. Oh, no. The 12th Anniversary Girlfriend Weekend is coming up January 12-15, 2012, in Jefferson, TX. The Greatest Book Show on Earth will feature over 50 authors, author panels, entertainment, a fashion show, vendors, and the fun times extravaganza: The Great Big Ball of Hair Ball. For way more details about Kathy Patrick, Beauty and the Book, and Girlfriend Weekend, visit www.beautyandthebook.com. Check out the authors and what they are writing about. When I see what other authors are doing with the ideas that flow through their brains culminating in a published book that ends up in a book club, it challenges me to consider other genres of writing. Where else could my mere thoughts end up? What about your thoughts? Remember to write them down so they won’t just vanish into oblivion. Stop by next month for a few more writing tips. In addition to being a published author and illustrator of children’s books, Karen Dean is also a Classical Realism portrait painter in oil and watercolor. Visit her website to view the gallery. www.KarenDeanArtist.com karendean@karendeanartist.com

Ballet Tyler audition and workshop Ballet Tyler will hold an audition and workshop for their Spring Show “Class Classique” choreographed by Chris Swaim from Ballet Austin. Registration will be at 5:30 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2012 in the TJC HPE Building. Cost per dancer is $50.00. Dancers who cannot attend the Friday night workshop may audition on Saturday, but the major roles will likely be cast on Friday night. Dancers age ten and up are encouraged to participate. Two school shows will be performed on Friday, February 24, 2012 with a ballet free to the public that night at 7:00 p.m. at Caldwell Auditorium.

January 2012 - Page 6

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music The “B” Side of

Music by Randy Brown

I Am a Snowflake I am a snowflake, I fell from heaven There is no other just like me I am in wonder of my existence My perfect symmetry from “I am a Snowflake”by Randy Brown from the upcoming CD But Wait, There’s More This month’s lyric is once again from one of my songs. This song took me seven years to write from start to finish. Sometimes with art, it takes a long time for a concept to gel into a cohesive whole. You have to hold the line and be patient and trust your artistic process. This song was originally inspired by a passage from a Neil Donald Walsh book, and I simply took it to it’s natural end. It will appear on my upcoming CD, But Wait, There’s More, which should be available next spring. Wikipedia says: “Snowflakes are conglomerations of frozen ice crystals which fall through the Earth’s atmosphere. They begin as snow crystals which develop when microscopic supercooled cloud droplets freeze. Snowflakes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Complex shapes emerge as the flake moves through differing temperature and humidity regimes. Individual snowflakes are nearly unique in structure.” That may be the facts, but what I know is that snowflakes are amazing. It is hard for me to believe that these tiny crystals made of pure water, each symmetrical and similar, yet different from all others, can even exist. This idea of unique/sameness heads straight into the heart of what art is and how, as artists, we can stand out from the crowd even when it is a big crowd. We all want to stand out from the crowd with our art. We want to make our statement and have it accepted by our peers and by our audience. Plus, we want success, both critical and financial. That is a lot to want and, while difficult, is not impossible. We are each totally unique, just like a snowflake. The where, when, specific circumstances of our birth, where we have lived and every other single experience makes each of us a totally unique individual. You are even different from your twin if you have one. Unfortunately, so many who take the artistic journey think that in order to be good, be cool, be accepted, be successful or whatever, is a matter of being like other artists. Well, my goal in this article is to convince you that it ain’t necessarily so. The only thing you have to do with your art is to be yourself and create from a place of truth (see past B-Side – The Truth). Sounds easy, but in the judgmental world of art, the sound of that “still small voice” that guides you in your art is often drowned out by all the hype and noise of what’s cool or happening now. Whatever you do in art, don’t be a follower.

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Now, I am not naive. I know that every artist stands on the shoulders of those who have gone before. That is not what I mean by “don’t be a follower.” What I meant was, because you are unique, use that uniqueness to create art that could have only come from your brain, your situation, your soul. I will use my own work as an example. First realize, I am not a wildly popular or highly successful songwriter. I am simply a person who has the need and the burning desire to produce the best art I possibly can. In my own case, I have no financial or chart goals except to tell my “truth” in the most compelling way possible. That doesn’t mean that I don’t want my songs to be accepted and liked. In fact, more than anything I want to be accepted and respected for my art. But, it must be for MY art and not some over-sanitized for your protection copy of what someone else already did. That was a difficult hurdle for me to get over. I, like most other artists, took years to recognize my own voice. Before that, I tended to use the voice of others or at least one that closely resembled others. I simply did not believe that I had anything unique to say. After a long while it finally occurred to me that instead of restating what others were saying, I should try to capture all these weird thoughts that were circling around inside my head – all the things that I had avoided letting others know about. You might say I learned to turn off, or rather turn down the editor. Now, don’t get me wrong. The editor is that part of my artistic process that asks if what I am saying “is at least minimally acceptable and in the art ball park, as I define it.” The editor is different for every artist and is based on experience, risk tolerance (how weird are you willing to be) and what I will call the X-factor. For me, the X-factor is that part I can’t explain logically or otherwise, but I simply KNOW. I sometimes use a biblical term; “still, small voice,” to define it. That is the part of me that somehow knows at an instinctual level what I have no logical or rational reason to know. In my opinion, that voice is the very core of the mystery of art. Learning to hear that voice is a lifetime of work but worth every hour spent in it’s pursuit. The interesting thing about finding your own voice is that I have discovered the more I let out my most secret thoughts and my most private musings then the more folks tend to identify and connect with my work. I can’t tell you how many songs I have not sung immediately in public because I thought, “Nobody will ever identify with this.” However, when I finally got the nerve to sing them in public, they became the things that folks most commonly told me they liked or identified with. You and I are similar and unique at the same time. I believe that is the ultimate purpose of

art: to expose ourselves to others as distinct and unique individuals yet still very much the same as all the rest of mankind. Just like snowflakes. Pick a subject, any subject... OK, now write a sentence about the first thing that pops into your brain about that subject. I guarantee you that whatever you write will be different from everything anyone else writes. Why? Because YOU, my friend, are a snowflake. You are a totally unique mixture of genetics, spirit, experience and thought. That uniqueness is the source of your art. Whatever you do, don’t push it down and try to ignore it simply because it isn’t cool or isn’t what you think sells. You ARE a snowflake. Enjoy it, revel in it, and use it as the seed of your creations. You won’t regret it. By the way, if you have comments, suggestions or criticisms about this or any of my columns, feel free to send them to me: randy@brownrandy.com. If you ever simply get curious about what the heck this rambling old man does then go to www.brownrandy. com. Please, leave me comments and let me know what you think.

