Here's the story of a successful art movement in a small town:

Over the last few years, the small, historic town of Bastrop, Texas (est. 1832; pop. 7,554), is gradually gaining a reputation as a substantial art friendly destination.

This growth in art awareness is made possible by a successful collaboration by several groups working together to help make art a more beneficial part of daily life. For, example: The City of Bastrop provides strong support for the effort by funding various art projects, including the Art in Public Places project (which sponsored this photo project). Two of those major projects are shown in the gallery below: decorating transformer covers, and placing sculptures at ever expanding locations around town.

The transformer covers are decorated by artist selected from a call for entries, which are juried and the winners chosen. The artists paint their winning designs on the ugly, grey/green metal boxes, transforming them into beautiful works of art.

The City of Bastrop also has an annual sculpture call as well, with the winners juried and awarded cash prizes and put on display at the city for a year. Some of the sculptures are purchased by the City which also purchases other art for the public. This call, as well as the transformer call, is organized by the City of Bastrop Art in Public Places Board as a service to the community as well as visitors.

These various arrangements are a clear win-win for all parties involved: The artists are supported by being paid for their work, and the city receives 1st class art to help beautify the city.

The images below are only the relativity new additions. They were photographed for inclusion in a new brochure that will contain photos of the art works, and a large, fold out 3-D-like map showing the locations of all the art works. The brochure, and many other free handouts, are available at the new Bastrop County Historical Society Museum and Visitor Center at 904 South Main Street.

Come visit Bastrop and the Museum and Visitor Center. You’ll find lots of art by local, national, and international artists in various galleries and shops. You'll also find a well preserved historic town that is in the National Historic Register, with many old beautiful homes. I bet a cheeseburger and malt you’ll enjoy your visit.

Thanks for looking, and take care.

--John Chandler



Click on image for larger view.