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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_ARTAB_05.20.2014Minutes of the Meeting of the Arts and Culture Board City of Georgetown, Texas May 20, 2014 The Arts and Culture Board met on Tuesday, May 20 at 4:30 p.m. in the small conference room of the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th Street MEMBERS PRESENT: Gary Anderson, Philip Baker, Shana Nichols, Betty Ann Sensabaugh, Liz Stewart, Amanda Still, and Melissa Waggoner Regular Session — began at 4:30 p.m. A. Citizens who wish to address the Board. None were present. B. Announcements of upcoming events — Liz Stewart announced the weeklong summer session of Senior University, June 9-13. The opening lecture on Sunday, June 8, is free and will be a talk by Southwestern University President Ed Burger. Eric Lashley reminded board members of the unveiling of the Main Street mural at 5:30 on Thursday, May 29, at the Art Center. He also reported that John Gordon of the Williamson County Symphony Orchestra Society spoke at the May 13 City Council meeting, thanking them for the support of the Arts and Culture Board. He also showed a video of the grant -supported concert. C. Consideration and approval of minutes of the April 15, 2014 Board meeting. Melissa Waggoner moved to approve the minutes as distributed. Betty Ann Sensabaugh seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. D. Report regarding the operation of the Georgetown Art Center from April 15 through May 19, 2014— Eric Lashley, Gary Anderson. Lashley reported door counts as follows: 3/2/14 to 4/2/14 (2544), 4/3/14 to 4/25/14 (3435), 4/26/14 to 4/27/14 (Red Poppy Festival 1770). He also reported that six of Benini's pieces sold during the exhibit and that one of the Snell paintings has sold. Baker inquired about how much money had been taken in in donations during that time period, but neither Lashley nor Anderson knew. Lashley and Anderson agreed that the Snell memorial reception had been very successful and well attended. The summer classes for children are being scheduled and taught by the Cordovan Art Group, a business based in Austin. Georgetown Art Works will receive a portion of the income from the classes. Future scheduled exhibits are: American Dream (call for artists) -- June 5 -July 20; Renee Wiley -- late July -August; Great Outdoors (call for artists) — September; Art Hop (call for artists) — October. Lashley said he had learned that Lynette Wallace is hoping to do Art in the Square the last weekend in September. Anderson confirmed Wallace's interest in continuing the show in Georgetown, regardless of whether she makes any money because she believes Georgetown is on the verge of becoming known as an "art town." Chair Baker said that hehad heard that Beninihad been so pleased with his recent association with Georgetown that heieseeking 2O.O0Dsq. ft. ofspace here so that he can relocate his gallery. Lashley said he was considering the Old Jail, which is owned by the County. Lashley has been trying to met up an appointment for Benini to discuss the possibility with Valerie Covey, Williamson County Commissioner for Georgetown. E. Report on the meeting of the chairs of the Arts and Culture Board, Convention and Visitors Bureau Board, Main Street Advisory Board, and Library Advisory Board on April 30, 2014 — Philip Baker, Eric Lashley. Baker reported that the meeting was worthwhile and made possible ahealthy sharing ofinformation. There is alot going on in the downtown and the boards share many interests. They plan to meet more regularly. Lashley said another meeting has already been scheduled at which the group will discuss capitalizing onthe Cultural District through scheduling and shared advertising of downtown event. Lashley said an upcoming challenge will be attracting visitors tothe downtown after the convention center inthe Riveryopens. The group also discussed the proposed downtown Civic Center, which would include the area around the Ubrary, the police staLioO, the GCAJ-building and the old library. The agreement with the County to lease the property at 8 th and MLK to the City for a parking lot has been approved byCity Council and will be considered bythe Commissioners Court next week. Assuming that the agreement is approved, work may begin onthe parking lot inDecember 2O14.The first phase ofCivic Center development would be creating outdoor assembly spaces, including aDamphitheater between the library and the police station, creation of a pocket park where the blue building now stands at the corner Cf9m and yNLK'and possibly closing MLKbetween 7 th and 9th Streets to create a park. F Report regarding the expenditure of funds from the Arts and Culture Board budget Judy Fabry. Fabry reported that she had not requested any payments during the month. She had asked