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See you next issue. Randy Brown is a small business owner and singer/songwriter living in East Texas and has been involved with many sides of the music business over the years, from being a sideman, a sound man, touring songwriter, operating a venue, and a recording studio owner/ engineer. He sometimes wishes he were a little less unique, at least in thought.

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artists artist profiles

Lauren Alexander Lauren Alexander is a singer/songwriter from Bullard, Texas who has two albums under her belt and is now in the early stages of recording her third album. Her music is a blend of folk and blues with a great country vibe. Lauren has released three singles to radio: “Goodbye You”, “5 Miles Outta Austin”, and “Perfume and Gasoline,” all three of which were top 20 hits on the Texas Music Chart.The singer/songwriter has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with talented artists such as Easton Corbin, Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band, Little Texas, JB and The Moonshine Band, Walt Wilkins, and The Bart Crow Band, just to name a few. Lauren Alexander is playing shows all throughout the South. Listen to her music, and check for events in the Piney Woods at:

Doug Carter “I started drawing and painting at a young age with my mom’s artistic touch and encouragement. Sadly, I stopped painting as a teenager. (It wasn’t cool.) I started painting later in life when my wife signed me up for lessons with a local artist. I fell in love with art again and have never looked back.

Facebook.com/laurenalexandermusic

Article submissions: Articles are accepted and reviewed by a panel. Photos may accompany articles. Space, relevance, writing and appropriateness play a huge part in the decision making process. Individual artists are more likely to have fewer than 100 words plus a photo published. Deadlines are the 5th of the month prior to publication.

Tyler Lenius He writes, he sings, he plays guitar. Tyler Lenius is the complete package for an up and coming young music sensation. Tyler has been working full speed this past year to produce his current EP, Love Hate Relationship. This 16-year-old singer/ songwriter knew that he wanted to share his music with the world at an early age. At age 11, Tyler taught himself how to play guitar, and he began to write his own songs. His dad, Richard Lenius, told him that he needed to learn to sing as well as play guitar to make it in the music business, and that is exactly what Tyler set out to do. With a voice, a song, and passion, Tyler began to put the wheels of his career in motion. A chance meeting with JD Lewis of Warrior Guitar and his family at a guitar show put Tyler in a recording studio. Tyler impressed them with his unique sound that has been influenced by artists such as Angus Young, SRV, Rick Derringer, Hendrix, and John Mayer. In a few short months, Tyler began collaborating with the talented Dran Lewis of Dran Michael Productions and Love Hate Relationship was born. Tyler had the honor of having the legendary Mr. Rick Derringer play lead guitar on the track “Birds with Broken Wings.”

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To learn more about Tyler Lenius visit his official website, tylerleniusband.com, like his page on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter.

I am Past President and active member of the Pallet of Roses Art League. I was honored to have won Best of Show in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and more recently at the Mineola Art Show in 2011. I show and sell my works locally at Joes’ Italian Café and the Gold Leaf Gallery. People ask me, ‘What do you like best about painting?’ I always respond the same. ‘It s very therapeutic for me.’ I thank God for my talent and I am thankful for all that see my work for their encouragement and support. Art has always been something in my life that has fit me like a glove. I like the feel of oil paints and their ability to paint boldly and with vibrant color. My goal is to capture the mood and light of the moment. I enjoy the healing effect painting has on me, and I hope to convey the same to you.” www.douglascarter.blogspot.com Douglasgcarter@yahoo.com

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artists Mark Hiett

“I was born in Longview and graduated from Longview High and the University of Texas. I started drawing dinosaurs, hot rods and airplanes when I was about seven years old. My earliest influences were Van Gogh and comic books. In college, abstract expressionists of the 50’s and pop artists of the 60’s really began to shape my art because they were loose and abstract. The act of painting seemed more important than conveying any message or meaning. After leaving college, I began a 20+ year career in advertising which had a complete opposite mind set to those early influences. Once again, concentrating on my painting, all my early art influences plus my experiences in life and my advertising career shape my work profoundly. My emphasis is now on meaning through design, typography and collage while maintaining a loose, abstract feel allowing the viewer to interpret the work as they see it. The painting, Instant Karma, is at P’s Gallery in Longview and you can find examples of my art online at: markhiett.com.”

Emma Kay Staggs Robinson A native of Marshall, art has influenced Emma Kay Robinson’s life from an early age. She began taking art lessons at age ten from Mary Shelly and continued her art education in Commerce at East Texas State University and Sam Houston State University at Huntsville. While on summer break in 1971, Emma was offered a job working in a custom frame shop. This sparked her passion for custom framing. Emma returned to Marshall in 1975 when she bought Colonial Art Gallery, operating it until 1985. During this time, she joined the Marshall Art League. Emma enjoyed painting and participating in workshops, exhibiting in shows and entering competitions. “I always thought painting was like life – you know, following all the rules: get married, have 2.3 children and live happily ever after. Not that I didn’t learn through all of it. You still need to know perspective and color….the basics…but creativity comes from within the soul and, these days, my creativity has been unlocked and is allowed the freedom to come out.“ In the Spring of 2010, Emma was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. “When I recovered

