TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Y ears ago, one of my favorite annual events in Texarkana was a fundraiser called Party with Picassos, which raised money for the arts. The idea was simple and fun. A local celebrity was paired with a local artist to create a one-of-a-kind piece to be sold in a live auction. I was chosen to participate as a celebrity and created a 4´ x 4´ pop-art portrait of Texarkana’s own Ross Perot. I had the best time working on the piece, but once it was finished, I still felt like it needed something more. Whitney Brooks, the local artist collaborator, and I decided to ask Mr. Perot if he would sign the artwork in person. To our surprise, he agreed, and we arranged an appointment at his office in Plano, Texas. The canvas was so large that I had to borrow my dad’s SUV just to get it there. When we arrived, Mr. Perot greeted us with a smile. We made sure not to show up empty-handed. Along with the oversized portrait, we brought one of his hometown favorites, a Bryce’s egg custard pie. After a quick tour, he graciously added his signature to the painting, inscribing it with the words: “God Bless Texas, Ross Perot.” That one-of-a-kind piece went on to raise funds for TRAHC and now hangs in the Texarkana Magazine office, welcoming every visitor who walks through the door. The whole thing was such a wonderful experience. It reminds me what art really is. It is not just the finished piece. It is the story, the people, and the connection it creates. That spirit is what you will find throughout this October issue. Our cover features Jessica Haas, a nationally known speed painter who got her start right here in Texarkana under the direction of beloved art teacher Nicole Brisco. You will also learn about Jay Shinn, whose incredible light-and-form installations transform spaces, and travel with Don Riddle, a Texarkana resident who captures the Milky Way in national parks across the country. We are also shining a spotlight on local industry influencers who are at the heart of Texarkana, along with a beautifully styled fall home that captures the warmth of the season and Halloween fun. Art takes many forms, including paintings, photography, the way we build our businesses, and the way we design our homes. I hope this issue reminds you that beautiful art is all around us, waiting to be noticed and enjoyed.
8
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs