Juneteenth Celebration About: Remembrance exhibition by artists and guest speakers. This is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on Juneteenth. Especially highlight area artists with memories and reflections. Give away bags are sponsored by Peoples State Bank. School Contests & Exhibits About: Hallet Oak Gallery Board Members working with local teachers a. Description: School exhibits of art done for Houston Rodeo contest and schools’ Patriotic Contest. Impact on Community: Students are recognized for their art participation and families can visit the exhibit. b. Description: International Culture Contest Impact on Community: Schools are provided with paper and color pencils so students can submit art. Winners are selected and the art is displayed either in person or online and winners receive certificates and prizes donated by HEB grocery store. Brings awareness respect and acceptance for other cultures. c. Description: Season Change Art Contest Impact on Community: Schools are provided with paper and color pencils so students can submit art. Winners are selected and the art is displayed either in person or online and winners receive certificates and prizes donated by HEB grocery store. Allows youths to express their feelings of what is on their minds and this has proven to be a positive awareness of health. Brings awareness to the community of what the students interest are as the season changes. d. Description: Waterways Art Contest Impact on Community: Schools are provided with paper and color pencils so students can submit art. Winners are selected and the art is displayed either in person or online and winners receive certificates and prizes donated by HEB grocery store. Brings awareness of how delicate the water eco system is and how it is part of all our lives. e. Description: Pumpkin Contest Impact: The community can celebrate the fall season by participating in a Pumpkin Art Decorating Contest. Gallery Exhibits and Engagement About: 2022 Artists include local and international artists a. Description: Artist Exhibit: Impact on Community: On view is the Gallery collection of over 25 regional artists and 5 international artists. This exposure of realism and contemporary art allows for a continuous learning experience for both students and visitors. This supports young artists and encourages seasoned artists to continue their work. b. Description: Main Street Kiosk Exhibit Impact on Community: Videos and images of art, business, agriculture, architecture and nature available for viewing. c. Description: Timelines Impact on Community: Illustrated descriptive timelines on the History of Hallettsville and History of the Lavaca River. Painting & Drawing Demonstrations About: Gallery & Guest Artists Impact on Community: “ How to” presentations and hands on projects. Lectures and demonstrations from art appreciation, drawing, painting and recycling projects. PUBLIC ART Public Art Projects, Hallet Oak Foundation. The Spark: Finding artists for public art was an interest of the Board Members of the Hallet Oak Foundation which runs the Friends of Hallettsville Downtown Revitalization and the Hallet Oak Gallery. Public Art commissioned to be seen on main fare-ways, on ways to schools and in blight areas where there is heavy traffic. Impact on Community: Happiness. To see beautiful art brings pride to community. Brings recognition to the artists. Lifts and encourages artist to continue. Establishes identity for community and art appreciation. Hallettsville Participation in the Festival of Lights Extravaganza About originated from a visionary idea spearheaded by Anna and Daniel Klekar. Started after World War I when lights were strung from Courthouse Steeple. Impact on the Community: The community enjoys the light display evening and night during the month of December. The lights can be seen from several miles away and the impressive strings of lights from the clock tower to the buildings on the square are a draw for families and tourists. With the exception of no lights being shown during WWII. In 1996 the Klekars along with Sandra Migl Kavee Somner and Monsignor John Peters formed the ideas of bringing a festive glow to the Courthouse. Starting in 1997 over 300,000 lights were hung. The impact is also spiritual with the words, Love, Hope, Peace, Joy can be seen by all visitors. Christkindlmarkt, Downtown Hallettsville About: Inspired by Dr. Betty J. Edwards from her joyful experiences in Germany. Speciality Treats, Mini-Art Market and Live Music Performances Immersive Tunnels for Children to experience Impact on Community: An event for the community to enjoy participate in focused on art.. MUSIC Chris Rybak Band About: Chris Rybak is a local celebrity and formed his band with his family. Impact on the Community: The Chris Rybak Band plays popular music and also traditional music from the Germain and Czech heritage. The band introduces the traditional music to new generations in an energetic fun way and promotes the town of Hallettsville at performances. He led the way that it is ok to give a shout out to your rural town and to stand out. HISTORIC BUILDING The Kahn and Stanzel Building which houses the Hallet Oak Gallery About: The Kahn & Stanzel building was built in 1890 and, in 1999, underwent a 10-year restoration, supervised by architect James P. Arnold at the behest of owner Dr. Betty Edwards. The restoration proved to be so excellent, the building received a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed and built by architect James Riely Gordon (1863-1937), who is best known for his landmark county courthouses, particularly those in Texas. Impact on Community: The restored building houses the Hallet Oak Gallery which is a venue for artist exhibits, art classes and community events. The building serves as an inspiration for preserving historic buildings. NATURE FOCUSED EVENTS FIRST DAY OF SPRING, Hallet Oak Gallery. About: Exploring the beginning of warmer weather and reminding us to spend time outside! Impact on Community: The focus is on Spring with the community invited to listen to live music while drawing chalk art of flowers, insects and nature scenes. BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS About: Small and Large projects to bring about an appreciation for environment for visitors to enjoy. To emphasize a healthy environment where we work and live. Impact on Community: The focus is on cleaning up trash along the highways in partnership with Texas Department of Transportation, planting wildflower seeds. Working in partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife for wildlife knowledge. And volunteering with Lavaca-Navidad River Authority for assistance by creating more teams for removing debris from the Lavaca River.