from surgery, I felt a need to express myself – not just on Facebook . After being away from painting for many years, I felt the urge to get back to the canvas.” ‘It’s all about finding myself. Painting has allowed me to share my story of breast cancer – of the strength I have found. Two of my favorite paintings are abstracts - Walking Through the Storm and Out of the Darkness. Now painting is all about being true to what God made me to be and reflecting that in my Art. I love color and movement. I enjoy painting from within – finding those emotions of life and releasing them into paint.” Today, Emma combines her passion for custom picture framing with a new-found love of painting to create truly one-of-a-kind Emma Kay creations. “I am so lucky that I don’t have a job, I get to work every day doing what I love – custom framing. Having come full circle in her career, Emma now owns and operates Art World in Longview. “Over the years, I have learned patience, precision and ingenuity, framing the usual as well as the unusual. And when you bring your framing requests to me, I treasure them like they were my own. You entrust me to help them last a lifetime - and beyond.” To achieve this, Emma uses only archival quality materials on every piece in her care. Whether you need a piece of broken glass replaced or a new shadowbox, come see Emma at Art World for all your framing needs. And while you’re there, check out her latest expressions. One may be calling to you.

Dillon Chevalier Dillon Chevalier is a folk singer/songwriter originally from Gilmer, Texas. He is also a recent graduate from Texas A&M University with a degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences. Dillon currently lives in Dallas, Texas where he has recently finished his second full-length album called, All I Need. You can check out his music and find out more about the album at www.dillonchevalier.com. His music can be found on iTunes and at www.cdbaby.com/artist/dillonchevalier. You can also contact him at booking@dillonchevalier.com. Instant Karma

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January 2012 - Page 9

art Artist’s World by Jan Statman Its January, my least favorite month of the year. The party’s over. The happy holidays are gone. The tinsel has faded. The packages are opened, and their wrappings are all torn. The sparkling lights are dimmed. It’s cold. It’s dark. The bills have started to arrive in the mailbox. Even the warmth of the sun feels weak. And just when you think you cannot be more depressed, the specter of the taxman looms on the horizon. Worst of all are those annoying lists of New Year’s resolutions that tell you that you should promise to be nice to everybody even when they don’t deserve it. You should break all your bad habits: quit smoking, quit biting your nails, quit reading trashy novels. Listen, if you were actually going to lose those twenty pounds to become totally svelte and gorgeous, you would have lost them three years ago. The truth is you only get ahead of them one at a time and they catch up with you quicker than you lose them, so exactly who is kidding whom? In sunny Italy, where they have a good attitude about such things even though they don’t pay much attention to their economy, they call the New Year the “Capo d’Anno.” That means “Head of the Year.” The start of a New Year opens up a fresh, clean calendar with its head filled full of hope and promise. The Italians date their calendars all the way back to Ancient Rome, so they have seen quite a few New Years come and go. The idea is that you should remember what you have learned, build on it, and go resolutely forward. This is where we segue into the art stuff. Art is like that, you know. Bless our little hearts, each generation of artists believes with all our creative energies that we have invented something absolutely new under the sun. Sometimes we actually do manage to create something that has never been seen before. Sometimes we only think we have created something that has never been seen before. Sometimes, however, there are stylized forms, which seem to hop merrily from one civilization to another, from one century to another, from one language to another. These special shapes and images turn out to be basic to the way we experience art. You can’t control them. They just turn

January 2012 - Page 10

up everywhere. A friend who visited New Mexico recently brought home a remarkably beautiful, traditional silver Zuni “Squash Blossom” necklace. Of course, everyone who knows me will tell you that I am a dedicated victim of the Santa Fe Style. Fashion may come and fashion may go, but I never met a Concho belt or a long flowing cotton skirt I didn’t like. This particular “Squash Blossom” necklace included silver beads in flower-like forms combined with silver rosettes and crescents. These increased in size from small to medium until they reached a large crescent shaped pendant inlaid with turquoise and topped with an ornamental finial that made a perfect little silver pomegranate. A pomegranate? Why a pomegranate? Where did that pomegranate come from? What’s a pomegranate doing in New Mexico? What about those rosettes? This magnificent piece of jewelry was incredibly disturbing in a design sense. Somehow, the distinctly New Mexico image kept shouting “Middle East,” possibly by way of Spain? Zuni silversmiths are brilliant craftsmen who make elaborate use of the local turquoise stone, which they set into silver. They have carved the stone into ornaments for hundreds of years. Of course the squash blossom image itself could have been adapted from familiar vegetables in the local diet, but these sliver beads didn’t look anything like squash blossoms. They were definitely little pomegranates and rosettes. But where did those pomegranates and rosettes come from out there in the desert? It goes back a long way. The elegant rosette, pomegranate and crescent shaped pendant, which is so beautiful on this traditional Southwestern “Squash Blossom” necklace, are universal shapes which have been used by one civilization after another since the beginnings of history. Archaeologists have found the rosette and crescent among the belongings of prehistoric people who lived in Asia. The rosette and crescent represented Astarte, the fertility goddess of the Phoenicians. The Phoenicians carried her cult through the Mediterranean during their early days of trade and conquest. More than that, a surviving artifact of the ancient Hebrew Temple in Jerusalem happens to be a beautifully shaped stone pomegranate!

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art & news The rosette, the pomegranate and the crescent can be seen in Roman and Greek statues and buildings. They became good luck charms and were worn as jewelry. The Moors, who conquered Spain, brought their popular designs with them. They were not only used to decorate statues and worn as jewelry, they were also used to decorate Spanish horse bridles. Now popular Spanish designs, the pomegranate, the rosette and the crescent were brought to New Mexico as ornaments on the clothing and belongings of the Spanish who invaded and conquered the New World. Everybody knows the Spanish brought the horse to the Western World. Obviously, they also brought the horse’s bridle, brow band and decorations. Perhaps the native silversmiths

of the Pueblo tribes of Northern New Mexico admired the ancient designs? Perhaps they adapted the attractive shapes for their own purposes? They eventually found their way into the traditional “Squash Blossom” necklace where they are neither the symbol of a fertility goddess nor a good luck charm but purely a beautiful design that is valued for its own sake. It was the beauty of these forms that made it possible for them to survive the changes of history. So we see that times change, images adapt and everything old is new again. If they have any message for us, it is that we must go resolutely forward. Felice Capo d’Anno! May the New Year bring us all a time of good hope and promise.