Georgetown Art Works for aninvoice for the $158Dapproved to support the Snell reception, but none had been received. She said she would be requesting the check for the grant tothe Palace Theater early inJune. The board discussed upcoming expenses, which are Prize money for the T8(]Gsummer show $1800 Construction of concrete pads ot the airport $ OOO Newspaper ads for the Benini exhibit $ 850 Cultural District ads (as mentioned above) ?? Possible purchase ofePAsystem for the Art Center? Lashley said he vxOu|d investigate the cost of FY\ system. G. Consideration of and possible action to create guidelines for organizations that are seeking financial assistance from the Arts and Culture Board outside of the normal grant process — Melissa Waggoner, Judy Fabry. Waggoner asked totable this idea until later this year when the new budget is discussed. There was consensus, hovvever, that establishing simple guidelines, especially for requests from Georgetown Art Works, iaagood idea. H. Consideration of possible action regarding purchasing a Don Snell Painting —Gary Anderson, Judy Fabry. �Anderson explained his rationale for purchasing apainting, primarily that Snell is a local artist of considerable stature and his work should be preserved in Georgetown. He also believes strongly that artists (or their estates) are worthy of the community's financial support. He recommended three paintings from the present exhibit that he asked the board to consider: Kafka's Castle (a very early work); Flower Girl (a colorful work that is a departure from most of his work); and Red Striped Tie (a late work). General discussion followed about whether purchasing a painting from an exhibit would set a precedent that other artists would expect and whether the board had enough money to make a purchase. Also, some consideration was given to where the painting might hang. Amanda Still moved to purchase one of Snell's works that are currently on display. Liz Stewart seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The board members agreed to visit the exhibit to look at the paintings Anderson recommended. They will make a decision about which to purchase at the June meeting. Consideration and possible action regarding a new contract with Georgetown Art Works for management of the Georgetown Art Center for the next three years — Eric Lashley. Lashley reviewed the history of the current operating agreement, which was for a trial period of one year. Now that the year is nearly past, Georgetown Art Works would like to have a new contract for three years, a plan with which the City concurs. On August 12 Lashley will do an afternoon workshop with City Council and then will present the contract for approval at the regular Council meeting that evening. Before August 12, the Arts and Culture Board should have been involved in writing the contract and have recommended acceptance to the Council members. Lashley talked about the two prevailing notions of what makes an art center successful. One is that it is a place that displays and supports a high level of artistic endeavor through shows and classes, and high door counts are not the primary sign of success. The other is that the most important thing is assuring that many people pass through the doors, regardless of the quality of art that is displayed or the visitors' interest in art, that is, increasing foot traffic downtown is the primary purpose of the art center. The new contract that is drawn up probably will have to reconcile these two attitudes. With that in mind, he asked what changes the board members would suggest. Gary Anderson said that he would like to see downtown art nights be separate events from First Fridays. He does not believe that First Friday participants are necessarily art lovers and it doesn't benefit the Art Center to be open on First Fridays. Still reminded the board of the financial difficulties a separate art night would present to gallery owners who are expected to be open on First Fridays. Baker suggested that Georgetown Art Works is doing a good job; let them tell the Board what they want to do. Shana Nichols agreed that GAW is doing a good job, but she says they need to be challenged and suggested that they need to have events away from the Art Center to promote it to people in the community who still don't know it exists. Lashley said he believes that the contract should still dictate a minimum number of art shows per year because it is the constant change in the gallery that will drive foot traffic. Waggoner suggested that there be a milestone for each of the three years and Still took that idea further, saying that GAW should report annually on their progress toward those milestones. Lashley talked about aspects of the Arts and Culture Board's long range plan that could mesh with the goals of GAW, such as the Artist in