May 18, 2012

So we have to admit, the most astronomically advanced we get is being able to name the few constellations we remember from seventh grade science class—and that’s when Pluto was still a planet. But even we’re not going to miss the first annular solar eclipse visible in the United States since 1994. Quick science recap: an annual solar eclipse is when the moon passes directly between the sun and the earth, creating a “ring of fire” around the moon. It won’t happen again in our lifetime, and due to the time of year, Midland and Lubbock are prime viewing locations for the annual portion of the eclipse—the rest of the U.S. will only see a partial eclipse.

Things will start to get exciting around 7:30pm on May 20, and will be visible until sunset. If you’re in Midland, head to the Marian Blakemore Planetarium to safely view the eclipse up close and personal through special telescopes. Those in Lubbock will have a similar gathering at Lubbock Lake Landmark put on by The South Plains Astronomy Club.

If you’re not in those cities, but still in the Texas Panhandle and the Permian Basin, you can head outside and safely view the annular eclipse while wearing a pair of these bad boys. So grab some friends and a bottle of wine, and enjoy an extra special sunset this Friday.

So we have to admit, the most astronomically advanced we get is being able to name the few constellations we remember from seventh grade science class—and that’s when Pluto was still a planet. But even we’re not going to miss the first annular solar eclipse visible in the United States since 1994. Quick science recap: an annual solar eclipse is when the moon passes directly between the sun and the earth, creating a “ring of fire” around the moon. It won’t happen again in our lifetime, and due to the time of year, Midland and Lubbock are prime viewing locations for the annual portion of the eclipse—the rest of the U.S. will only see a partial eclipse.

Things will start to get exciting around 7:30pm on May 20, and will be visible until sunset. If you’re in Midland, head to the Marian Blakemore Planetarium to safely view the eclipse up close and personal through special telescopes. Those in Lubbock will have a similar gathering at Lubbock Lake Landmark put on by The South Plains Astronomy Club.

If you’re not in those cities, but still in the Texas Panhandle and the Permian Basin, you can head outside and safely view the annular eclipse while wearing a pair of these bad boys. So grab some friends and a bottle of wine, and enjoy an extra special sunset this Friday.

April 18, 2012

Cowtown is pulling out all the stops this weekend for its Main Street Arts Festival happening April 19-22. There’s a little something for everybody at this free event.  Beef up your art collection—or start one—after a stop at one of the many tents lining Main St. featuring original works of art ranging from sculptures to paintings.  Over 23 restaurants will be offering everything from funnel cakes (McKinney’s) to delicious brats (Reata and Schakolad).  There will be three stages featuring live music throughout the weekend from the likes of Gerald Albright, Texas Tornadoes, JJ Grey & Mofro and Del Castillo.  Since the event is literally taking over Main St., you’ll want to check out the official festival guide for details on where to park and where everything is going down.

April 12, 2012

If you’re near Lubbock this weekend, be sure to grab a ticket to the Lubbock Arts Festival happening April 13–15.  Not only do all proceeds benefit the Lubbock Arts Alliance, but you’ll be able to peruse the works of over 150 artists from across the nation and get an exclusive look at works by Angela Adams.  There will be live music by Terri Sue Caldwell and a performance by Don Caldwell & Friends.  Tickets are normally $40, but enjoy a free pass on Friday by clicking here.

March 29, 2012

San Antonio’s McNay Art Museum is featuring some of Warhol’s most beloved works in a special exhibit, Andy Warhol: Fame and Misfortune, on loan from the artist’s namesake museum in Pittsburgh now through May 20. Every Sunday during the exhibit, the museum will hold extended hours until 8pm with (bonus!) discounted ticket prices. An art museum that doesn’t shut down at 5pm? It’s no Studio 54, but we’ll take it.

March 27, 2012

Back for its third year, Frisco Arts in the Square is happening this Saturday and Sunday from 11am-6pm in Frisco’s picturesque downtown square. National and regional artists converge in Frisco for this juried fine arts festival, featuring everything from mixed media and acrylic works to ceramics, jewelry and metal work. When you’re not strolling between displays flexing your art collector muscles, live music in Simpson Plaza and good eats from award-winning restaurants will be on hand so you can make a day of it!

March 8, 2012

Stroll through the boutiques and art galleries in McKinney’s historic town square this Saturday, where many shops will keep their doors open from 7-10pm for Second Saturdays.  Every second Saturday of the month, downtown McKinney promotes its art scene by featuring artists in boutiques and restaurants throughout the square.  This Saturday, many of the artists will be on hand to discuss their works, including Becca Gatewood Motley at La Misha and PLACE, featuring Judy Koon, Jeffrey Janson, Susan Kraut and Richard Deutsch at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios.  Good eats, artistic dialogue and extended shopping hours? We’re thinking this shindig needs to happen more than once a month!

September 30, 2011

For over 40 years, Cottonwood Art Festival has been a popular Texas attraction and one of the nation’s premier festivals. It celebrates the work of more than 240 local, regional, and national artists, as well as local and regional bands that perform the best in rock, country, jazz, blues, swing and folk.

Held in Cottonwood Park in Richardson, just north of Dallas, Cottonwood Art Festival is a juried show that includes the following categories: 2D Mixed Media, 3D Mixed Media, Ceramics, Digital, Drawings/Pastels, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Metalwork, Painting, Photography, Sculpture and Wood.

Cottonwood is great for the whole family–the ArtStop children’s area lets little Picassos run wild. They can create a sculpture hat from scrap, design a masterpiece in plaster, add to an enormous collage, or practice their hand at sculpting clay on a real potter’s wheel.

August 31, 2011

No, your eyes do not deceive you–a herd of cattle has descended upon our fair capital city. But you need not worry about feeding them, or worse, being gored by one. These cows are of the inanimate, decorative variety.

The city-wide art installation known as CowParade is the largest and most recognized public art exhibit in the world. More than 5,000 signature cows have been displayed in 75 cities in 30 countries on six continents. These are some jet-setting cows, people.

The current exhibit in Austin is sponsored by the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and features 75 cows scattered all around town. They’ll continue roaming about the city until mid-October, so you’ve got plenty of time for a photo-op with your favorite painted bovine. Check out a map of all the cows on display here.