Longview artist commissioned to complete paintings of West End Longview artist Ron Bigony has been commissioned by the new Dallas Convention Center Hotel to complete four watercolor cityscape paintings of the West End area of Dallas. The four paintings will be part of the permanent collection located in the West End Meeting Room. The artist’s work will also be shown in the background shots for the remake of TV Series Dallas. His paintings are to be shown in episodes 4, 5, 6 and 7. Mr. Bigony has won numerous awards for his watercolors such as Outstanding Watercolor in the International Bold Brush Competition. He was featured in Plein Aire Art Online as well as Empty Easel, exhibited in this years Southwest Watercolor Society Show and has won numerous local awards at the Mt Pleasant Art Society. Ron is past president of the East Texas Fine Arts Association. Some of Ron’s work is shown at Longview’s Gallery 100 and at the Frame Up Gallery in Mount Vernon.

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music The East Texas Symphonic Band by Amanda Retallack The East Texas Symphonic Band is a local sanctuary for lifelong musicians, students of the craft and those picking up their instruments for the first time in decades. Band members include high school and college students, firemen, band directors, retired employees and others. For some, it’s a hobby. For others, it’s an escape from the daily grind as they rehearse at Pine Tree High School for their upcoming Grand Winter Celebration Concert in February. Take Longview resident Michelle Holyfield. She’s a statistician for Eastman Chemical Company by day and an impeccable oboe player by night. She joined the all-volunteer band shortly after she moved to Longview in the mid-90’s. “Before I moved to Longview, I had put away the oboe I had been playing since 5th grade and really thought I would never play it again,” Michelle recalled. “But once I moved here in 1994, my friend told me about this all-volunteer band and told me I should join. I’ve been playing this oboe for 30 years now.” After her first taste of the band, Michelle was pleasantly surprised to learn there was a place students and professionals could come together to play music. “It’s a group that plays some good and challenging music but also is accepting and tries to make room for everyone,” she said. The band is 50 strong and hoping to grow. It welcomes new members. Tryouts are just that: Come to a rehearsal and try the music to see if you feel like you’re a good fit. The only qualifying attributes are that you have some background with your instruments (resumes welcomed,) and you have to be committed. As Michelle puts it, playing in the band is like free therapy. It’s a good outlet for her and her fellow bandmates. “I’m not athletic at all,” she jokes, “so this is my strength – an ear for music. But the best part for me is watching the audience’s reaction … We make people happy at our concerts.” “Being a part of the East Texas Symphonic Band is a chance to play good music that’s done professionally,” Michelle added. “A lot depends on the conductor, and we’re fortunate to have Dr. James Snowden. He is a retired high school band diDr. James Snowden rector (for Pine

Tree High School,) and it shows. He knows how he wants it, and he’ll rehearse with you until you get it the way he wants it.” Each season, the band puts on a moving, entertaining and magical performance at LeTourneau University’s S.E. Belcher Jr. Chapel and Performance Center. The band of 50 representing each of the allimportant symphonic band sections: flute, clarinet, sax, oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, trombone, trumpet, tuba, baritone, percussion, and horn converges onto the stage for a night of musical masterpieces. This February, the band is putting on their Grand Winter Celebration concert. “Viktor’s Tale” is a highly anticipated clarinet solo by first chair clarinet Allyson Neely. It’s a piece some may recognize from a Tom Hanks film, The Terminal. Other musical pieces in the mix include: “Fanfare for the Common Man,” “Roman Carnival Overture,” “Army & Marine March,” “Shenandoah,” “Berceuse & Finale,” “Magnificent Seven,” and “What a Wonderful World,” to name a few. “Each performance we play a couple of marches because the audience loves the marches, then we play a couple of symphonic pieces,” Michelle said. “Dr. Snowden, in addition to being an excellent conductor, transcribes music from orchestra string ensembles for the band. When you go to the symphony, it’s strings, brass, percussion and woodwind; he takes those pieces for orchestra and rewrites violin into clarinet or flute or oboe. He’s amazing.” The Grand Winter Celebration concert is on Monday, February 6, at the Belcher Center. Admission is only $1 at the door for adults. Children and students are free. “We are a really great deal, especially in this economy – it’s just a dollar!” Michelle said. “If you have never been to the Belcher Center, it’s a beautiful venue, and the sound is incredible.” As for the music, she added, “We play music that appeals to everyone; if you don’t like one piece, the next one, I assure you, you’ll love and clap your hands. It’s just a good evening out in Longview!”

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Lonnie Davenport by Jim King I have a small photography studio on Tall Pines Avenue in Longview. It’s a nice shopping center, not really big, but I like it. I like my neighbors as well. All of our businesses seem to just “fit� with one another. Lonnie Davenport has the place next door to me. It’s called The Tuxedo Co. and yes, that’s how he pays the bills. Having been in the business since the age of sixteen and having just turned forty-five, people know him simply as the “tuxedo guy� wherever he goes. Like most business owners, Lonnie takes great pride in what he does, but I recently found out something very interesting. I’m not really a nine to five kind of guy, so it is not unusual for me to be in the studio after what most would consider normal working hours. Lately, Lonnie has also been working later; over the past month I have been hearing some phenomenal guitar music through the wall. Seems as though the “tuxedo guy� has a secret: he is a musician, and a really good one as well! I have sat and talked with a lot of musicians over the years. Most of them were guitar players. “Since I was a kid� is the standard answer to how long they have been playing, so I was quite surprised when Lonnie tells me, “I was about 33 years old when I saw Stevie Ray Vaughn on Austin City Limits, and I had a guitar the next day.� Lonnie says he bought a used guitar through an ad in the Thrifty Nickel and spent the next year trying to learn how to play it, but he realized trying to do it his way just wasn’t working. It was at that point he decided to invest in lessons. Now twelve years later, he credits Stevie Ray for the original inspiration and Robert Browning, his music/ guitar instructor in Longview, for helping him to achieve his passion. Lonnie says that Browning has been the only instructor he has ever had. He credits Browning with bringing his skill levels to where they are now. “He taught me guitar, music and theory; he taught me that I could peel that onion back as far as I wanted, one layer at a time, and I have. Robert started

