Rounding a corner, a rest area with three teepees appears just before the steep climb up “Big Hill”
wanted a scene of “The Last Cattle
Drive” with sunsets and cowboys. Besa
had the hair-raising idea that if they
were going to paint cowboys, they
should all be people they knew and
brought out family albums to work
from. Severns was no stranger to por-
trait painting, but the thought of paint-
ing family members from old photo-
graphs for people she was barely
acquainted with caused her a few
nightmares, she said.
Although Robison wanted no part
of the portraiture, she asked Severns if
they could work on the mural together,
which would enable Robison to learn
from Severns. A plan to “vacation for
winter” turned into a project that took
nine months to complete. By the time
the 8’ x 20’ mural was finished, the
Severns were friends with Robison and
her family, and had grown roots in
Fort Davis. “It was neat because I got
to learn the history of the ranch, and it
made me jump right into painting,”
Severns said.
Robison’s goal is for The Old
Spanish Trail Gallery and Museum to
be a Destination Gallery. “We want
people to come out and enjoy the view,
have a glass of wine, maybe some
cheese and crackers. We want to have
guest artists, both local and statewide.
Robison also has a really good vision
for workshops,” Lemons said.
The gallery had what Severns refers
to as “a mushy opening” in October of
last year. After only starting the build-
ing in June, that’s record time for this
area. It was a success with about 250
people coming out.
Even though the “official” Grand
Opening isn’t until May 2017, the
Gallery is already well on its way. They
stay in contact via a newsletter and
guest book and are looking forward to
their first tourist season to be open, but
the artists are already selling their cre-
ations. Lemon’s paintings have sold;
Baize sold several; Severns is selling
and Robison’s sketches sell almost as
fast as she produces them. Visitors stay
an average of two hours, taking in the
peace and chatting with whoever is
there that day. “I don’t know how to
tell you how we get people here, we
just do. Artists have their own follow-
ing and word travels far, even just by
word of mouth,” Robison said. “We’ve
even had People from Washington
D.C. who’ve made it all the way out
here.” The day I visited was a busy one
for the gallery: Texas Country
Reporter had been out to the gallery,
producing a segment on Wayne Baize
(slated to air on May 5).
Sharing is a big part of the Gallery
and Museum’s philosophy. “The pur-
pose of this is to do my art and share
the building with other artists. We
want people to come and enjoy the
space. We’re grateful when they buy
but we want them to enjoy it,”
Robison said.
Passive (or purchasing) enjoyment is
not the only goal. They will feature
continued on page 10
Cenizo
Second Quarter 2017
9