Area Arts Organizations Partner to Bring Exhibit By Local Teen to Life

ARTS for Rural Texas (ARTS) is thrilled to announce the upcoming portrait exhibit “Wilderness of Mirrors” by local artist Phoenix Kooper. The exhibit will be on display from September 7 to October 12, with a kick-off reception on September 7 from 4-6 p.m. and a live Reader’s Theater performance of “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” adapted for radio by George Lowther from Oscar Wilde’s classic gothic novel, on Sept. 14.

Phoenix Kooper, age 17, is a talented young artist who began his artistic journey with ARTS at just 12 years old through ARTS’ Art After School program at Round Top Family Library. He will showcase his latest works in this highly anticipated solo exhibit at the ARTS Ross Gallery on the Fayetteville square. His unique style and compelling portraits have garnered attention and admiration from the local community and beyond.

Kevin White, ARTS Development Director, shared his excitement about the exhibit and the community involvement it has inspired. “When we started brainstorming ways to involve the community in this exciting exhibit, I recalled a conversation with Fayette County Community Theatre (FCCT) Executive Director Heather Barthelme at a Rural Nonprofit Networking Group meeting. Months earlier, we had talked about doing a Reader’s Theater with FCCT, and this was the perfect opportunity.”

Reader’s Theater is a form of performance that is similar to a radio show, where actors read the script aloud without the use of costumes or props, allowing the audience to focus on the storytelling and vocal expression. This unique format will bring “The Picture of Dorian Gray” to life in an engaging and imaginative way, surrounded by Kooper’s portraits, faces, beauty and youth.

The collaboration between ARTS and FCCT is not new. The two organizations recently partnered on Summer Student Programming, which included two week-long middle school workshops for K12th grade students and the annual student production.

“ARTS is such a great organization to partner with,” said Barthelme. “We have similar missions but different strengths, so partnering on different programs allows us to showcase the best in both organizations.”

The Reader’s Theater event, set for Saturday, Sept. 14, will take place at the Arts for Rural Texas Ross Gallery, located at 114 North Live Oak Street in Fayetteville. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a wine and cheese reception, followed by the performance. Tickets are available for purchase at faycotheatre.com. This event promises to be a highlight of the fall season, offering a unique blend of visual and performing arts that will engage and inspire attendees. The collaboration between ARTS and FCCT exemplifies the power of community partnerships in bringing enriching cultural experiences to rural areas.

For more information about the exhibit and events, please visit artsforruraltexas. org or contact Kevin White at development@artsforruraltexas. org.