The Llano Fine Art Guild and Gallery, a major player in Llano County’s artistic community, turned 60 on May 8. What began as a painting club in 1963 has evolved into a premier showcase for local and nationally known artists.
Recent renovations have turned the gallery into a comfortable, smartly designed show space that could fit into any larger market (Llano County’s population is about 22,000).
One cannot help but be impressed at the depth and diversity of local talent on display. On any given visit, you can view and purchase paintings of different media and genres, including photography, ceramics, collages, gourd carvings, leathercraft, fused glass, and handcrafted furniture. Guild artists volunteer at the facility, giving visitors a chance to learn more about their works and creative processes.
The Llano Fine Art Guild and Gallery hosts guest exhibits throughout the year. The current showing, “Wild Rivers Wild Flowers” by photographer Dennis Fagan, displays prints of Texas waterways, wildflowers, and renowned wildflower advocate the late Lady Bird Johnson.
Fagan served as the former first lady’s personal photographer for 20 years, often traveling with her along Texas roads to capture images of wildflowers. His work has appeared in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, the Wittliff Collections, and the Harry Ransom Center. Fagan’s exhibition in Llano runs through June 28.
Artists of all or even no experience levels can sign up for one of the guild’s monthly workshops and (per its website) “Walk in. Hang out. Meet people. Learn stuff.” Like the gallery itself, the classes cover a variety of art forms and include an after-class potluck lunch.
The Llano Fine Art Guild and Gallery is located at 503 Bessemer Ave., Llano, TX 78643. For more information, call 325-247-4839. For information on other attractions in Llano County, go to visitllanocounty.com.
