Along the turtle-speckled lagoon that leads to one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels is a lane lined with locally crafted sculptures, shooting fountains and delightfully designed landscapes — including a one-of-a-kind totem pole garden.
When Texas State Fair organizers put Forest Hills artist Lottie Minick to the task of plotting this portion of the park, she sent out a call to artists throughout the metro area — but few answered.
“This is everybody’s busiest time of year, and I didn’t get much of a response at first,” Minick says.
So she narrowed her scope, summoning sculptors and painters from her own circle of White Rock area contemporaries.
“They really came through,” she says. “This whole show is because of them. There would be about eight artists participating if it weren’t for them. Instead, we’ll have at least 47.”
Minick drummed up involvement in the Fair Park project by planning ingenious displays. For example, she knew a handful of artists who specialize in mosaic, glass and other indoor-type of mediums — but how could she incorporate them in an outdoor garden? That’s where the cleverly contrived Totem Garden comes in: It allows artists such as mosaic glass artist Julie Hulcy to star in the show.
Hulcy says she is thrilled to be involved: “When Lottie invited me, I went a little crazy.”
By that, she means she went to work on an eight-foot tall, 43-square-foot totem pole celebrating Texas, from the sea life to the stars.
And while you will see many a local-artiste opus at this year’s fairgrounds, you also have a unique opportunity this month to get an up-close and-personal peek at artists working when they open up their studios to the public during this month’s White Rock Lake Artists Studio Tour.
The tour — which started with just a few participants 16 years ago —gives neighbors the chance to go inside four dozen or so studios boasting myriad sizes and styles, and witness the creative process.
Don’t forget to carry your checkbook in case you spot a piece you can’t live without.
White Rock Lake Artists Studio Tour
when/ Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
where/ 43 art centers and artists’ studios around White Rock Lake
cost/ free
for more information/ Tour maps are available at the Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther
