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OCTOBER 2007
DSA presents a Sheep Spectacular Event
Tax credit information presented to Downtown group
Old Downtown buildings put on new faces
DSA presents a “Sheep Spectacular Event”
by LEH
 Pamela Miller, Sue Rainey, Crystal Goodman, Charlotte Northcutt,Suzanne McGee, Julie Raymond & Brenda Gunter eye the new flock of sheep and begin imagining a special design for each. |
As the large cardboard containers were cut open and the oversize shapes were removed, the commissioned artists could be observed running their hands over the fiberglass sheep and peering into the statue’s eyes. Thus began the public art Sheep Art project sponsored by Downtown San Angelo, Inc.
Thirty-plus sponsors participated in the “Miss Wool” event which corresponded with downtown’s “Art-Ober-Fest” celebration. As artists were selected by sponsors, one could see the forms being picked up and transported to artist’s studios, homes or the location
used to transform the white sheep into creative works of art. To add to the fun, “sheep” themes abounded. “Welcoming Ewe,” “Wool Ewe Remember,” and “Lucky Ewe” are just a sampling of the clever titles given to each project. The large array of talented local
artists began to put their individual flair and inspiration into their project.
 Under the direction of instructor Joe Morgan, CHS Art Students craft their own “sheep” themes on small ceramic forms. |
Brenda Gunter, who coordinated the project from start through to the “Miss Wool Parade” on October 13, also decided that the younger up-and-coming artists should be able to join in the fun. Ms. Gunter approached Joe Morgan, Central High School Art Instructor, with and idea to allow students to design a smaller scale ceramic sheep. The students were asked to submit their design and theme. Mr. Morgan revealed that it was difficult to select the top 13. The result was a fabulous array of color, design and clever project titles which were featured as centerpieces at the dinner, concert and dance which culminated the Miss Wool day’s events.
J. Walker Gallery, 221 S. Chadbourne, hosted the ceramic sheep display October 8–13. “Miss Wool” memorabilia including fashions worn by former “Miss Wool” contestants, photographs, programs, slides and much more were exhibited at this location throughout the event. Many visitors recalled the pageantry and excitement of these San Angelo occasions.
 Mickey Clark and the band entertain downtown visitors. |
The “Shepherd’s Shindig” took place in award winning “Merchants Alley” located behind the Texas Theatre on Saturday evening. Attendees were treated to cocktails, dinner and a concert/dance featuring Nashville artist “Mickey Clark.” Mr. Clark brought a very special flavor of entertainment to our fair city.
First and foremost allow me to thank all of you for supporting the decision of the DSA Search Committee and giving me the opportunity to serve our great community. It’s been a furious few months since I became the Executive Director and the work has been intense. As we continue this transition I would like to thank you for your patience as we are continually striving to improve our communications and developing a strategic work plan for DSA.
Over the last few months I have been meeting with each of the Board of Directors and asking three key questions:
- What is your vision of downtown San Angelo?
- What are your expectations of Downtown San Angelo, Inc.?
- What are your expectations of my role as Executive Director?
My goal is to develop from your answers a road map utilizing the expertise of each of you and maintaining the administration of the Main Street Program. We have an extremely talented, skilled and diverse Board of Directors whose knowledge and understanding of meeting the needs of Downtown San Angelo is vital to meeting our mission and goals.
Throughout my discussions with community and political leaders it is clear we are all united in our desire to establish a viable and thriving downtown area. Now, it’s up to us to bring together the pieces that will bring the economic and social life this community is seeking.
As my new friend John McGee said “it’s like eating an elephant — one bite at a time.” The complexity of our goals and all of the components that are required are within reach. My request to you is first to pray that our goals to establish a community that will produce a vibrant lifestyle for all is met with full expectation. My second request is that we not limit
ourselves or any vision and ideas that will produce and generate synergies to move
forward in pursuit of our goals.
Again, thank you for you’re support and let’s continue to move forward.
Paint Brush Alley Renewed
by L.E. Hofheins
 United Way volunteers tackle unsightly graffiti in downtown’s Merchants Alley. |
On July 28, United Way designated a “Day of Caring.” Various San Angelo groups come together to clean-up the city. Downtown San Angelo, Inc.’s Board Secretary, Brenda Gunter, led group of 20-plus volunteers to assist with graffiti removal in downtown’s award-winning Merchants Alley.
