Victoria DeBlase

Victoria is a Nacogdoches artist currently specializing in bookbinding and creating stunning marbled paper with watercolors. You may have seen her journals and her paper for sale at ArtWalk and ArtFest. She laughed when showing the great variety of colors and patterns in her work. “Creating marbled paper, it's like Christmas. You never know what you're gonna get!”

This retired art teacher has worked in a variety of media over the years, including but not limited to ceramics, quilting, and puppet making. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Victoria first came to East Texas as a young married mother. She eventually earned her Master's from SFA with a thesis on art education and taught art in Nac for seven years. But after her children were grown, Victoria found herself single and dreaming of adventure. So she took a job with the Department of Defense, teaching art in schools overseas. She lived abroad for 20 years: Bermuda, Turkey, Germany, Crete and Italy. During her sojourn in Turkey, Victoria was introduced to the techniques for marbling paper. “I learned from Hikmet Berutcugil, a renowned master marbler with a studio in a hotel next to the Topkapi Palace. It was fascinating and I got hooked.” Victoria's interest in bookbinding arose organically. “Once I had all this fanciful paper, I looked for ways to use it and handmade journals were an obvious choice.”

When asked what makes an artist, Victoria responded, “I think that loving art is the first step to creating it. I think everybody has a creative gift of some kind and sadly, many people bury it or it gets beaten out of them in some way. But there is tremendous pleasure in creating something and even more pleasure when someone admires it and appreciates what you've done. I've always loved making art. I have to be working on something or producing something to feel like I've properly used my day. And at 81, I'm still enjoying that pleasure.”

CC Conn

CC Conn is an arts professional with a deep background in education, mentoring and theatre technical skills. Since 2005, CC has taught theatre at SFA where she is currently professor of sound and lighting and remains dedicated to the art of teaching students how to be theatre professionals. Her work has been seen and heard in hundreds of plays, musicals and radio plays at SFA and in theaters and entertainment venues across the US, including the '96 Olympics in Atlanta. CC’s skills at SFA have been recognized with several teaching and creative awards, including the 2021 Teaching Excellence Award and a 2021 President’s Innovation Grant. She is currently serving as Faculty Senate Chair for 2023-2024.

Despite hailing from out-of-state, CC now has deep roots in Nacogdoches. When she was hired by SFA, CC moved to town with her 8-year-old son. He grew up here, and graduated from Nacogdoches High School. When he went to college in 2016, CC realized that she had fallen in love with East Texas in general and with Nacogdoches in particular. By then, CC had established important connections within the local artistic communities; not just with other theatre people, but also musicians, painters, sculptors, writers, dancers and singers. “There is so much talent here. I wanted to help these artists showcase their art and create opportunities for them to get paid for their work. The Nacogdoches Arts Collaborative was established as a 501(c)(3) organization to do just that.”

About the NAC's new space, soon to be open to the public, CC said, “We are so excited about opening up our new space at 411 East Hospital Street. It's so fulfilling to see this dream of ours crystalize into reality. We want it to be a welcoming spot in the community for all artists, and we look forward to seeing everyone when our doors are officially open.” Stay tuned.

Roz Couch

Roz Couch is a triple threat: actor, director and musician.You saw her onstage in 2022 at the Lamp-Lite Theater starring as Beatrice in “Much Ado About Nothing”-- she's an unabashed Shakespeare fan-- and in this season's “Smoke On the Mountain” where Roz played mandolin, ukelele and spoons. “But not all at the same time!” she adds, laughing. Her most recent theatrical project was directing “The Play That Goes Wrong,” another well-received Lamp-Lite production. “My cast was outstanding and we had so much fun putting that comedy together. I would leave rehearsals wheezing from having laughed so hard.”

Roz began her artistic journey as a musician, studying the violin. But when she was in high school, the acting bug bit hard. Roz studied theater at SFA and at an audition there, she met her future husband, Jamie Couch. They ended up being cast as a married couple in the play, and then later tied the knot themselves. Today, Roz calls herself the leading lady of the “Couch Family Players,” which include Jamie, who now teaches English at SFA, and their son Jason, who is working on his masters in creative writing there. “We're all theater people,” she admits.

