It's true.

San Angelo is not as big as Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland or even Abilene. What San Angelo lacks in size, it more than makes up for with art. If you need any proof at all, check out Paintbrush Alley.  When you see a community capable of transforming ordinary and in some cases somewhat dilapidated buildings and transform them into colorful renderings of artistic beauty, then you know you've found someplace special.

Paintbrush Alley is an otherwise ordinary alley in San Angelo between Twohig and Concho Avenue running from Irving to Chadbourne. The entrance can be found between the Texas Theatre and Firestone on Concho Avenue.

If you are indifferent to the world of art when you enter Paintbrush Alley, you come out with a whole new appreciation for artistic expression.  The "Wall of Art History Paintbrush Alley" features local artists creating their depiction of historical paintings.

A big event on Paintbrush Alley is Market Days.  The next one is scheduled for Saturday, October 15th from 10a-4p. This family and fur baby friendly event will feature 60 vendors, artisans, artists, food vendors and live music. WIth the holiday season coming up, there might not be any better opportunity than this to find the perfect gift item for friends and family who crave something that is utterly one-of-a-kind.

Paintbrush Alley is the brainchild of a non-profit organization founded in August 2006 by retired art teachers Julie Raymond and Joy Thomas. Today, AIUP has a 6000 square foot headquarters in the heart of San Angelo's Cultural Art District. AIUP has collaborated with local artists, volunteers businesses, city officials and anyone with a love of art to produce and donate over 100 prominent art features throughout San Angelo and the Concho Valley.

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This is quite a far cry from the perception so many people have of West Texas as a dusty and try bastion of the Old West. Maybe that's true of other prominent communities in West Texas, but here in San Angelo thanks to committed lovers of art, culture and art flourish. Perhaps that's one of the main reasons why San Angelo's future is as bright as the many colors of Paintbrush Alley.

 

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