 Revived new canvases prepared for artists vision and creativity. |
House of Chemicals researched graffiti removalmethods/products and provided an ecofriendly chemical solution which worked well on various surfaces. A pressure washer was used in areas as needed. Special care was taken when cleaning historic brick finished walls. Where applicable, volunteers painted over graffiti.
Ms. Gunter stated, “We took back our alley.” DSA member, and part-owner of Bouquets
Unique, Estelle Salas,was also on site to assist with the project.
Downtown San Angelo, Inc.’s Executive Director, Del Velasquez, is working closely with the City regarding the graffiti issue.
Additionally, Del presented proposed procedures to the DSA Board of Directors which could be implemented immediately:
- DSA would encourage anyone who spots fresh graffiti to call DSA office (325) 655-1234.
- DSA would have clean-up materials, stored and ready for immediate use.
- DSA would maintain a list of volunteers, who could act quickly and remove graffiti as it occurs.
Mr. Velasquez is presently working with Mayor J.W. Lown who was first to recognize this as a critical issue. The Mayor has researched other cities and finds that they are taking an aggressive stand in eliminating this fast-growing problem. In collaboration, Downtown San Angelo, Inc., Mayor Lown, and the SAPD are moving towards a graffiti ordinance for public/private use. The ultimate goal is to provide resolution for this problem city-wide.
Tax credit information presented to Downtown group
by L. Hofheins
 Del Velasquez, Raquel Favela, Stephanie Dugan, & Kathy Keane visit prior to NDC presentation. |
Stephanie Dugan of the National Development Council presented an information seminar to several downtown property owners and developers on Wednesday, August 1. The session was hosted by John Fuentes at Fuentes Café Downtown.
Ms. Dugan provided the group with information on downtown real estate development. The presentation included utilization of tax credits and new market credits.
 Merchants & property owners gather for information seminar. |
A display of slides depicting projects completed in downtown areas of Wichita Falls and Abilene was presented. Before and after pictures on these illustrated projects were impressive. They provided a look at what can be accomplished when individuals and associations work together. Most significant is the utilizing of the many financing tools available for renovation and preservation. Stephanie stated that on her visits to San Angelo, she has identified sites that she feels fit the criteria for implementing financial strategies.
Also on hand to provide information on tax credits used in San Antonio was Raquel Favela.
Old Downtown buildings … put on new faces
by L. Hofheins
 Fuentes Café is refreshed as Crystal Goodman puts a new face on an old favorite eating establishment. Just one of the many façade improvements coming soon in the downtown area. |
Downtown visitors may have observed the transformation of Fuentes Café façade and the petite red head high up on the Rental Services Corporation scissor jack applying her magic to
the building. Crystal Goodman, well-known artist is working with Historic Murals of San
Angelo in conjunction with Chadbourne Street property owners to improve the look of downtown.
Work on Fuentes Café commenced on October 1 with the Trompe L’oiel Red Brick to match the original brick work under the front windows of the restaurant. Using KEIM Mineral Systems paint, long lasting and durable, Ms. Goodman hopes to complete this project by the end of October.
Crossing the street to 311 N. Chadbourne, the lone Art Nouveau building in the area will be repainted and the architectural details that have been long gone will be brought back to life.
Moving on to 315 and 317 N. Chadbourne, the XL Electric and Master Cabinet Works will be refurbished with a mural. The subject has not yet been selected, but the mural will be placed on the north end of the building and will be the first thing visitors will see as they make the curve in the road.
The next phase of the project will take place on the 200 block of N. Chadbourne with a design painted on the front of 224 N. Chadbourne to resemble a downtown residence. This location currently serves as a residence. The Howell Ice Machine building will host a mural depicting a cattle drive crossing the Concho River. It will be made to look as if is carved out of stone. A history of Cattle Drives through the San Angelo area will be placed just below the scene.
Concluding the effort will be an exact replica of the original painting on the L.E. Mercer Boot Shop. The current paint is badly faded. The new face will be done in KEIM paint (UV ray resistant) so fading will not be an issue.
