A Night Of Art In Downtown San Marcos
By Holly Ratcliff
On March 26, Dahlia and Jonathan Woods opened Dahlia Woods Gallery during San Marcos’ Downtown Gallery Night. Rio Claro Studios, Cafe Monet, and 218 studioworks also participated.
“For many years, [Dahlia] ran a very successful gallery from Dallas. Then, we decided to run away to Key West for a while. We came back to Texas, [and] she just wanted to do it again, so we’re here. San Marcos just seems like a really growing, vibrant community that would appreciate a gallery. We like it here a lot,” recounted Jonathan Woods.
The gallery’s owner, Dahlia Woods, is an artist herself. She has gained special acclaim in Dallas where her paintings are displayed in the Dallas Mayor’s
Office and the offices of the Dallas Visitors and Convention Bureau.
When asked about the gallery’s use of chain-link fences to display artwork, Jonathon Woods said that “It was a joint decision because [the] walls are solid masonry. The only other option would be to hang the work from cables. We came up with this idea because it gives an edgy feel to the space. A cross between edgy and practical.”
Clay DeStefano, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Mermaid Society of San Marcos and a Chairman of the San Marcos Arts Commission, was one of the participating artists. He commented, “I’m really interested in the local art scene. I’m just thrilled we’ve had three new galleries open Downtown.”
When asked about his own display of sculptures, many of the mermaid variety, he said, “This is all raku clay, an [ancient] Japanese firing process; it turns the clay black, and it also creates [a] kind of metallic finish. It’s interesting that with each firing, it’s a little different. That’s what I like about it. It’s less controlled and more fun as a result of that.”
Michelle Jane Tupper, Texas State University alumna, was one of the first artists of the evening to sell a piece of work. “The title of [my] series is ‘Sustained Improvisations.’ I’m working impromptly, quickly, and intuitively, so that the clay doesn’t get overworked. From there, I am making these free forms and taking them through a number of firings after I’ve taken the clay to vitrification. When the clay is water tight, it is taken to maturity,” explained Tupper.
Similar to DeStefano, Tupper also found that unpredictable methods enlightened her artistic process: “That’s what I want. Someone to get comfort, to enjoy those happy accidents. Even if it’s considered a glazed flaw, I’m about it. Give me more of that. [The more] crunchy, grungy, and weird, the better.”
Aside from the visual arts, the gallery also caters to literary artists as well. “Bad Boy Books” sits in a corner of the gallery, a series of several bookshelves which highlight Texas State faculty, alumni, and student publications in particular. Jonathan Wood’s own award-winning novels are also available for purchase.
“I just hope that San Marcos, as it grows, will patronize the gallery and keep its doors open. We’re in it for the fun and [to be] a part of the community,” said Jonathan Woods.
Dahlia Woods Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. The space is located at 232 North LBJ Drive. ?
