On September 16,, 2021 the Brown County Museum of History will host a special art show, inspired by ranching history and love of the land. A collection of original paintings will offer scenes from the county at the opening night benefit.
When artist Christine Brisley and her husband Paul Wade first traveled through Brown County they came over a hill that gave them a view of the Lake as they drove into Brownwood. She exclaimed, “I like this place! A nice town, surrounded by gently rolling hills and covered by enormous skies—it is beautiful!”
The couple decided to re-locate to Brownwood, and quickly became involved in community activities. Originally from England, Christine had experience in art restoration as well as creating original art. This led to a commission from the Brown County Museum of History to repair the World War II-era mural that had just been moved into the Museum’s collection. Painted by German P.O.W.s at Camp Bowie in Brown County over 80 years ago, and restored by Brisley, the 20-foot long mural is now on display.
While doing the art restoration work, Christine saw the newly created exhibit ‘Ranching in Brown County: The Land We Love’ that is sponsored by the Burns Family Ranch, a pioneer ranching family in the county. She was inspired by the exhibit, and her new-found attraction to the landscapes she saw all around her.
Brisley was so impressed with the Ranching exhibit that she offered to do a show to benefit the Museum, and poured her heart into painting a series of works. She created over 50 paintings that reflect a wide variety of images and colors of the flowers, water and native pastures found in Brown County. The collection was christened ‘Around Brown County’.
Opening Night will be the first time the paintings are on view to the public, and will be on sale. Gayle McNeill, Event Chair, said “This fun and relaxing evening will be a celebration of Texas, with Silver Spur Winery and Veldhuizen Cheese Company creating delicious pairings exclusively for this event. With the art show being at the Museum, everyone can see exhibits, beautiful original art, and the mural that Christine has restored, all while sampling cheeses and either wines or a non-alcoholic beverage. It is come-and-go, with opportunities for social distancing, so make plans to enjoy an evening out!”
Admission and sales will benefit Children’s Educational Programs at the Museum. Thursday, September 16th, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, at the Brown County Museum of History, Early Visitors & Events Center and Lehnis Railroad Museum & Visitors Center.
Tickets are limited, $15 per person, sold online at browncountymuseum.org or call the Museum 325-641-1926.