PHOTO | Frankie Sanchez
The landscape around Amarillo and Canyon is known for its dry and barren lands, the art community taking roots in the area is not. With the opening of several new art galleries including Studio 502, Vermillion Editions Limited and Blue Sage Galleries, artists have more of a chance to expose their creations.
“Stanley Marsh has already opened the door for the art world with his unique street signs and the Cadillac Ranch,” local artist Taylor Meyer said.
Area artists feel that the spirit and confidence of the local movement is growing. A professor at Amarillo College, John Chaka, noted both Amarillo College and WTAMU have “revamped” their studios and classes, giving younger artists a safe environment to try new things.
“The students bring a ‘garage art,’ or rough inexperience mixed with passion to the classes,” Chaka said.
This environment, coupled with the experience of older and more academically trained artists, has brought an enthusiasm that shows in the creation of new galleries and the renovations of older ones.
But the growth is not limited to the Amarillo area. People like Chaka agree that the overall collective of art communities throughout the nation are changing.
“It’s not so taboo to be an artist anymore,” Chaka said.
Amarillo encourages art by designating a “free wall” for graffiti where anyone can come and spray paint. Additionally the Cadillac Ranch is open for spray painting or any other form of art.
“I feel it’s nice to have a place to paint worry free, and take your time,” local artist Robert Salcido said.
Alternatively, some artists feel that the non-professional mediums detract from the elegance and poise of the refined academic art they create.
“Younger artists in the area frown upon the academic art,” Chaka said.
These separate schools of thought lead to a wide variety of shows and exhibits that all color the Amarillo art scene.
“We can expect various styles to flourish out of these upcoming generations,” said local artist JP Bernal.
Although there are varying styles among the artists of Amarillo, they still form a supportive collaboration of friends and critics.
“I know I have the support of fellow artists, but I don’t have the support of the community,” Chaka said.
Amarillo may not be a mecca for art, but local artists seem to be happy with the environment they have created.
“If art’s a hobby, have a seat. If you expect a big career, be ready to move and sweat,” Bernal said.
For students who would like to view the creations of local artists, some upcoming shows are the Digital Media show at the 806 on March 5 and another showing at the Vastu gallery at Sunset Galleries also on March 5.
However, for people wishing to show their own art, the Amarillo Museum of Art offers an opportunity for artists of any caliber to hang one piece of their own creation. This specialized show is called “Panhandle Artist Hanging” and will be opening on May 28. Everyone is invited to hang one piece that has been approved by the museum staff starting two days prior to the exhibit opening.
“That’s honor,” Chaka said, “to have my thousand dollar piece be next to the eight year old boy who drew his mom, his dad and his cat, Mittens, who is seven feet tall and hugging the whole family. That kid has guts to do it.”