“I never need an excuse to put on a costume or dress up! Which is why I love coming to the NAC's gala balls where costumes are encouraged. In 2023, the theme was come as your favorite work of art and I went as a Picasso cubist painting. Volunteering for the NAC has put me in contact with great people who are also fellow artists, and I think that any chance to increase the presence of the arts in Nacogdoches is a good thing.”

Jan Dobbs Barton

Meet Jan Dobbs Barton, a photographer with a passion for Texas history. “My first camera was one I sent off for with cereal boxtops when I was around nine or ten.” But her interest was encouraged by her father, who had a 35mm camera he had obtained overseas during WWII and a darkroom at home. “We had boxes and boxes of color slides and every Christmas we'd haul them out and project them for the family.” As a student at Nacogdoches High, her passion for photography took off. Even though she holds a BBA from SFA and has retired from a long career as an accountant for Brookshire Grocery Company in Tyler, Jan has been a freelance photographer all along. “If I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna do it 100%.”

Jan is a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Daughters of the War of 1812, and the Daughters of the Confederacy. Born in Nacogdoches, Jan's love of local history has also fostered her social media feed. In order to share the old photos her father took in Nacogdoches, Jan began a Facebook page entitled “Remember in Nacogdoches When.” It will soon boast 10k members, who share stories and pictures of Nacogdoches events and history.

Jan's involvement with the Nacogdoches 1938 film began when she saw it for the first time as raw footage. “I took screenshots from a digitized copy and began to look for ways to identify people, businesses and landmarks. The more people I showed the pictures to, the more information came forth. It's been a wonderful exploration of my hometown's history and the people who lived here more than 80 years ago.”

Jan is an author of two historical books: “Nacogdoches in World War II” co-authored with Peggy Arriola Jasso, and “The History of Bonaldo Baptist Church”. The former is available at the Visitors Center in Nacogdoches.

Cindy Grayson

You've probably seen her singing with her guitar at the Nacogdoches Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings or the Bosslight Bookstore in the afternoon. Or performing al fresco at Art Walk. Cindy Grayson is a well-known singer/songwriter in our town with a beautiful alto voice. But did you know that she's also a talented studio artist?

She creates her works of art in a variety of media, including paint and pencil, in her home studio. “It's so different from performing, because you're alone. There's no audience. But it still feeds my creative drive.” Horticulture is another one of Cindy's passions, and it led her to making art with dried gourds, including wonderful birdhouses and fancy hand-carved and painted containers that would add grace to any lady's vanity table.

Born in Afghanistan to American parents, Cindy grew up seeing the world. After living in multiple locations both abroad and stateside, her family came to Nac after both parents accepted jobs at SFA. Although her musical background includes classical piano and violin, Cindy's guitar is her signature instrument and she's largely self-taught. “Music touches people,” said Cindy. “It's one of the reasons I love it.” She is one of the original volunteers for the Nacogdoches Arts Collaborative and we salute her dedication to leading a full creative life.

Dixie Rose Daniels

If you've been admiring the new murals around downtown Nacogdoches, you've been enjoying some of the work of Dixie Rose Daniels, muralist, musician and mom of two. This Nac native sold her first painting in 2014. “It was such a surprise! I have a master's in social work from SFA. I grew up in my family's sign shop, so I have practical knowledge about paints and painting, but I've never had any formal art training.”

Still, her skills got her a job with the city, painting the windows of vacant buildings to make them look more appealing to visitors and potential buyers. The colorful “Faces” portraits behind the visitors center are part of that project. When those decorated buildings sold, Dixie saw the power of art to uplift and its ability to transform. Brushing Up Nac also saw Dixie's skills and drafted her into their murals project. It's been a fruitful match. Restoring the iconic Coca-Cola mural downtown was a full circle moment as her father was the artist for the original image.

