ACD 2014_48pages_Layout 1 4/14/14 4:16 PM Page 18
Arts & Entertainment
high culture in the high desert
Region enriched by
theatre, music, art
18
alpine TEXAS | alpinetexas.com | alpinetexasguide.com
Barbara Richerson
t
Texas Cowboy Poetry gathering
Barbara Richerson
he diversity of cultures in Alpine and
Big Bend country leads to a unique
variety of arts and entertainment
available regularly and in special events. Art
galleries and art events are a special attraction
of the Alpine community. Artists have been
coming to this area for decades for the quiet
natural beauty and special light effects found
only in the Big Bend. The Francois Fine Arts
Gallery on the campus of Sul Ross State
University features rotating BFA and MA
student art exhibitions as well as special
showings by invited artists. The Museum of
the Big Bend, also on the SRSU campus, is a
treasure of the region, a key stop on any visit
to Alpine and a great introduction to local
cultural history.
There are several distinctive galleries to be
found on a stroll along the downtown Holland
Avenue, offering selections of the work of local
and nationally recognized artists, antiques and
locally crafted fine jewelry. Learn more at
www.GalleriesArtists.com.
There are two annual art events that draw
regional and national attention to Alpine. The
Trappings of Texas at the Museum of the Big
Bend is held every year in February in conjunction with the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Trappings is the oldest cowboy gear and
fine Western art exhibit and sale in the U.S.
Alpine’s Gallery Night Artwalk is held annually in November. Artwalk is a weekend
event featuring gallery openings, special showings, auctions and musical entertainment. For
information on the next Artwalk go to
www.artwalkalpine.com.
On any given evening you may find by
chance local musicians performing at a number of Alpine restaurants or bars. Regular venues include The Reata restaurant, Harry’s
Tinaja, and The Railroad Blues. The Railroad
Blues books local musicians, national groups
Alpine art galleries
and performers from around the world, provides a spectrum of musical styles and is
known as one of the best live music clubs in
Texas.
There are three special event centers in
Alpine. The Marshall Auditorium hosts regular concerts, plays and special performances.
The Gallego Center is primarily a sports cen-
ter but also hosts occasional large special performances. Both of these venues are on the
SRSU campus. The restored Granada Theater
in downtown Alpine is the newest event center. It features state of the art sound and lighting systems for music, theatrical performances,
community and private events. For more information go to www.alpinegranada.com. aT