The Clifton Record (Clifton, Tex.), Vol. 111, No. 25, Ed. 1 Friday, June 23, 2006 Page: 51 of 110
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THE CLIFTON RECORD — BOSQUE COUNTY, U.S.A.
FRIDAY, JUNE 23,2006
33
Bosque Conservatory Provides Much
More Than Art To Area Communties
CLIFTON — Once housing a school of
higher learning, the Bosque Conservatory
remains a place of learning, carrying on
the traditions of the arts in the Roland
Jones Gallery, the Annual Juried Art Com-
petition, Exhibition, and Sale, the annual
juried Viewpoint Photography Show, the
Bosque County Youth Photo Show, a vari-
ety of plays and performances in the Tin
Building Theatre, and in the various
classes, workshops, and seminars held
throughout the year.
The stately three-story edifice was origi-
nally built in 1923 to house the administra-
tion building of the Lutheran College in
Clifton. After the college merged with Texas
Lutheran College in Seguin in 1954, the
building was sold to C.E. (Pat) Olsen.
Olsen used the building as headquar-
ters for the Gearench Manufacturing Com-
pany for several years. After he erected a
new Gearench building on State Highway
6 south of Clifton, the building sat empty.
Joan Spieler, Hulen Aars, Gene Aars, Dr.
George Larsen, and John B. Stroud ap-
proached Olsen about donating the build-
ing for use as a fine arts center.
The Conservatory on May 7,1981, re-
ceived certification of incorporation from
the State of Texas and a non-profit tax ex-
empt status from the Internal Revenue
Service. It was to this group that Olsen
then deeded the property.
Today, the Conservatory is an estab-
lished cultural attraction, with several thou-
sand patrons and visitors participating in
the many events that take place year
around. To add to the National Art Classic
Show and Sale, Books and Ballads on the
Bosque, and the Gallery of Tfees, this year
the Conservatory will host an Art Festival
during the Clifton Oktoberfest.
The Conservatory is also recognized for
its arts education program which offers
children’s art classes, children’s theatre
workshops and productions, art and pho-
tography workshops, book reviews, and
concerts, as well as writing, tumbling, gui-
tar, gardening, and yoga classes.
In 1982, the Conservatory Auxiliary was
organized, as well as a theatre group. The
theatre group used a barn-like tin struc-
ture attached to the main building for its
performances. In 1983, while offering a full
season of plays, lights and a stage were
designed and Installed by a small but dedi-
Local artists attend Prix de West.
cated group of volunteers, most of whom
are stUl active in the theatre group in one
way or another.
After some restoration of the main
building in 1985, formal dedication took
place on March 16,1986, and during the
same year, the family of Frances Watson
honored her with donations enough to re-
model the theatre and add heating and
air-conditioning to what has affectionately
become known as the Tin Building The-
atre.
During the same year, the Roland Jones
family renovated the north part of the sec-
ond floor for an art gallery, as a memorial
to Roland Jones, Sr.
Since 1989, Mr. and Mrs. Roland Jones,
Jr., have donated thousands of dollars in
awards for the annual art competition,
exhibition, and sale. These awards are in
memoiy of their son, John Steven.
In its 20th year, the annual competition
makes it possible to obtain two or three
works of art are added to the permanent
Conservatory collection.
Artists Tony Eubanks and George Hall-
mark held their first weekend workshop
to a full capacity class in 1999, and now
host annual workshops with more than
20 artists from across the state partici-
pating in the comprehensive plien-air ses-
sions held at rural ranches.
Theatre Manager Jan Derrickson,
notes that the ever-growing theatre group
is an integral part of the Conservatory.
Performances in the Tin Building The-
atre include a fall dinner theatre, a win-
ter dinner theatre, a spring dinner theatre,
a children’s theatre workshop production
in the summer, and a summer theatre
melodrama.
The theatre also plays host to student
Omars are awarded to cast members, di-
rectors, and others affiliated with the yearly
productions at the theatre.
The photography club is made up of
photo enthusiasts who get together each
month for “photo-talk” as well as the plan-
ning and organization of the annual March
Viewpoint Judged Photography Show and
the Bosque County Photo Contest.
The Bosque Conservatory is guided by
a 13-member volunteer board of directors
which holds 12 meetings a year to oversee
the services and business. The board is
supported by a full-time executive direc-
tor who coordinates administrative duties
and the many activities conducted by the
Conservatory.
Volunteers devote thousands of hours
of service to the organization functioning
under the Conservatory umbrella. Each
subgroup is autonomous, governed by a
slate of officers, and each plays an inte-
gral role in encouraging and promoting
the arts.
Currently, the development committee
and long-range planning committee of
the Conservatory have begun a three-
phase project to repair and restore the
Texas Historical Landmark and Bosque
County Historic building.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held
on June 23, 2005, with work beginning
shortly thereafter. The planned reopen-
ing of the facility is set sometime in mid-
September 2006.
Continued On Page 35
ARTISTS ABOUND IN BOSQUE
COUNTY — Martin Grelle is one of sev-
eral nationally known artists Wild reside'
in Bosque County.
and other pro
Derrickson became a member of the
Conservatory staff in July 2003. With over
35-years experience in theatre as a “jack
of all trades” and a degree in education,
she was employed as the theatre’s man-
aging director. She takes particular de-
light in children’s theater. For more
information on auditions, productions, or
volunteer support, Derrickson can be con-
tacted at (254) 675-2278.
Each spring, the theatre group holds *• *
■jtg artnual Omar Awards presentation Ui,1',, ,
June. Much like the Tony Awards, the
Post Office Box 373
215 College Hill Drive
Clifton, Texas 76634
(254) 675-3724
office@bosqueconservatory.com
www.bosqucconservatorv.com
A Texas Historical
Designated Landmark
“Stepping Up to the Future”
After a year-long major renovation and restoration project, the
Conservatory will be reopening in mid-September 2006.
Come visit our new and improved additions:
• 2nd Floor Art and Photography Gallery housing our
permanent collections
• Gift Shop featuring local artists work
• Tin Building Theatre
• Pottery Studio
• And much more
Hours: T-F 10 to 5 & Sat. 10 to 4
♦Wheel Chair accessibility to all areas*
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Smith, W. Leon. The Clifton Record (Clifton, Tex.), Vol. 111, No. 25, Ed. 1 Friday, June 23, 2006, newspaper, June 23, 2006; Clifton, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth790015/m1/51/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Nellie Pederson Civic Library.