Dixie, public artist is also Dixie, public performer. Currently, she is one of the dozen or so area musicians known as “The Love Pedalers,” a local band celebrating everything from original songs to classic rock to country to blues. She plays piano, ukelele, guitar and she sings, too. “We've played at the Fredonia Brewery. Our next gig is on July 20 at Lumberjack Harley Davidson.” They were recently featured at the Wine Swirl and the Summer Squash event.

When asked if she considered herself a painter or a musician first, she laughed. “I come from a long line of painter-musicians, believe it or not. But I have seen the transformation of our little town into a cool destination where artists come to practice their art, whatever it is. Musicians, writers, painters and other creative artists all coming together. Seems like there are more of us here every day, and that's such a good thing. It's clear Nacogdoches loves the arts. They are just blossoming here.”

Mailey McAslan

Meet Nacogdoches artist Mailey McAslan!

This Nacogdoches native is both a musician and an artist who works in mixed media. “I knew I was an artist in kindergarten when I made my first painting. I knew this was for me.” Art came first, but music was never very far behind. “My mom steered me to piano and I started lessons in 2nd grade. But in high school, I picked up a guitar and fell in love with that too.” She continued making both art and music in school and went on to organize a band, record an album and study art at SFA.

Today, Mailey's studio art has expanded to include a wide variety of mixed media in an assemblage eco-art style that she characterizes as “improvisational.” Mailey says “I like making art with stuff I've found. I upcycle and recycle items, especially with text on them, like bottle caps.”

Check out Mailey's YouTube channel. (@MaileyMcAslan) Yes, that's her playing electric guitar at the beginning. You can watch her create her one-of-a-kind pieces from start to finish via time-lapse photography, the process set to music. So her videos showcase her artistic process, not just the finished piece. They provide a fascinating view of her creative powers, and occasionally, a glimpse of her dog Nazareth.

Mailey's first solo art show “Hearts Angels & Eyeballz” will open with a reception from 5 to 7 PM on April 5 at Gallery 411 at the Nacogdoches Arts Collaborative, 411 Hospital Street, and will be open every Saturday through May 25. Mailey's work also is available at the Bosslight in downtown Nacogdoches, at Texas Art & Pour in Waxahachie, and at art festivals across the state, including our own Art Walk and Art Fest.

Wally Knight

Meet Nacogdoches legend assemblage artist Wally Knight!

Wally is a well known character about town and a working artist with a full time studio behind his home. Knight came to Nacogdoches in 1972 to attend SFASU and decided to stay. To quote Wally he is “..not a BIN, born in Nac, but is a SIN, stayed in Nac."

While Wally was always an artist, it took a brain tumor to send him to the next level. After the health scare, he started creating large assemblages of mostly found objects with fun themes and visuals that usually light up. His work can be found in many local art collections and he has had numerous solo and group shows at the Cole Art Center, Falling Star Gallery, Arts on Fifth Avenue in Fort Worth and Angelina College. His most recent solo show was almost sold out on opening night. His work is for sale at the Bosslight Bookstore and by appointment in his studio. Call 936-560-4362 for an appointment.we continue to build on that legacy and strive for excellence in everything we do.

Brigette Kozash

Meet mixed medium artist Brigette Kozash!

Brigette has become a major arts influencer in our community. After moving to Nacogdoches in 2014 to pursue her BA in History, she graduated in 2017 and decided to stay. Brigette has been involved in the planning of ArtFest since it's inception and is one of the founders of Fire House Art Studio & Collective, a group of young artists and studios, also hosting art fairs, music shows, exhibits and workshops. Kozash was also a founding board member of Nacogdoches Arts Collaborative and continues to volunteer with the nonprofit.

Brigette has worked in linocut, writing & publishing and stained glass. In 2021, she focused her artistic endeavors on stained glass where she has thrived, not only becoming a talented glass artist but also having a brisk retail business doing both original creations and commissions. Brigette has been a featured artist at recent Nac ArtWalks and has also been vending her wares at events in Houston and all around East Texas. You can see her work at www.cheekchewer.com.

