Newcomer selected as art league ‘Artist of the Month’

A welcome addition to the art community here in Hill Country, Boerne Art League introduces ASHLEITH, whose opening words were, “At last, back in Texas! I consider this home. I can’t wait to start portraying the people and the exciting landscape of big sky and mesquite.”

ASHLEITH earned her undergraduate degree from Trinity University in San Antonio, and a master’s degree in fine arts, cumulating with studies from the Cecil Graves Atelier (Florence, Italy 1985), post-studies with Henry Henche, Nelson Shanks, and a tutorial scholarship under her mother, Dorothy Scanlan, a graduate of Pratt Institute.

She is an artist of various talents. ASHLEITH — the professional name of Melissa Ash Askins Brownell — has enjoyed a very successful career as a portraitist. Her commissions include the spectrum of doctors, lawyers, a president, and Indian chief.

Other commissions include vineyard landscapes, ceramic wine cellar back splashes and mono prints. Her work has been hung in museums, corporate offices, and embassies. A move to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the opening of her gallery ASHLEITH COLLECTIONS in 2004, introduced her acclaimed work to a new audience.

ASHEITH has brought with her the love of the Western people and landscapes of the High Desert. As part of her artist’s statement, ASHLEITH tells us, “I am an intuitive painter, and the work comes from a very deep place emotionally for me. I do feel the impetus is spiritual. Art to me is a magical, transcendental projection of the spirit.”

We encourage you to visit ASHLEITH’s artworks at Boerne’s other walls: Bank of America, Frost Bank, Broadway Bank, Security State Bank and Trust, and Texas Heritage Bank.

The Center, formerly known as Kronkosky Place, will also feature ASHLEITH’s artwork this month.

Pauly Tamez hosts mini workshops in two parts: Introduction to Oil Painting and Intermediate Study, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 9; and Intermediate Oils/Landscape from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16.

Tamez, an HCCA Artist in Residence, resides in Boerne. He paints impressionistic landscapes and still lifes in oil and watercolor and spends much of his time creating studies en plein air from Texas Hill Country to Big Bend National Park.

Tamez’ work is greatly influenced by mentors David Caton, and Bill Zaner, gone but certainly not forgotten.

HCCArts fine arts mini workshops provide immersion instruction in a medium or style of painting without a huge investment in supplies. Register for the Saturday sessions, held at the classroom at The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center, 102 City Park Road in Boerne.

Class size is limited; supplies are provided. Register today, bring a friend: www.hccarts.org. For details, contact [email protected], or call Paula at 210-269-8349.

Paula Horner is president of the Hill Country Council for the Arts.

HCCA Arts Calendar

• KODACHROME, a dramatic comedy by Adam Szymkowicz, co-produced by Bizzy Darling Realtor, hits the stage March 8-24 at the Boerne Community Theatre, 907 E. Blanco Road in Boerne. Reservations available online at: www.boernecommunitytheatre.org, or by calling 830-249-9166.

• MIXHAUS GALLERY “Spring Mix” opening reception, set 3-6 p.m. March 9. Featured artists for the exhibition are Bobbie Austin, Louisiana; Stephanie Robison, California; and Scott Simons, Austin, Blanco and Santa Fe. MixHaus Gallery, 716 High St., Comfort; call 830-995-3750, or refer to www.mixhausgallery.com.