Written by Amanda Coers – The Brownwood Art Association will host a “First Thursday” reception for the January premier artist: Jack Emsoff. The reception is open to the public and will be held on Thursday, January 5th, from 5-8 p.m. at the Art Building at 215 Fisk Avenue in downtown Brownwood. Emsoff will display a collection of his photography, including pieces showcasing historical recreations. The reception will be catered by Common Grounds Coffee House, Esme’s Cakes, and Los Maples Winery. There is no cost to attend.

Jack Emsoff spent his career traveling the world for various construction projects as an engineer after receiving a Doctorate of Engineering from Texas A&M University. Now retired, Emsoff turns his focus to his photography.

“I take pictures of many things,” says Emsoff. “If I was forced to rank my favorite subjects, it would be landscapes, anything ‘Texas,’ birds, and insects.”

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The Brownwood Art Association has several events planned for the month of January. Currently scheduled:

• Tuesday Classes – Brownwood Art Association member Claudette Womack will be teaching a weekly art class at the Art Building, 215 Fisk Avenue in downtown Brownwood, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ​Cost is only $12 per class. Please contact Claudette at: 512-940-1713 if you have any questions.
• January 5th – First Thursday reception with photographer Jack Emsoff, from 5-8 p.m.
• January 12th – Brownwood Art Association Photography Group meeting from 6-8 p.m. The photography group is free, and open to anyone with an interest in photography, no equipment required.
• January 13th – Muse & Merlot painting party, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Each month the art association hosts a step-by-step painting class to recreate a select art piece, usually a famous painting. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite beverages and snacks and enjoy a relaxed setting. Cost is $35 per painter and includes all supplies and instruction needed. For more information or to purchase or reserve seating, visit their website: www.brownwoodart.com
• January 14th – The art association will have a meeting from 1-1:30 p.m. to vote for the 2017 Artist of the Year. Members nominated so far include: Pat Coursey, Nelle Coursey, Art Forment, Jeremy Serna, Julie Mize, Gayle Ritchey, Karla Reece, Anthony Reine, and Jim Blake.
• January 14th – Following the meeting, the art association will host a free art demonstration. The public is welcome to attend, with no cost. The presenter for this month will be Julie Mize, demonstrating her Cyanotype Process. The demonstration will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print. Engineers used the process well into the 20th century as a simple and low-cost processto produce copies of drawings, referred to as blueprints. Mize was an Art Major at Howard Payne University and currently teaches art at the Brownwood Middle School.
• January 19th – The art association is partnered with A.M.P. (Art. Music. People.) to host an “Open Mic Night” at the Art Building from 6-10 p.m. There is no cost to attend, and light refreshments will be provided. Performers are asked to call to book a spot: 325-642-3036. Artists of all mediums are welcome to come and set up and create during the evening.

One of the oldest art associations in the state of Texas, the Brownwood Art Association was established on February 22, 1927, when Mrs. W.R. Roberts called area artists together to organize the Brownwood Art League. Today, the association provides scholarship funds to area college students who are majoring in art. The association has donated art related books to the public library as memorials along with providing various demonstrations for the community. Many members donate their time to organize  the annual Stars of Texas Juried Art Exhibit.

In March 2017 The Brownwood Art Association will host a gala in honor of its 90th anniversary.