Images attached of Brigette Kozash and an original design Bluebonnet Axe stained glass piece by Kozash.

Weelynd McMullan

Meet local emerging fine artist Weelynd McMullan!

A graduate of Central Heights High and now holding both a BFA and MA from Stephen F. Austin State University, Weelynd is one to watch! He grew up on a farm north of Nac and showed an early talent for illustration. While still an undergrad at SFA, he did portrait illustrations for the popular book Red Dirt Memories and supplemented his college years doing portrait commissions. Also while undergrad, he started gallery work first as a student and then employee at the Cole Art Center and now as full time preparator for the Museum of East Texas. Weelynd will also teach Drawing II as adjunct art instructor in SFA’s School of Art next semester.

McMullan’s artwork has grown and morphed into much more than portraiture, now specializing in mixed media, drawing from influences such as Greek mythology characters, Basquiat, the Bible and his own dreams. His work has been included in numerous group shows, two solo exhibitions and resides in the collection of the Museum of East Texas, as well as private collections in Nacogdoches, New York and Los Angeles. It would be a good idea to get an original “Weelynd” while you still can! You can see more of his work @weelyndmcmullanart on Instagram.

Images: Weelynd McMullan photo, his mixed media art piece “Friend Shaped”

Gary Parker

Meet painter and teacher Gary Parker

Parker was born in Pennsylvania where he pursued a degree in biology until he discovered painting. He received his MFA from SFA and was employed at a variety of positions at the university including Art Shop supervisor, teacher, and Cole Art Center gallery preparator. He directed the school’s Summer Art Academy program for children for 22 years and also ran the on campus student galleries while teaching students Professional Practices - how to install exhibitions. Gary was also instrumental in creating the 12x12 scholarship fundraisers and the Texas National Competition. His mentoring of students is legendary and many alumni credit him with their discovery and love of art. Now retired, the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts honored Parker with a named scholarship awarded annually to a worthy art student.

Gary has pieces in many collections across the US and locally. The Falling Star Gallery hosted a solo exhibition of new works in 2022. He continues to make art every chance he gets. You might also see Gary working behind the scenes at Old Stone Fort events, where his wife Carolyn Spears is Director.

Parker’s solo exhibition at Falling Star Gallery was featured in *Glasstire’s popular “Five-Minute Tours” in April 2022. You can check it out here: https://glasstire.com/2022/04/26/five-minute-tours-gary-parker-at-falling-star-gallery-nacogdoches/

*Glasstire is a Texas focused online place to find information about visual arts.

Images: Parker with his painting “Merci Marcel”

Lynn Carey Myers

Meet Nacogdoches painter Lynn Carey Myers!

Myers is relatively new to Nacogdoches, having moved here in 2019. She bought a vintage Victorian house on Mound which is now home to The Fortney House furniture, decor and gift business owned by Brad Fortney. Myers used to live near Wimberley, Texas, a noted arts center in the Hill Country. While there, she displayed her art in a couple of galleries and served on numerous committees to promote the arts in the area. In an effort to bring more tourists to town, she started a public outdoor sculpture project with six foot tall cowboy boots painted by many local artists, Called “Bootiful Wimberley” the result was 50 boots all around town which are a source of pride for citizens and a trail of boots for visitors to admire. She was also commissioned by HEB to paint two boots for new store openings.

Since moving to Nacogdoches, Myers has helped to resurrect the popular Nac Art Walk and has painted another big boot called "Bootanical," which is on display at the CVB downtown. She also painted an electric box at the soccer complex, a project that proved challenging. As a member of the Main Street Advisory Board, she is now spearheading a city initiative for a series of murals in our historic downtown area and is mulling over the idea of a public sculpture escapade for Nacogdoches. As time permits, Myers paints and takes workshops, and brags, “I'm a bonafide graduate of Michelle Filer’s fabulous plein air class which is the most fun I’ve had in a while.