Hays County is a place that values freedom of expression in the visual arts. The Government Center, however, does not serve as a gallery or museum. The County reserves the right to remove or relocate works of art at its own discretion, and the exhibition of works of art does not create a public forum. As a founding member of the ProjectArt board of directors, I am passionate about making art more accessible to the public.
I believe that art with an important environmental message can help our young people and the general public become aware of our water-related issues. The installation piece is particularly special because it allows visitors to experience it in three dimensions, as well as with their senses of touch, smell, sight and hearing. ProjectArt's board chair, Jamie Pettit, is a mixed media artist and art teacher who taught art at an elementary school for 20 years in Austin. He left his day job to study with some of the biggest names in the world of improvisation, such as Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon and Meredith Monk, while also studying the art of building community through song.
The Arts Committee at Hays County is responsible for receiving complaints about pieces of art that are deemed mocking, vulgar, appalling or offensive to visitors. In such cases, the county judge will review the complaint and make a decision. The goal of the program is to present a series of exhibitions that reflect the artistic excellence and cultural diversity of the Hays County metropolitan area and promote its cultural and economic initiatives. The works of art displayed in these public areas must be appropriate for an office environment and for public officials, county employees and citizens who carry out business transactions in the building.
The organization or artist providing the work of art must submit it for an exhibition on the date specified in the loan agreement. This includes all related components such as stands, descriptive summary and other informational material. Shelly Glenn is a long-time advocate for non-profit arts and cultural organizations who has worked closely with the city of Louisville to promote funding for cultural activities and live music. When he's not teaching, Paul can be found working in his home studio, directing the cartoon band Jammy Man or riding his e-bike up and down the Golden Hills.
Hays County does not receive commissions or compensation for any works of art displayed at its Government Center. The Cultural Arts Program presents a series of ongoing exhibitions at the Hays County Government Center to showcase local artistic efforts and encourage public dialogue, understanding and enjoyment of visual arts. The Patsy Glenn shelter is hidden in oak and juniper forests behind the Community Center in downtown Wimberley, Texas. Public art will not be displayed in courtrooms or administrative offices located on the first, second or third floor.
The County will take all reasonable precautions to ensure safety of works on loan but is not responsible for damage or theft except in cases covered by its Fine Arts insurance policy. The Arts Committee may reschedule or cancel an exhibition at its discretion before its start date. The artwork must be loaned to the County by either an artist or organization free of charge. Works will remain in place until end of exhibition unless approved for early removal. At ProjectArt we are committed to unlocking the artistic potential of Hays County by providing access to high-quality visual arts experiences that are both educational and entertaining. We strive to create an environment where everyone can appreciate and explore their creative side while learning about our local culture and history.
Through our exhibitions we hope to inspire dialogue about important environmental issues while also providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work.