me with 4-note jazz voicings instead of 2-note power chords. He said that if I could do those, I wouldn’t have any problem with the others, and he was right.� Lonnie describes his music and guitar as a complete passion for him, and that many years ago he gave up all other hobbies and interests to pursue it. Lonnie describes his guitar playing as “therapy� and doesn’t do it for money or recognition. He relates his music to life and actually states that: “The ups and downs of learning the guitar are the same as learning in life. I’ve tried to teach my daughter that. I wasn’t prepared for how music and life parallel one another. I had to learn to think from right to left, not just left to right. As in life, one grows from childhood to adulthood. With my guitar, I have finally reached the point where I consider myself a musician. I have my own style of jazz blues. Yet, ultimately, I want to be considered a swing jazz musician.� Having only known Lonnie as “the tuxedo guy,� I was impressed at how humble he was about his accomplishments with a guitar. After all, I have been listening to him play for a month now. The notes, sounds and chord selections I am hearing were amazing to me. Lonnie is playing at a level that allows him to pick up any guitar and play along with songs he hears on the radio, so I asked why I had never seen him out and about. After all, I am always looking for and listening to live music. No hesitation to his answer when he says, “I have never played before an audience before.� He believes he has the skill and could play with a band. He doesn’t, though he has been giving some thought to going to an open microphone night somewhere. He would like to see how others receive his music, yet he is quick to remind me that he doesn’t sing. “I just want to sit down somewhere and play my guitar. It’s kinda scary baring your soul for an audience just to see if they like your music, but I think I’m ready to try it and see.� I asked Lonnie if he was considering a second career. He simply smiled and told

FEBRUARY 18

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Sharon Grimes never saw herself becoming an artist, but 25 years ago, while working long hours as hairstylist, she decided to try her hand at painting. “I needed something to do with my time besides work all the time,” recalled the Longview native. “I’d always been interested in art, but I’d never gotten into painting.” What has grown into a plethora of unique portraits, still lifes and abstract pieces started with watercolor paintings. Later, she experimented with oil paints and eventually acrylics. “I started with watercolor and learned to paint in a more abstract way,” said Grimes. “Then, I worked with oils and began painting more realistic images, but I found that it became boring rather quickly.” Painting, experimenting and learning became a growing passion for her. She’s taken a few classes and attended workshops over the years, but for the most part, she discovered her talent and technique through trial and error. “I’m more self-taught,” she said. “It doesn’t scare me to make mistakes and start over as I go.” For Grimes, painting is a process, and it doesn’t usually begin with a specific vision in mind, rather a basic pallet. She said she often finds herself attracted to certain colors for a period of time. Most recently, she has been using

blue tones in her paintings. Before that, she was “in a red mood.” “I love grays. I work a lot with gray. It’s kind of a challenge to me to see how much I can do with such a neutral color.” As for the subject matter, that’s rarely decided upon beforehand. “Usually, that happens as the process evolves,” she explained. “Once I begin, things start flowing most of the time… I would guess that it’s that way for most artists.” Sometimes, the concept for the painting changes in the middle of the process, she said. “So much of it is driven by intuition,” she said of making adjustments. “So, you basically just start over. Sometimes those end up being the best paintings.” Some paintings take longer than others. Like writer’s block, Grimes admits she occasionally hits a wall when working on a piece. “Sometimes, it’s just not working and the best thing I can do is get away from

it for a while,” she said. Eventually though, they all get finished in some form or fashion. Having what she calls a “critical eye,” Grimes waits for the perfect moment to put down the brushes. “I read once that art is simply correcting a series of mistakes,” she said. “When my eye can travel over a painting and rest without getting distracted, I would say it’s finished.” For the paintings that don’t turn out as planned, Grimes has found a way to give them new life as various pieces of art by tearing them into pieces and creating collages. Currently, she is covering a large bench in her studio with shreds of former paintings. “That’s the great thing about working with paper,” she said of ripping the paintings. “Later, they are reincarnated.” Grimes usually works on more than one piece at a time, noting that she “works in layers, so they have to dry” before she can move on. Typically, she can finish a piece in a week and estimates that she has done about 50 paintings in the last year. The paintings all differ in tone, style and subject. Grimes said many of her paintings are inspired by nature though they don’t actually depict it. She’s also done portraits of people and even ani-

mals. One of her most beloved pieces was a painting of her standard poodle, Boodle, which she donated to a fundraiser. She enjoys doing portraits and thinks people are easy to paint, but she tends to lean more towards abstraction in most of her work. “The deeper the abstraction, the more difficult the painting,” she explained. “My goal would be for my abstract work to reflect more emotion

