Performing & Visual Arts:
It's All Here in Texoma
Local First Visual Arts Expos
Ever wondered about the artists behind the art? Our local artists have captured the sights of life in the Southern OK and Northern TX area and beyond with their brushes, pencils and cameras and we introduce you to the artist behind the artwork. Meet them personally at our Artist Expositions. Check out their paintings, their sketches, their photos, their sculpture and their fabric art here on LocalFirst.biz and keep an eye peeled for our upcoming TV and radio show: Texoma Views & Venues. We are blessed to bring you the best so be our guest at one of our upcoming Artist Showcase events.
Visual Artist Spotlight: Curtis Gander
Curtis Gander currently lives in Sherman, Texas and is recognized for his "en plein air" oil paintings of outdoor scenes. Paintings by Gander are usually normal in size and constructed of loose, economical brushstrokes that are intended to stimulate the viewer’s emotional impressions of a scene. A unique series of miniature oil paintings depict people viewing works of art at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. The subject matter is engaging for two reasons. It is natural to imagine what Gander’s painted viewer is thinking, but there is also a symbiotic relationship of Gander’s live viewer looking at a painting of a person looking at a painting. In many of these works there is a reciprocal theme whereby the figure viewing a painting relates to that painting in a particular way, perhaps in clothing, or mood or character.
Curtis Gander continually experiments with various techniques, styles and subject matter. He creates oil paintings that capture the inherent authenticity and quiet character in the non-idealized, familiar scenes that we encounter every day. His method often employs loose brushwork that results in fresh and lively representations. He has had several solo and guest exhibits in the Upper Midwest where he resided until his recent move to Sherman, Texas. Over 50 of his works were recently showcased at the Denison Art Gallery in nearby Denison, Texas. Some of his pieces were also recently displayed at Denison City Hall. His oil paintings are owned by individuals and dealers across the country. His "Viewing the Viewer" miniatures are represented at Douglas Flanders & Associates gallery in Edina Minnesota and at the Denison Art Gallery in North Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in art from Gustavus Adolphus College and did Masters study at the University of Wisconsin. Check out his other art at Denison Art Gallery.
Capturing the Moment
Anna Shellia Bare is an author, artist, gourmet chef and ardent photographer. Born in South Korea, she has lived in Asia, England and, for over 50 years, here in the good ol' US of A. In 2021, she settled here in Denison, TX and immediately developed a relationship with Sparrows Gallery owner Mark Nagel and Denison Art Gallery owner James Smith. She is the official photographer for Local First Texoma and Denison Art Gallery. She is also the co-owner of
A & S Studios and the author of the novel The Shadow. See samples of her work here.
Support Local Artists
Leaning Against the Wrong Wall by local singer/songwriter Stan Countz
Watch and listen to acoustic folk rock singer/songwriter Stan Countz from Denison, Texas as he shares a couple of his original songs from his new CD Recipe for a Broken Heart. Video interview by Split Windows Studios and Chris Romain. Countz began his media career in radio in 1979 working for KFiV FM (Sunny 102FM) and produced a Contemporary Christian Rock show that aired on three Rock stations in the central California area for eight years. He then published the first city/regional lifestyle magazine in the central San Joaquin valley and foothills. Valley Views Magazine was published from 1980 - 1984 and then again from 2003 to 2006. In 2010, Countz founded localfirst.biz, a web portal that promotes local commerce, local talent, events and venues, bringing it with him to Texas in 2021 when he moved to the Texoma area with his new wife, following his daughter and son-in-law.
Local First Texoma encourages local talent in all of it's many forms, from performing arts to visual arts and everything in between. Local First plans to create opportunities to display local talent, local artists, local entertainers and local venues. We will feature local talent showcases and art and music shows throughout the greater Texoma area. We are marshalling small businesses, non-profit organizations, media outlets, promoters, publishers and the public with one over-arching message: to support the local Texoma economy by shopping and searching local first. To that end, we have put together community portal showcasing what the Texoma area has to offer. If you own a business or want to see the local economy bloom and blossom, consider joining our community.
Spotlight Artist: Al Slavin
Texas artist Al Slavin was inspired to paint when he moved to Alaska as a young teenager. The landscape was so raw and beautiful that it moved him to express himself through art. He started working in acrylics but later changed to oils, which he prefers. He believes that painting is magical and communicates emotions, thoughts and feelings to people visually. In his paintings he tries to express emotions through light and beautifully rendered scenes utilizing rich colors. Most of his work originates from his imagination, pulled from his life experiences in different parts of the country. He continuously challenges himself to create the perfect balance of form, color, light and movement. View some of Slavin's pieces at Sparrows Gallery in downtown Denison
Let Local First Promote your Favorite Local Artist
Contact us to find out how Local First Texoma can promote your favorite performing or visual artist. Call Stan Countz (Denison) at 903-447-7773LOCAL for details. Shop and search for local talent on Localfirst.biz and LocalFirstTexoma.com. [Far left: Victoria Lemons performs at Grand Opening of Sparrows Gallery and Knights Furniture in downtown Denison, Texas JULY 15, 2023 AT 7:00 PM] Ask us how your favorite artist or musician can be in the spotlight and featured on Texoma Views and Venues or Places to Go and People to Know.
Texoma Venues: Activities and Events
Local First will feature local arts and entertainment venues such as the Finley Cultural Center, the Honey Mcgee Playhouse, Calhoun's 2 (formerly Jake's Place) , Tanglewood Resort and others.
Artist Profiles
Local First's community resource guide (Texoma Views & Venues) features profiles on visual and performing artists from the greater Texoma area and will introduce you to their world. You will be inspired by their stories and encouraged by their spirit. Check out Places to Go and People to Know in Texoma.
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