Residency program. Lashley will begin drafting the contract within the next month. All board members are able to meet on the regular June 17 meeting date. Chair Baker adjourned the meeting at 5:45. Respectfully submitted, Liz St rt, Secretary P Kilip�B/a�ir, Chair 11 Known mainly for his expressive figurative paintings, Snell also created sculpture and photography. During his 60 year career, Snell had exhibits throughout the U.S. and Europe. On a 2004 painting, he wrote: Snell was born in Sioux Falls in 1922, grew up in Kansas City, and served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. He received his BFA from the University of Texas at Austin. He taught, as a postgraduate student, at Tulane University in New Orleans, but left the program after one year because it was keeping him from his own studio. He later taught at Arlington State College in Texas and at The University of Houston. In 2010, Snell was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Austin Visual Arts Association. The Georgetown Art Center's programs are managed by Georgetown Art Works, a Texas nonprofit organization engaged in the development and enrichment of visual arts in the community. Sl!IMMER EXl:'IIBl iTS Don Snell Retrospective May 2-June 1 The American Dream: Artist's Perception of the American Dream June 6 -July 20 Rene Wiley July 25 -August 31 The Great Outdoors September 5 -September 28 Art Hop -Statewide Arts Competition October 3 -October 31 Art Gallery Gift Shop Art Classes Workshops GEORGETOWN ART CENTER 816 South Main Street Georgetown, TX 78626 512. 930.2583 SUN: 1 to 5 PM TUE-SAT: 10 AM to 6 PM FREE ADMISSION SUMMER CLASS OFFERING AGE DAY TIME CLASS TUITION 5-7 yrs Tues 4:30-5:30pm f\Qimal Art $65/mo 5-7 yrs Wed 5:30-6:30pm Fun with Art $65/mo 8-12 yrs Tues 6-7:30pm Beyond the Brush $85/mo 8-12 yrs Thurs 4:30-6 m Pencil, Pastel, Watercolor & Beyond $85/mo Teens (13-18)Mon 6:30pm-8:30pm Portfolio Painting & Drawing $95/mo Adults Thurs 6:30pm-8:30pm Painting & Drawing $125/mo Artists from lell lo right Jane Radslrom, Don Snell, Chadwick & Spector, Jennifer Balkan, and Benini II 0)/dOl!(/ll ARTschool A partnership between Georgetown Art Works & Cordovan Art School. Talk With the Animals Do you love animals? Are you a 'Dr. Doolittle?' Then, have we got the place for you! You and your friends will l1ave a blast getting to play with real animals, from the exotic to the friendly farm critters. You'll get to paint, sketch, sculpt, and learn, as you engage in all sorts of activities that teach you about our furry friends. Back by popular demand! This camp does sell out quickly, so sign up early. All Things 3-D The title says it a111 You'll l1ave hands-on fun as you create beautiful works of art using clay, papier-maclie, and found objects. Come ready to dive into ceramics, dabble with 1ecyclables, and much morel If you don't get a little messy, you are obviously not enjoying yourself enough, Passion for Fashion Do you dream of being a part of Project Runway as a fashion designer or photographer? Tllis is your chance to try both!!! BlACK is BACK, and so is this VERY popular cam()! Join the club and be en vogue with all your lrie11dsas you work la.vardsa Sll!Prlsechallenge! You'll never be pulled O'IE'r by the fasl1ion police again! Are you in or out7 Under the Sea Do you love dipping your toes in t11e ocean1 Do you ever wonder what's swimming beneath the surface? Do you want to dive with the dolphins? Although we don't have any real dolphins, we l1ave the next best tl1ing--we can create our own ocean environment at the Georgetown Art Center Art-Aquarium! As you may have guessed, all artwork will be tl1emed aquatic I Ceramics and Pottery Party! Fire-up the kiln and dive into one of our most popular camps! It's a very "hands on" experience designing, sculpting, and glazing your very own ceramic creations. You'll do more than just paint the pottery--you'II create a variety of masterpieces from start to finish. The artistic process will come alive as you make your own personalized art pieces that will last a lifetime! You'll want to sign up early for this camp, as it will sell outi Bug's Eye View You l1earcl it l1ere first, folks ... we are combining the logic of a scientist with the whimsy of an artist; we are combining a microscope with a paintbrush; we are combining pocket protectors with creative crayolas! In this nature-lover's camp we are going to make small things look big, find textures and patterns in the outside world, and we will solve the mystery of what lies in your garden at a "bugs eye view." Art of Anime Do you love all things anime? Do you love all things Manga? Do you even know the difference? Go beyond just learning how to draw your favorite characters and learn how to make a storyboard, line creations, and comic strips. You'll be able to make yotlr very own animated �erlesl You'll also learn tips on how to make vour artwork "pop" out of the page. You'! IX' impressed with how Quickly you'll see results that will take your work from good to impressivei Toon Town Mania Learn to draw some of your favorite cl1aracters from Pokemon, to Phineas & Ferb, to My Little Ponies, to Dr. Seuss, and more! This camp is all about cartoons & comics. You'll learn how to identify shapes in drawing cartoons like the pros! You'll also get to illustrate your very own comic strip and cartoon characters. Join us in this imaginative adventure. Wl10 knows? Maybe you'll be the next Dr. Seuss, Walt Disney, Gary Larson or Charles Schultz. Year after year, this is always one of the most popular camps! Capture It! Photography leillTI the tricks and techniQlll'S of 11hotog@pl1Y. Yooll finallv figure oot what all lllOSe sellings mean and how to correctly use voor camera. You'! capture professro11c1t•looking ima�: 1t•o1J'll learn how to compose iJ great shol; ilrxl you'll come away 1•�1fl a ixirtfollo of fiilllaslk pictures thiJI even vom morn would be IJ(OUd of. Youll bring \'UUI own camera and let a professlonal pholog@pllQI navigate \OU lluough vaiious experimenl5 and sellings. iflCltiding Ups on photo ediliny .. SiJY cheese1 Interior Design in MiniaturesDovou love todec01a1e your room and lhenre·de<O@le it I.he �ry nexlday? H�ve vou ever dl'sl(Jf1ed a doll house or IJ\lllt a ll19 hotel? We are going lo take vour unag1natlon to a whole new IMI as 1o,e bufld and deco@le mi11k1lure living sllu(es. We will apply Ille princlp�of design along with color, pattern, texture, balance and llarmony1 Creative Painting Are you a creative person vho just can't stav within the confinrng parameters of the "oox'1 Have ypu ever tried llointmg out-of-the-box or off-the-cam-as? You will 11.iniputate and paint on surfaces such as wood, 11eavings1 maps, cardboard rnasks, i31ld Or!Jank found objects. Come explore mrxed media and lei vour ilTlil9inatrDn mn wik.l! Adventuring through Books and Art II you lov� "Where the WldThingsAre", ·11 )UU Give a Mouse a Cookie", or "Jumanjr' lhl'll this rnmp ls right up \'OUf alley! You'll transform Into a famous story writer and artist as you let your imagilliltion run wlld. You'll get to work lndividrnlly aocl with a team to br'ing home the Caldecott Awardl Go Play with your Art Onlv during summer can we mix lliavtillW! and art together for an experience you'll oover forget! Come and get vour crealiVI! Juices flowing lh1ough movement aoo story telling. You'll get down an<l clirtv wlfh alternative art n1<1teriaG al'(! games. You'll be lnlrodu(e<l to famous artists. And through all the fun, you'll just get to "play with your art I" Color Bursts of Summer School's out, and it's time for a little creative fun out of the hot Te xas su11! AnyU1mg goes In tt,ls wnd anc! colorful camp. You11 lry different styles or the masters Stleh as Van Gog/1 and Picasso. Aoo we will even , mix It up with some<onlemporary arllsts such as Reoe Wilev(wllo will be showing In lite Georgetown Atl Center Gallery!) Come arid maKe amaZirxJIV creative color wheet aoo play with art like never before. Building Blocks of Art This is a perfect exploratory camp for all you Pre-K artists out there! Have you ever had Irie chance to take a lrne for a walk? Novls your chance to team oow! You'll cut and assemble sha!X!S. mix colors, play wrh textures and build. ITle camp is proceiSed based and 1�ill irKtude ot ier creative activit� such � mu�c. movement and st01ies! But. most of all.JUN! Zen-Tastic Art WI.it do Paooa Bears, origamt and sushi have in common? Wl1at aboul Suml•e Ink Pillnlings . lavered landscapes, stone lantern sculptures and beautiful oamboo printmaking? Have VIXl figured it out yel? Come exlJlore Japan witll us rn an artlstfc adventure of a lifelimund you'! never set a fool out of Te;.:as! Pop! Goes Art Would vou consider a comic slrip 01 a soup can a work of art? Thanks lo ar!i5ts like Andy Warhol and Rav Licl1tenstien, lhe O!dlnarv (an be made inlosomeU1ing extra·01d1narv. This camp takes popular rullure lo a 11ew level as vou create Iconic art work that jumps off the paqe and lnlo lhe hearts of !lie Amerkan People; You will make a splash 1n lhe art world and have fun as vou draw. painl and sculpl POP kons. Enjoy your IS rninules of fame! DATE J ne·M3 JL(ne 1·6-2'0 Jul 28-Au 1 DATE DATE SUMMER CAMPS 2014 AGES • -KJ MORNING SESSION (9am-12noon) AFTERNOON SESSION (1 pm-4pm) Go Play with your Art AGES 5-7 MORNING SESSION (9am-12noon) ' Talk with the Animals Bug's Eye View Color Bursts of Summer All Things 3-D Adventuring through Books and Art A E 8-12 MORNING SESSION AFTERNOON SESSION (1 pm-4pm) AFTERNOON SESSION __ AGES 13,. __ MORNING SESSION Half day camp: $165 + $30 supply fee Register for 2 camps and get 10% off --Savings of $33 Register for 3 camps and get 15% off --Savings of $75 Register for 4 camps and get 5th camp free! (BEST VALUE!) Savings of $165 Georgetown Art Center Members discount 10% (only one discount applied per registration) �ordouo11 ARTschool cordovanartschool.com/georgetown 816 South Main St Georgetown, TX 78626 Register at cordovanartschool.com/georgetown or (512) 275-4040. Register at cordovanartschool.com/georgetown or (512) 275-4040. have anything on my mind when I paint. That way, ateverhappeWi be■ II a new experience. Don Snell Special Thanks to Ruth Roberts and Georgetown Arts and Culture Board. 