The Arts Council of the Brazos Valley has been a staple of the area since 1971. In Navasota, the Horlock House has been where new, emerging artists get their chance to shine.
Right now through February, three artists are trying to make themselves known and get their work noticed right here in Navasota. They come from all areas of the country, but the inspiration for their work remains the same. Artist in residence Rebecca Dias said she gets her inspiration from lots of local events.
“I get inspiration from a lot of different sources. Right now, I have a rodeo series up. We went to the Brenham rodeo, which was wonderful to see. I have also done some Texas landscapes just from driving around in the area. In general, I get a lot of nature inspired themes. Even in my abstract work, there tend to be a lot of light and color,” said Dias.
Now being in a new, foreign place can be a bit intimidating to some. But, as Dias says, it gives a chance for her to broaden her horizon, get a new perspective and ultimately, new ideas.
“One things about being an artist is that you are constantly aware of how you see things. You are constantly thinking about the frames of things. When you are in a new place, you get a chance to see things with you ‘artists eye,’ which allows you to have a different perspective,” said Dias. “Just for me, even walking down the main street, I appreciate the architecture. I have a series planned…I am not sure when or how…but it would be fun series to just do something with perceptive about the buildings in town.”
In the case of artist Apinya, who hails from Thailand, the experience gives her a chance to even see new animals and sights she has never seen.
I get to see beautiful creatures. For example, beautiful birds I have never seen before, like Cardinals and Robins. I have never seen that bird. Even though I went to San Francisco, it is just different. So this is inspiring to me,” she said.
The artists would love to be involved in the community as well.
“There is plenty of organizations and community projects around here. So, if there is anything we can be involved with, we would love to support with that,” said Dias.
The Horlock House in Navasota is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. If you get a chance, stop by to see and support your local artists!