Art + Nature. Learn, Create, and Experience.
We support the arts, artists, and the natural environment. To achieve this, we offer artists opportunities to exhibit their art and we offer opportunities for all those interested to learn more about the arts and the environment.
The Park is a 501(c)(3). Donations are tax deductible.
We wish you a happy and healthy new year.
End of year note, Part 1
First, many thanks to the talented and dedicated board, our local supporters, donors, artists, and enthusiastic visitors. The Board of Directors include Brenda McKinney, Vice President, Linda Jilek, Treasurer, Molly Rooke, Secretary, Brandy Niccolai-Belfi, Arts Team, and Joel Inman and Greg Bisbee, Trails Team. Local supporters and volunteers include Mary Jane Young, Dicky McCanlies, Randy Barnett, Dennis Duke, Ron Hall, and Steve Bisbee.
Second, we said a final good-bye to an incredible, talented, hard-working young board member - Sydney Kuehler. Sydney was tough as nails and a joy to know. In her honor, we are creating the Sydney Theile Kuehler Wildflower Garden. Her husband, parents, and friends and family are working with us on the Garden project as are our new friends, the Big Country Master Naturalists based in Abilene.
End of year note, Part 2
Continuing with many thanks –
Special thanks to the Park artists, Brenda McKinney, Jackie Berry, Joshua Goode, Mark Collop, Josh Niccolai-Belfi, and Bonny Leibowitz – their artwork adds a thoughtful and creative component to a park visit.
Also special thanks to Matt Theile, Libbi Garnett, and Aaron Kuehler for all their work on the new wildflower garden.
If you haven’t been star gazing at the Park with Alex Vukasin and Marcella Bardin, well, you missed a fun and enlightening night. They are kind enough to bring the telescope and the knowledge. Thanks Alex and Marcella!
Again, wishing you all the best in 2025!
Founder and Board President
Penelope Bisbee
TRAILS
The Jim Bob Art Park & Nature Trails has begun work on two trails. The Rusty Trail is on the northeast side of the park and the Shaman Trail is on the northwest side. When completed, they will connect and make a one-mile loop.
We have cleared out trail heads, added benches, and widened the trails near the trail head. For educational purposes, we have installed metal markers to identify native plant life. The construction of the trails isn’t complete and is ongoing.
WORKSHOPS
The Park will soon be scheduling workshops and artist talks. Please check back for more information.
We like Georgia O’Keeffe. She had enormous talent and was courageous in thought and action. And O’Keeffe has a Texas connection. She lived in Canyon, Texas from 1916-1918 and taught at West Texas State Normal College (now West Texas A&M University). She produced more than 50 artworks during her time in Texas. She had this to say about the Texas Panhandle. “That was my country – terrible winds and a wonderful emptiness.”
“When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else.”
- Georgia O’Keeffe
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
penbisbee@gmail.com
Phone
Penelope Bisbee 817.360.6421