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art & news than it does.” Though many of her paintings are abstracts, Grimes said she really doesn’t feel committed to one style. “I change around a lot, so I don’t really get stuck in one particular style,” she said. Reading, browsing magazines, touring galleries and visiting with other artists constantly inspire new ideas. “I think that’s why I don’t become stagnate. I’m always searching for a way to try something different,” she added. “I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. Some people feel you should settle into a style.” Over the years, Grimes said her work and methods have constantly changed, and so has the feedback she receives. “It has been a lot of fun to get positive feedback on my work,” she said, noting that it hasn’t always been the case. A few times over the years she’s been given less than stellar critiques. “To get negative feedback, you can’t help feel a little bit discouraged, but it’s only momentary,” she said. “It simply can’t impact what you do. You don’t paint for other people.” Now, other artists are coming to her for guidance, advice and inspiration. “I’m a little stunned by that,” she said. “It’s so wonderful to be able to encourage someone.” In addition, her art is attracting plenty of positive attention at P’s Gallery in Longview, where it is featured and sold. She hopes to create more paintings now that she is recently retired. “I’ll be painting about three-quarters of the time,” she said. “I’m excited about that because there’s so much I want to try.” In addition, she plans to expand her artistic endeavors by taking art classes. “I’d like to spend more time being a student, but I’d also like to teach some,” she said, hoping to share what she has learned with others by hosting workshops. Grimes and her husband own Racquet and Jog in Longview and are planning to open a store in Texarkana where she’s considering scouting another gallery to feature her work. One thing is certain, the hairstylist-turned-painter will keep doing what she does best. “It probably keeps me sane in a way,” she said of painting. “For me, art is a way of emptying myself. It means everything. I can’t imagine not having that expression.”

Music City Texas Theater presents “King of the Blues” winner Music City Texas Theater presents the 2011 winner of Guitar Center’s “King of the Blues” contest, Jonathon “Boogie” Long and the Blues Revolution Band along with Shreveport’s Matthew Davidson Band on January 14. Admission is $15.00 Call 903-756-9943 for tickets or go to www.musiccitytexas.org.

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Dr. Jeannette Liu by Amanda Retallack lines and hard colors; these pieces of mine all have an organic feel, a feeling of nature. I love shapes and colors.” Liu walks into her living room to show off the first piece she ever purchased just less than a year ago. Hanging proudly above her fireplace is a canvas giclee created by critically acclaimed photographer Clark Little. The image captures the combination of colors from the flash, wave, sky, sun and land off of Hawaii’s Artist, Ronald Radwanski, with Dr. Jeannette Liu North Shore of Oahu. “I was on vacation Eclectic though her domain may in Carmel-by-Sea, California and saw be, Dr. Jeannette Liu is unquestiona gallery that looked interesting,” Liu ably master of it. smiles. “Clark was the featured artist at The Maryland native, who has also the time, and I loved this photograph lived in Galveston and, most recently the instant I saw it. I’m usually very California, now makes her home in conservative with colors, but the boldLongview’s Wildwood neighborhood. She has an art collection that feels fluid and sings of her past places of residence near the ocean. “Because I grew up in Maryland, then completed my residency in Galveston, then lived in California, I’ve spent a lot of time by the water,” says Liu, a neurosurgeon with Good Shepherd Medical Center. “Longview is the first landlocked place I’ve lived, so in a way this is like my mini-landlocked beach home.” In this “beach home” is a highly personal collection of art ranging from acrylic on canvas, mixed media interpretations, blown glass and even intricately designed wooden pieces. Each day, she is surrounded with objects that fill her heart and make her happy. “I have a full schedule; I’m out of the house by 5 a.m. and don’t get home until late,” she nods. “The few moments I do have at home are precious, and I want to relax.” She loves introducing guests to her collection, whether it be during a one-on-one sit-down meal with a friend or hosting a large gathering. To be ushered into her home is to be transported into an explosion of contemporary art that is both edgy and harmonious. “I’d say my style is contemporary,” she adds. “But I’m not into the sharp

January 2012 - Page 16

ness of the colors just jumped out at me, and I knew I wanted it. The waves — they looked like glass.” Continuing the tour of her contempo shrine, Liu walks through her house pointing out various pieces that are unabashedly modern yet completely personal. Many of the works she has were custom made for her style and taste. “I’m very picky about my art, and most of my things are custom pieces. I have a very Type A personality,” Liu laughs. “I like to talk with the artists, get their story and their backgrounds, then decide what type of art I want from them, work with them on colors, etcetera.” But there are some pieces, she ad-

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art in the home & news mits, that are completely perfect from first glance. Robert Knight’s Antelope Portal hangs in an alcove of her sitting room. Knight travels extensively throughout the world to explore, document and

share beautiful locations. The piece Liu has is a shot from Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona. Making her way to her spacious kitchen, a touch of home hangs beside her table: a piece of art-

work that is so real it looks like a photograph. “This artist is known for making his pieces look very real and lifelike,” Liu motions to the acrylic on canvas of two wine glasses half full of cabernet sauvignon. “Not only do I like Thomas Arvid’s style, but it’s a little touch of home from when I used to live in California and tour the wineries.” Liu says the real crowning glory — the piece that ties the house together and makes her feel that her newly built home is complete — is her most recent purchase. During an artist reception, she and artist Ronald Radwanski, owner of ilume Gallerie in Dallas, unveiled the stunning 4 ft x 4 ft that completes Liu’s home as it hangs above her bed. “What I love about Ron is that he is so talented; all of his work is stunning and different,” she says. “All of his art is so amazing how it curves and flows, yet has borders.” Liu met Ron by chance during a leisurely stroll through the Oak Lawn district in Dallas. “I was actually looking for modern floor lamps and lighting for my home when I passed Ron’s gallery,” she recalls. “I really thought his gallery was a lighting store! So, I went in to look around and was surprised to find it was an art gallery. I wasn’t in the market to buy art at the time, but Ron and I just hit it off. I loved a piece he did called Alcapulco and asked him if he could do a similar piece for me.” Liu was sure that it would be the perfect finishing touch to her perfect home she only bought a year and a half ago. “This house is so spacious and open,” she says. “I knew whatever I put over my bed had to be compelling because my house is very open, and from the kitchen you can see that very wall. It needed to be dynamic and stunning, and that’s what Ron has done for me.”

