Formal Grand Opening for Lost Pines Art Center

BASTROP, Texas, Aug. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lost Pines Art League has finalized plans with Frontier Bank of Texas to complete Phase 2 of the Lost Pines Art Center. The Main Building has been open since December 2, 2016 and to date 9,944 have toured the Art Center. Art classes for all ages and levels of talent as well as specialized instruction by nationally acclaimed artists are underway.

Phase 2 is comprised of the Memorial Sculpture Garden, an outdoor Performance Stage and seating area, four reconditioned Silos and the lower Colorado River interpretive walkway. The Sculpture Garden will house permanent and rotating pieces while the Performance Stage will be open for concerts, plays and cultural events. The four silos will provide flexible classroom space as well as space for the production of glass, pottery and sculpture. Classes and educational opportunities for these disciplines will be provided. The lower Colorado River walkway, sponsored by the Lower Colorado River Authority, will be an educational walk highlighting the significance of the river as it runs below Austin to the Matagorda Bay. Another unique feature of Phase 2 is the historic Steam Engine recently donated to the Center by Clyde Clardy.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Lost Pine Art League as they embark on Phase 2 of an incredible project. Frontier Bank of Texas has been part of this project from the turning of the first shovel and we are here now, through a significant financing commitment, to help the Art Center achieve its mission," said Patrick Johnson, President and CEO of Frontier Bank of Texas.

The Lost Pines Art Center serves as a unique hub for artists and small business entrepreneurs. It also houses the Blessed Bee café and winery, a gathering spot for guests and members of the community. The heart and soul of the Center are the artists working and teaching there, the exhibition space and gallery shops provide artists a venue to sell and display their original works of art. "There is no facility like the Art Center anywhere in Texas, and the next phase will only enhance that unique position. The silos and related improvements in the back will open up opportunities for more artists, more events and more art!" said Johnson.

The Art Center will celebrate its formal Grand Opening and Groundbreaking for Phase 2  in September. "It's just wonderful to see the vision of Karol Rice, Jeanette Condray and so many others come to reality," said Michelle Adams, President of the Art League. (Rice is Vice President of the Board and was Project Manager for the construction of the main building). "In just a short few months the Center has become such a vibrant part of our Community and when Phase 2 is complete our services to the Community will grow. This is such a special place," Adams said.

"Literally hundreds of individuals have helped make this happen, along with the City of Bastrop and the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation," said Patricia Rendulic, Executive Director. "Karol and her team have raised over three million dollars, won prestigious grants and Frontier Bank of Texas has been a true partner," Rendulic said. The goal was to raise all of the money for construction but that would have significantly delayed the development of Phase 2 and the opportunities the Art Center could provide. "We will provide quality educational opportunities to citizens of Bastrop County as well as being a catalyst for visitors coming to our city. We will also provide space for events, such as small concerts, outdoor plays and art festivals," according to Rendulic.

"We are pleased and honored to work with the Board, Patricia and members of the League to help all of us 'Experience Art Together'. I am personally proud our bank embraced The Lost Pines Art Center, and that commitment will continue," said Wanda Rucker, Senior Vice President and Bastrop Market Manager for Frontier Bank. "The Art Center will not only encourage people to visit Bastrop, but also to stay here," Rucker said.

The Lost Pines Art Center is run by the Lost Pines Art League, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, dedicated to fostering the appreciation and expression of the arts among diverse audiences.

Frontier Bank of Texas, founded 2007, is owned by hundreds of local shareholders who care deeply about Bastrop County and surrounding areas. With $186 million in assets and offices in Elgin, Bastrop and Austin, Frontier Bank of Texas is a proud, local bank dedicated to responsive and relationship driven banking. The Bank prides itself on 'know our first name' service.

Lost Pines Art Center:

1204 Chestnut Street
Bastrop, Texas 78602

SOURCE Lost Pines Art League

Related Links

http://www.lostpinesartcenter.org