11111 GEORGETOWN ART CENTER 816 Soulh Main Street Georgelown, TX 78626 5129302 583 (,(lurqc\n1·111!\1lC.r 1l('I IX (!l'<J "I try not to have anything on my mind when I paint. That way, whatever happens . b WI e •[l]a new experience. Don Snell Special Thanks to Ruth Roberts and Georgetown Arts and Culture Board. IHI GEORGETOWN ART CENTER 816 South Main Street Georgetown, TX 78626 512.930 583 C1_•01 �Jct-1w11/\1 \(c11tc;1 X.,;.11 \l Donald Wayne Snell was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on April 3, 1922, to Benjamin and Jewel Snell. Jewel had met Ben when he worked at a soda fountain and they married at a young age. Jewel's family owned a farm, as did many Americans at that time. Her father, a 32nd Degree Mason, 1 was instrumental in starting a local cooperative creamery so they were fairly well off. Ben worked at minor jobs, mostly unskilled labor. Because his lather had died when he was a young child, he had to Iorgo an education in order to help his mother support the family. With only a fourth grade education, his opportunities were limited. Jewel had a high school diploma. When Don was three years old the family moved to Kansas City where they lived through the lean years of the Great Depression. Ben worked a variety of odd jobs, mostly as a mechanic. Jewel worked in the home and raised their son. Even Don worked. As a child, he delivered ice cream and had odd jobs at the ballpark. As a teenager, Snell attended high school but didn't graduate because he was offered $30 -a lot of money in those days -to join the Army National Guard and go to training camp. He joined on December 22, 1939. A year later, he was called to active duty, beginning his training as a soldier in the 35th Infantry Division. Although Snell was only 18 years old, he understood that the situation in Europe was probably calling him. It did not take long for him to realize two things: first, that being in the infantry meant a lot more walking than he wanted to do; but even more importantly, he realized that since he was in S-2 Intelligence, he would be at the front of the troops, where his life expectancy in active battle might be about three minutes. On request, he received a short discharge and enlisted in the Regular Army Air Corps for three years. Snell was shipped to England soon after war was declared. His job with the Air Corps involved working at the Sperry gun sight repair station at Huntington Air Force Base near Bury St Edmunds, one of the oldest towns in England. The gun sights were used in bombers by waist gunners firing 50 caliber machine guns. Working at the repair station for a year, he avoided most of the horrors of war because Germa.ny had reduced its bombing campaigns on England to focus on multiple fronts of the war. Snell was not a model soldier; the military had trouble placing him. Alter being moved from station to station, he met a soldier who had been a 'Second Banana' in burlesque routines at the old Howard Theatre in Boston. This man had put together a small group of performers that traveled from base to base, providing entertainment for the soldiers. Snell was invited to join them and since he had long hair he often played the part of a woman in skits. He still laughs when he remembers that our military thought their best use of him was to dress him in women's clothing to entertain the troops. Eventually, a morale-building competition was held between the Special Services units of various bases from Scotland, Ireland and England. The prize was a six-month theater gig in London to entertain troops on leave. The competition was held at High Wycombe Airdrome, with Jimmy Doolittle, commander of the Eighth Air Force in the first row of the audience. Snell's group won! Highly excited about the prize, the men immediately drove into London to celebrate. They knew that the next day's Stars and Stripes would have a write-up of their victory. But they were wrong. The daily paper covered only one current item on June 6, 1944, theD-Day invasion of Normandy. After the war in Europe ended, Snell was shipped back to the United States and discharged. He returned to Kansas City but did not know what he wanted to do. He completed two semesters of junior college, then lost interest. He decided to travel around "searching