Soon after French artists Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir became disillusioned with the traditional approach being taught in art schools and began sharing ideas with other artists, a movement known as Impressionism was born. When Spanish painter and sculptor, Pablo Picasso, and his friend, Georges Braque, shared an interest in taking apart objects to reassemble, Analytic Cubism was born.
Similarly, friends and members of the Brazos Valley Art League share ideas, discoveries, and opportunities when they come together. Originating in 1975, as two local art leagues merged into a single nonprofit organization, BVAL has grown and developed by opening its arms to artists of every style, opening doors to community locations where those artists can display their works.
BVAL President Nancy Schaan was recently pressed to find a new meeting location, so member Dary Dega, owner of one of our area’s most successfully inclusive art schools and an exhibitor of art from around the world, promptly opened the door to her gallery. “Come on in,” Dega said. Her gracious hospitality, both unexpected and immeasurable, is the sort of friendship that art seems to arouse. Now, artists and art lovers gather monthly at Degallery to engage in fellowship and snack on munchies. Meanwhile, they enjoy a free demonstration by a BVAL member or a visiting artist, such as Marsha Wilson revealing her amazing process of pyrography.
Similarly, when BVAL’s Wedn
esday Painters needed a location, Hobby Lobby opened its doors and said, “Come on in.” Now, every Wednesday, artists gather at the store to create art together. There’s no lesson or group activity. Instead, each person brings a project-in-progress — drawing, painting, quilting, you name it — to work on while sharing ideas and companionship.
Periodically throughout each year, members’ works are displayed at local venues such as Downtown Uncorked, the Brazos Center, or Perrine Winery. Judged art shows and art sales are held at locations such as Post Oak Mall in College Station, The Gallery Downtown in Navasota, or St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Bryan. When BVAL needed a place for the annual Starving Artist sale in October, St. Andrew’s said, “Come on in.” Not only was the event financially successful for artists, for the church, and for BVAL, it was also a brilliant opportunity for art collectors to scoop up a bargain.
In 2019, four BVAL artists — Charles Wallis, Jay Schaan, Iva Banik, and Michael McHugh — engaged their unique talents to create an elegant sculpture commissioned by CHI St. Joseph Hospital. The Tree of Life is permanently located in the hospital’s main lobby, located in Bryan at 2801 Franciscan Drive, serving as an enduring tribute not only to medicine but to the exceptional friendships that art inspires.
Joining BVAL is incredibly easy. Visitors are welcome at all member meetings, which are held on Mondays at Degallery, 702 University Drive, and memberships are available for individuals, students, or families. For more information, follow BVAL on Facebook or visit bvartleague.com.
