Love of visual arts is an old tradition in Boerne

In response to recent public meetings where it was suggested that Boerne should start an art league or guild, Boerne Art League members were surprised to hear this, since they have been continuously active since 1977.

The Boerne Art League was founded by a group of local artists, coming together solely for the purpose of sharing their love of art.

Some of these founding members were professional artists, others not; but all were dedicated to the stated mission of the organization. Founders and early members included Roseanne Hicks, Bill Scheidt, Jay Hester, Bill and Elaine Zaner and Sandra Canavan.

As years passed, others brought their talents to group meetings, providing demonstrations, among them Thom Ricks, Donald Darst and, more recently, James and Lenise Miller, of CatDog Ceramics, Catharine Phillips-Robertson, author and photographer, Rita Kirkman, pastel artist, and Doug Oian, Sunrise Pottery.

For many years, formal meetings were held at the Benedictine campus and followed Robert’s Rules of Order. However, it was decided to discontinue the group meetings’ formalities, and a few officers became the meeting planners for the new casual format.

The Boerne Art League continues to meet monthly. Planners include Michelle Horstman and Patricia Sparks. Gladys Turner, now a Boerne resident, has assisted in growing membership, and Morgan Hampton coordinates the Artist of the Month activities.

BAL continues to meet sans officers or dues. Monthly gatherings alternate between group lunches and sharing current art projects, or planning activities, such as visiting an art gallery, hosting an art demonstration, or a group project.

The Artist of the Month is featured in several of Boerne’s Main Street banks and The Center at Kronkosky. In partnership with Boerne Community Theatre, a few of the league’s participating artists are invited to exhibit their artworks at the BCT’s Boardroom a few times a year.

Artists of BAL are very grateful to all the organizations that have shared space, allowing for their work to be seen and enjoyed.

Does Boerne have an art league or guild? Seems the answer is a resounding, “Yes.” For details about attending a meeting, visit the BAL website: www.Boerne-Art-League.com.