for meaning." Hitchhiking through the country, he looked up old friends from the Army and even traveled to Canada. He thought about going back to England, but wound up re-enlisting in the Air Force. He was sent to the Panama Canal Zone where he became the chief engineer of the Armed Forces radio station and even had his own morning show. After a year in Panama, Snell was shipped back to the states. In San Antonio, after a six-year military career, he received an honorable Military lnadaptability Discharge. After his discharge, Snell went to Austin and looked up an old friend whom he'd met during their enlistment with the Air Force. To this day, he credits Bob Gibson with changing his life. "He called me stupid one day and I took umbrage." Snell realized it was time to finish his education. He attended night school to get his high school diploma and enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin where the GI Bill financed his education. His first interest was anthropology, but he changed his mind and instead decided to major in art. At some point, he read Lust for Life and the thought of being an artist appealed to him. Gibson remained a lifelong friend; the men wrote letters to each other almost every day for fifty years. Snell received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of Te xas in 1955. After graduatio to New Orleans, where he had a teaching fellowship for a Master's degree at Tulane. It, long for him to realize that teaching was robbing him of time in the studio, his true passio year, he dropped out. Over the next few years Snell moved to other cities: New York, Ar Francisco and Houston. He did go back to teaching at the University of Houston for thri order to better support his family, he also worked at china restoration, a part-time occL enough creativity in its process to appeal to an artist. Over the years, Snell married live times and had three sons by two wives. His last marr long-time partner and companion, Ruth Roberts, was in 19 93. They moved from Houston to C in 19 81, bought a few heavily wooded acres near town and built their own home . Sn "We did everything ourselves except the plumbing and electricity -they had to work!" T located on a rocky hillside overlooking a small pond and rolling hills. It is built on pier, seven feet off the ground with a seasonal stream that runs under a deck nestled in the trees. hand-built home with a studio attached to it. In his studio, Snell has created a few thousand paintings as well as bronzes and small cerami< is in the collections of several museums and admirers around the world. Although he won c Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, Snell remained humble, humorous and prolific to t his way to the hospital one last time, he told Ruth "I think I'm going to die now, but that's ok a fabulous life!" He died a few days later on January 6, 2014 -at home, in his own bed. E Selected Paintings l by L1 Nayne Snell was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on April 3, 1922, to Benjamin and I. Jewel had met Ben when he worked a\ a soda fountain and they married at a young age. 1ily owned a farm, as did many Americans a\ that lime. Her father, a 32nd Degree Mason, nental in starling a local cooperative creamery so they were fairly well off. Ben worked at i, mostly unskilled labor. Because his father had died when he was a young child, he had education in order lo help his mother support the family. With only a fourth grade education, unities were limited. Jewel had a high school diploma. 1 was three years old the family moved to Kansas City where they lived through the lean years ,t Depression. Ben worked a variety of odd jobs, mostly as a mechanic. Jewel worked in the raised their son. Even Don worked. As a child, he delivered ice cream and had odd jobs iark. Jer, Snell attended high school but didn't graduate because he was offered $30 - a lot of money 1s -to join the Army National Guard and go to training camp. He joined on December 22, 1939. r, he was called to active duty, beginning his \raining as a soldier in the 35th Infantry Division. nell was only 18 years old, he understood that the situation in Europe was probably calling him. 1ke long for him lo realize two things: first, that being in the infantry mean\ a lot more walking in\ed to do; but even more importantly, he realized that since he was in S-2 Intelligence, ie at the front of the troops, where his life expectancy in active battle might be about three )n request, he received a short discharge and enlisted in the Regular Army Air Corps for S. hipped to England soon alter war was declared. His job with the Air Corps involved working ·y gun sight repair station al Huntington Air Force Base near Bury St Edmunds, one of the oldest 1gland. The gun sights were used in bombers by waist gunners firing 50 