East Texas Symphonic Band’s 2011-2012 Schedule Grand Winter Celebration Concert • FEBRUARY 6, 2012 Belcher Center, 7:30 pm, $1 at the door for adults (students & children free)

Sounds of Spring Concert • APRIL 2, 2012 Belcher Center, 7:30 pm, $1 at the door for adults (students & children free)

While Liu isn’t in the market for any more pieces now that her home is just how she wants it, she’ll continue keeping one eye open for another amazing work of art. “I enjoy art, and I don’t think there will ever be a time when I say, ‘I’m finished’ when it comes to collecting,” she says. “If it speaks to me, chances are I’ll find a place for it.”

Poetry in schools Each year the Rusk County Poetry Society (RCPS) sponsors the East Texas Poetry In Schools contest. The event is an opportunity to nurture literary growth through the arts for East Texas students in grades 1 - 12 who are currently enrolled in public, private or home-school education. The organization begins taking entries on February 1 of each year and culminates with an awards ceremony in April at which time there are readings held for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place poems in each grade level. Certificates are awarded to all winners in grades 1 through 12. The grade 12 1st place poet wins The Mary Craig Memorial Scholarship funded by the Rusk County & Rose Garden Poetry Societies.

The Mary Craig Memorial Scholarship is given in honor of Mary Craig of Tatum. The late Mrs. Craig was a founding member of the Rusk County Poetry Society, a longtime Poetry in Schools Coordinator, and an avid advocate for the literary arts in East Texas. The RCPS urges local teachers to sponsor their students and to encourage them to enter. Details of the contest, including submission guidelines, are available on the RCPS website at www.easttexaspoetry.org/schools Intertested parties may also email Anne McCrady at anniemc5@aol.com.

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radio Unforgettable KZQX by Jan Statman

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Didley Squat January 21, 2012 Kinky Friedman February 11, 2012 Kinky Friedman March 10, 2012 Mark Stuart & Stacy Earle March 31, 2012 Rhett Butler April 28,2012 All concerts start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted on Crossroads’ website.

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Written by Jeffry Hatcher and Mitch Albom Based on the book written by Mitch Albom. A drama dealing with a retired sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, and his relationship with his students. Newspaper columnist Mitch Albom recounts time spent with his 79 year old sociology professor at Brandeis University who was dying from Lou Gehrig’s disease.

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January 2012 - Page 18

When you see people driving along wearing a great big smile, you can be pretty sure the car radio is tuned to KZQX in Chalk Hill. If you could hear them singing along, you would recognize the fabulous hits of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. The younger set could be heard eagerly telling each other about how this music was recorded straight on, without benefit of electronic sound tampering. They would be correct. There was no meddling back then. It was simply you singing along with the artist’s voice and the music with no electronics interfering. When this music was recorded, electronics had not even been invented! Although he lived in Dallas, KZQXFM’s owner and general manager, Chuck Conrad, will be happy to tell you that his mother came from Henderson. He spent a lot of time in East Texas, visiting relatives and enjoying Lake Cherokee. Using what he had learned as a college broadcaster at SMU, he started a successful and innovative sound company in Dallas. He had a successful career in the touring sound business dealing in large scale sound systems until, one day, someone made him the classical “offer he couldn’t refuse.” They offered to buy his business, and the price was right. He decided to sell, but he admits that at age 50-plus, he was not exactly prepared with a proper “exit strategy.” Too old to start over and too young to retire, he remembered the good days at Lake Cherokee, and came “home” to East Texas. He applied for and got a lower power FM station which the FCC had designated for local programming. Such stations were generally limited to one hundred watts and a maximum one hundred foot high antenna. In 1992, having completed all the requirements necessary to start his lower power station, he discovered that he was authorized to have only forty-five watts and an eighty-five foot high antenna. Not a man to accept such limitations, he protested. “We bickered back and forth,” he said, “and finally we settled on seventyfive watts. He went on to explain this was a tiny radio station which only reached a tiny listening area, but even so, it was well received. “People started to follow us,” he said, even when they had to search for us on the radio dial. Conrad opted for a jazzy, oldies format. That flattering format is reinforced by such announcements as: “If you remember Hula Hoops, then you’re our kind of listener,” and such questions as: “Do you remember when a shave and a haircut were two bits? Then you’re our kind of

listener.” The typical KZQX listener will be amused by “The Adventures of Chicken Man” and, more recently, “The Adventures of the Tooth Fairy.” With a slogan that announces, “Unforgettable, KZQX-FM,” the station makes it clear that this is the popular music that people will never forget. They are all here: the big ones, the great ones, the ones that will not be forgotten. You can croon again with Crosby. You can swoon again over Frankie as Sinatra sings. You can bow to the beat of visiting royalty: Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Nat “King” Cole. You can “groove” with the girls: Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Andrews Sisters. You can reminisce with Vick Damone, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Louis Armstrong, to name only a few of the stars shining on the playlist. Here are the true Big Band sounds of Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey. All of them; every last one. You might even get to hear Kay Kyser’s College of Musical Knowledge. While reading an official FCC website, Conrad discovered there would be a “filing window” for a “translator.” A translator is a small transmitter and receiver that picks up a station off the air and rebroadcasts it. Since the time was limited before the “window” would close, he threw caution to the wind and applied for a total of three transmitters. He assumed he might possibly be approved to have one of them. He applied for Henderson, Kilgore and Longview. Much to his surprise, Longview was the first to be approved. Five days later he received notice that Kilgore had been approved. He jokes that he is still waiting for Henderson, but in the meantime he was also able to buy translater 97.9 in Tyler. The station at Chalk Hill was developing an increasingly larger following of dedicated listeners. Unfortunately, they were still a non-commercial station, so attempting to raise funds was always difficult. Where was the station at Chalk Hill to go next ? KXAL, 10.3 on the dial, was owned by Wally Broadcasting and was being operated with Spanish language programming. When KXAL became available, Conrad was able to purchase it, but in order for him to do so, the FCC ordered him to give up the 104.7 lower-power station. “Going from low power to commercial is complicated,” he explained. “Among the many changes in going from a nonprofit to a commercial station are the high

