DANIELLE GAITHER
One of the many things that gives Denton its independent character is our thriving arts scene. The Visual Arts Society of Texas (VAST) is one of the organizations that supports that scene, and on February 7th, they’re giving the community the chance to hear from local award-winning watercolor painter Jo Williams.
The event will feature a screening of the documentary film Living Art: Jo Williams, followed by a watercolor demonstration. This is the first in a series of documentaries that focuses on artists who contribute to their communities through living their art. You can view the film’s trailer by clicking here.
The film explores Williams’s connection to the local community through showing her art, teaching students, and volunteering her time. Several local musicians contribute to the film’s score, and 2010 Texas Poet Laureate and Denton resident karla k. morton offers poetic narration. Susan Carol Davis directs the film, which was funded in part by the Greater Denton Arts Council, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts through a 2016 Artist Microgrant awarded to the director. You don’t want to miss this collaboration of diverse local artists!
Jo Williams’s watercolor paintings are inspired by the natural landscapes of the American Southwest. She has painted professionally for over 35 years and has taught students for almost as long. Williams has taught workshops throughout North Texas, as well as in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, Mexico, and even France. Her artwork has received multiple awards at juried art shows, and in 2008, Williams was invited to paint an ornament for the White House Christmas tree to represent her congressional district. She has been very active in the local arts community, having previously served as President of VAST and as chair of the City Commission for Public Arts. To learn more about Jo Williams and her artwork, visit her website.
The program on February 7th is part of VAST’s monthly series of events. Every month VAST features a presentation from a guest artist, which typically includes a lecture and an art demonstration. These events also feature a Mini-Show, where members are encouraged to bring in their own artwork to compete for a members’ choice award. VAST also offers artist workshops, critique groups, invitational exhibitions and more. VAST also supports young student artists by offering an annual art competition for Denton County high school students.
The screening of Living Art: Jo Williams and watercolor demo will take place on Wednesday, February 7th at 6:45 at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, 400 East Hickory Street in Denton. The presentation is free for VAST members and $5 for non-members.