caliber machine guns. the repair station for a year, he avoided most of the horrors of war because Germany had reduced ;i campaigns on England to focus on multiple fronts of the war. Snell was no\ a model soldier; the military had trouble placing him. After being moved from station to station, he met a soldier who had been a 'Second Banana' in burlesque routines at the old Howard Theatre in Boston. This man had put together a small group of performers that traveled from base to base, providing entertainment for the soldiers. Snell was invited to join them and since he had long hair he often played the part of a woman in skits. He still laughs when he remembers that our military thought their best use of him was to dress him in women's clothing to entertain the troops. Eventually, a morale-building competition was held between the Special Services units of various bases from Scotland, Ireland and England. The prize was a six-month theater gig in London lo entertain troops on leave. The competition was held at High Wycombe Airdrome, with Jimmy Doolittle, commander of the Eighth Air Force in the firs\ row of the audience. Snell's group· won! Highly excited about the prize, the men immediately drove into London to celebrate. They knew that the next day's Stars and Stripes would have a write-up of their victory. But they were wrong. The daily paper covered only one current item on June 6, 1944, the D-Day invasion of Normandy. After the war in Europe ended, Snell was shipped back to the United States and discharged. He returned to Kansas City but did not know what he wanted to do. He completed two semesters of junior college, then lost interest. He decided to travel around "searching for meaning." Hitchhiking through the country, he looked up old friends from the Army and even traveled to Can'ada. He thought about going back to England, but wound up re-enlisting in the Air Force. He was sent to the Panama Canal Zone where he became the chief engineer of the Armed Forces radio station and even had his own morning show. After a year in Panama, Snell was shipped back to the states. In San Antonio, after a six-year military career, he received an honorable Military lnadaptability Discharge. After his discharge, Snell went to Austin and looked up an old friend whom he'd me\ during their enlistment with the Air Force. To this day, he credits Bob Gibson with changing his life. "He called me stupid one day and I took umbrage." Snell realized it was time to finish his education. He attended night school to get his high school diploma and enrolled at The University of Te xas at Austin where the GI Bill financed his education. His first interest was anthropology, but he changed his mind and instead decided to major in art. At some point, he read Lust for Lile and the thought of being an artist appealed to him. Gibson remained a lifelong friend; the men wrote letters to each other almost every day for fifty years. l Snell received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of Te xas in 19 55. Alter graduation he moved to New Orleans, where he had a teaching fellowship for a Master's degree a\ Tu lane. It did not take long for him lo realize that teaching was robbing him of time in the studio, his true passion. Alter one year, he dropped out. Over the next few years Snell moved to other cities: New York, Arlington, San Francisco and Houston. He did go back to teaching at the University of Houston for three Y.ears. In order to better support his family, he also worked at china restoration, a part-time occupation with enough creativity in its process to appeal to an artist. Over the years, Snell married live times and had three sons by two wives. His last marriage, to his long-time partner and companion, Ruth Roberts, was in 1993. They moved from Houston to Georgetown in 1981, bought a few heavily wooded acres near town and built their own home. Snell recalled, "We did everything ourselves except the plumbing and electricity -they had to work!" The house is located on a rocky hillside overlooking a small pond and rolling hills. It is built on piers that rise lo seven feel off the ground with a seasonal stream that runs under a deck nestled in the trees. It is a simple hand-built home with a studio attached to it. In his studio, Snell has created a few thousand paintings as well as bronzes and small ceramics. His work is in the collections of several museums and admirers around the world. Although he won a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Aw ard in 2010, Snell remained humble, humorous and prolific to the end. On his way to the hospital one last time, he told Ruth "I think I'm going to die now, but that's okay. I've lived a fabulous life!" He died a few days later on January 6, 2014 -at home, in his own bed. Excerpt from Selected Paintings by Don Snell by Lucas Adams