Hugh Campbell is working on additional window murals are in the works for placement in the Old Household Furniture store. Master Cabinet Works will have a mural portraying the grocery and meat market originally at this location. Katherine Pittman will do a mural of the old Depot Confectionary in the window of 311 N. Chadbourne and a complete renewal of the façade at 222 N. Chadbourne will bring back a display not unlike that of the original dry goods and notions store operating in the early ’20s.
October 2007 recap
by Del Velasquez
|
And the winner is? October offered overwhelmingly successful activities with the Combination of the Sheep Spectacular (Miss Wool Parade and Contest); Art-Ober-Feast North Chadbourne Sale-a-Bration and Shepherd’s Shindig events. Hundreds of citizens and tourists came to Historic Downtown San Angelo on October 13 to witness the parade and exhibition of the incredible artistic talent and paintings of the fiberglass sheep. It is no wonder San Angelo’s artistic community is fast becoming nationally and internationally recognized.
It is a fact that the downtown area of any city is the heart of the community. Economists agree that the “commitment to downtown revitalization and reuse of historic buildings may be the most effective single act of fiscal responsibility a city can take.”
The display of the art featured on oversized fiberglass sheep will soon be relocated around the downtown area bringing added color to the recent display of “Walk Through Time” banners recognizing the history of downtown buildings spanning decades. The banners are strategically placed designating buildings as they were originally utilized, providing not only a history lesson but a step in the beautification of Downtown San Angelo.
At the recently held Downtown Texas Association Conference in Fort Worth San Angelo received recognition as a 2008 National Main Street City. This acknowledgement comes from the unsung work of Lucie Hofheins, Special Assistant to Downtown San Angelo, Inc. and the Board of Directors. I extend my congratulations to Lucie and the Board of Directors for this awesome display of relentless work and effort to improving the quality of life for San Angelo’s citizens.
The partnership of many of San Angelo’s civic and community organizations are the reason we have been successful in accomplishing the goals and mission of our associations. The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and the Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Downtown Merchants Association, our City Government at all levels have embraced the call for support in the spirit of true partnership. It is critical that we stay focused and build upon the momentum brought forth from these events. San Angelo is counting on us and it will take all of us working together to bring forth a vibrant and exciting Downtown San Angelo.
By the way — the winner is San Angelo
Downtown San Angelo, Inc.'s
"Art-Ober-Feast" & "Sheep Spectacular"
Special Thanks
SPONSORS
Allen & Tanis Price
Angelo State University
Anodyne, Inc.
Ben Stribling
Betty Perry
Charlotte Northcutt
Crockett National Bank
1st National Bank of Mertzon
Fred Griffin
Jim Bass Ford
Ken & Brenda Gunter
Laura & Bob Derby
Lee Pfluger
Multi-Chem Group
San Angelo Convention/Visitors Bureau
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts
Shannon Hospital
Sonic Drive-Ins
Sonny & Kirk Cleere
Texas Sheep/Goat Raiser Assoc.
Trimble Batjer Insurance Associates
Twin Mountain Fence
Wells Fargo Bank
ARTISTS
Amber Alexander
Ben Sum
Clay Hejl
Crystal Goodman
Cycris Ho
Jim Gill
Joy Noguess
Julie Raymond
Laurel Dane
Mejo Okon
Norma Meza
Patsy Cleere
Rebel Dowdle
Rene Alvarado
Sue Rainey
Suzanne McGee
Tracey Ferguson
Raul Ruiz
Ivan & Dot White
ASU Art Students
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Alyssa Ficke
Ana Jimenez
Andrew Dano
Austin Lopez
Hector Deleon
Jason Ibarra
Joe Morgan
Jordon Hunt
Julie Nguyen
Kelly Hannifin
Lauren Herring
Madison Dower
Sarah Roper
Stephanie Staycoff
ASSISTANCE
All-American Chevrolet
Barbara Hesse
Bead Hive
Bruce Fisher
Cactus Hotel
Celebraciones Bellas
D'Vine Wine
Fruit Fly Market
Gail Stefanski
Goodfellow Air Force Base
H.E.B. Food Stores
J. Walker Gallery
Jarvis Letcher
John McGee
J'Wilds
Loleta Barnhart
Major Hofheins
Suzanne Sugg
Downtown Merchants
Parade Volunteers
Miss Hatties
Tom Nurre, Sr.
Henry Schmidt
Howard Taylor
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