power expenses. For instance, I became the brand new owner of a five hundred foot tower! While the change from an eighty-five foot tower to a five hundred foot tower might sound like an insignificant transfer of equipment, the first thing I had to do was paint the tower. It is quite an experience to have a man come out to talk with you about painting your five hundred foot tower. It was even more exciting to watch the painters carrying those paint buckets all the way up there where the winds were high.” The tower was not the only thing that was headed up. Even the electricity bills went up for things like the big bright light that is required at the top of the tower as well as for air conditioning the transmitter. “When you use more power,” he said, “you simply must expect to use more electricity.” In addition to Conrad, the station now employs veteran radio men Jim Allen and Brian Black, and occasionally Alexa Duke, all of whom are recognized and respected for their work at the late and lamented KTPB Public Radio Station in Kilgore. One of the most trusted on-air sounds in this area of East Texas is the reassuring voice of “Doctor Doctor Thayer With the Weather.” Thayer is a volunteer weather man. “Doctor” is truly his given name, and Doctor John Thayer holds a Doctorate in Mathematics which makes him indeed, “Doctor Doctor Thayer.” Although KZQX is the first of a handful of low power, non-profit stations in Texas that have been able to become a full power commercial station, it was established with the idea of serving the needs of the people in its immediate service area. Conrad believes every listener is unique. “Even in these days of automation, this is no satellite-delivered production,” he said, “there is always a human being at the station.” Of course, the old-time radio disc jockeys are gone, but KZQX is able to break into on-air programming to report on such emergencies as threatening weather or dangerous conditions. As a public service, they offer on–air publicity for church, club and civic events. The QMobile, their mobile traveling van, can be seen at parades, picnics, productions and public events in the listening area. “We have become the local station that does as much as it can to help the community,” Conrad said. “The format of the station is to “Be Happy.” We are trying to have fun while bringing something of value to the area.

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film The Northeast Texas Regional Film Commission by Kari Kramer Texas is no stranger to television and film production. Cities such as Dallas and Austin have been hosting production crews for years. But Ron Hollomon of Jefferson couldn’t help but notice the same wasn’t happening in Northeast Texas. In 2006, he set out to change that.

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“The Film commission was formed in August of 2006 during Bob Hudgins term as State Film Commissioner in Austin,” said Hollomon, “I approached him and expressed concerns that the Northeast Texas region had little, if any, location photos to be looked at by location scouts representing film and commercial projects.” The Northeast Texas Regional Film Commission was born, with Hollomon serving as director. The Commission markets and promotes 21 Northeast Texas counties to the film and television industry. Doing so requires a great deal of time, organization and resources. The Film Commission works to make those resources easily accessible for potential cinematography companies and crews. “We are the liaison between film companies and cities or counties,” explained Belinda Blalock, administrative assistant for the Commission. “We show locations to filmmakers. We assist in getting props, extras, crew – pretty much anything and everything the production company needs when filming in our area.” While helping filmmakers realize the benefits of producing in Northeast Texas, they also aim to help communities understand how production can positively impact their economic development. “About 98 percent of the Commission’s job is to have cities, towns and communities aware of the potential financial windfall that a production could bring to an area,” added Hollomon. Contrary to popular misconception, Hollomon said the Commission does not finance films but can, when the opportunity presents itself, help connect filmmakers with those interested in financing projects. The Commission has seen the results of their efforts, but Hollomon and Blalock admit there have been challenges – lack of funds being the primary concern, both on a local and state level. “We need all our area counties and cities to pay some dues to help us represent them to the best of our ability,” explained Blalock. “We also would like corporate sponsorships and individual memberships in order to be the best we can be.” The Northeast Texas Regional Film Commission has forged ahead, spreading their message to those looking to reap the rewards. “We are working with the communities within our region to educate them on how to market their specific areas, talent and services to the film industry,” said Hollomon. “We want as much information about our areas out there as possible.” Communities desiring to get on board have a plethora of resources at their disposal through the commission, who collects and stores location photos for review by filmmakers. They also work closely with the Texas State Film Commission. Hollomon said the online site allows filmmakers to find locations, as well as those in the area with services to aid them, from catering, rental equipment, hotels to actors and crew. The accessibility the Commission pro-

vides is a draw for filmmakers and a vital step in the success of filmmaking in the area, according to Hollomon. “Without the specific marketing we provide, success to reap the benefits of film, commercial or digital-based entertainment would be seriously hampered,” he explained. “Our goal is to ensure protection of all our regions, arming them with information, and allowing them to tap into the financial rewards of the film industry. Production dollars spent in a community turns over three times.” The effort is paying off for communities, filmmakers and local crew and businesses. “We are slowly seeing people begin to understand what our function is and realize it is a legitimate business that can bring a lot of money to our area and create jobs,” said Blalock. “Those areas that have been proactive in coming on board with the Film Commission have already seen some benefits, from smallbudget to medium-budget films,” added Hollomon. In the next year, the Commission hopes to bring more productions to the region, with a few already slated to shoot. With additional support and resources, the possibilities are expected to increase. “We need communities within our region to participate and financially support the Film Commission,” said Hollomon. “Gaining more financial support enables us to go after projects and show filmmakers what our area has to offer. “We are aggressively going after jobs that have not, up until now, been seriously considered. This benefits everyone within the region, including the Chambers of Commerce.” Blalock said it would be extremely helpful of towns and cities in the Commission’s area would submit photos and a list of productionrelated resources to the Commission. She also would like to see more colleges in the area offer courses or events for those aspiring to work in the industry. To be successful, a cooperative effort and financial support is needed, she said. “Just look at Louisiana’s statistics and see how much can be accomplished if everyone gets on board and promotes our resources,” she noted. More information about the Commission and their resources can be found on their website: www.netexasmovies.com. They can be reached via email at netexasmovies@sbcglobal.net. They are also on Facebook

QX-FM.COM January 2012 - Page 19

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