First Friday Art Walk showing off Del Rio area artists Friday evening

October 5, 2006
By Bill Sontag
Feature Writer

An abundance of art talent here in Del Rio seems perpetually hidden under a bushel, even in the light of day. But Del Rio’s most congenial Friday night lights, from gallery windows and places of real hospitality, will penetrate the darkness of downtown this weekend as the monthly art walk gets underway at dusk.

Sponsored by HeART of Del Rio, a consortium of artists and galleries, First Friday Art Walk is open to the public, comes with free refreshments at each stop, and shows off some of the best or most unique art to be found in and around Del Rio. This month, six gallery spaces are hosting as many artists and the crowds that come to see their work.

The Firehouse Gallery of the Del Rio Council for the Arts, 120 E. Garfield Ave., features a return of Sanderson, Texas, sculptor Lloyd Goldwire. This is his first one-man show here, but his works have appeared in multi-artist shows before. Goldwire’s realistic sculptures, 11 in all, depict Native American themes and subjects. A cake auction and a quilt raffle will highlight the evening to benefit the continuing community efforts of the Del Rio Council for the Arts.

Vevilu Gallery, 500 E. Gibbs St., displays the crisp, colorful pottery of Brackettville’s John McNamara. More than 30 pieces, including teapots, bowls, vases, and candle holders will be shown, in earth tones of blue, clay and green. McNamara will be present to greet patrons.

La Casa de la Cultura, across from Brown Plaza in the San Felipe community, presents an exhibition of art from teachers in the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District. Art teacher Paul Reyes will entertain artwalkers with his selection of “Oldies.” This is always a popular exhibition when those who teach the city’s children put forth their best effort as examples to the community.


Pam Bunch’s Lee-Bunch Studio Gallery, 100 W. Greenwood St., features the decorating and useful pottery of one of the city’s best ceramists, Nancy O’Brien. On display Friday night is a collection of new work by O’Brien who is always experimenting – usually with beautiful results – in new styles, colors and textures.

Three wheel-thrown pottery table-top water fountains will highlight the show Friday night. Bunch said Thursday the works are in shining turquoise glazes or matte finishes, and hand-sculpted leaves on the surfaces. The show also includes pitchers with copper glazes, platters, bowls, and salad sets. As usual, Bunch will serve tempting refreshments, but, regrettably, O’Brien is unable to attend.

Finaly, the Amistad Florist and Garden of Art, 307 Veterans Blvd., exhibits a collection of fine, handmade jewelry by Del Rioan Patricia Cairo. Each piece consists of original work with natural gemstones.

Another gallery space expected to join HeART of Del Rio's First Friday effort, Café Centrale, 300 S. Main St., is a popular coffee shop and deli-style restaurant. The living room atmosphere of the rear area of Café Centrale is a comfortable place to relax, and, this month, for Del Rio’s first showing of art by famed 1950s bullfighter Patrician McCormick. McCormick was hailed by Sports Illustrated in March 1963, as “The Greatest Woman Bullfighter that ever lived.”

Her professional debut in the ring was on Jan. 20, 1952, in Ciudad Juárez, across the Rio Grande from El Paso. McCormick retired from bullfighting in 1962, taking up art and writing for the next 40 years of her life, much of it in the art scene of Los Angeles. Many of her drawings and prints will be available and signed by the McCormick who will also greet and talk about her career with all interested. The show contains a dozen unframed drawings, 15 framed, and two large framed collages with photos of her career.