Mathis Chosen as Poster Artist for Upcoming ArtWalk in Fayetteville
Andrea Mathis has been selected as the featured poster artist at Arts for Rural Texas’ ArtWalk 2021 to be held in Fayetteville on May 1 and 2.
Mathis’ painting, Electric Horse is the piece selected as the image for this year’s show. The piece depicts the power and expressive energy that reflects everyone’s mood after a year of isolation.
The artist captures in her paintings the emotion and power of objects through abstracting the natural world. She has been especially influenced by the modern masters and impressionists evident by her painterly brush strokes. Inspired by road trips across the Southwestern Plains and trips abroad, she developed her interest in architecture and landscape. The influence of the landscape and wildlife is undeniable. Known for her painterly artworks, she recently received the Merit Award for her painting The Event at the International Burridge Table Settings Juried Competition.
Andrea paints plein air on her working ranch in La Grange surrounded by animals and the Colorado River. She also cherishes painting with talented local artists at Arts for Rural Texas’ Schmid ARTS Annex in Fayetteville, where she has served as a board member dedicated to bringing art education and cultural opportunities to children and communities in South Central Texas. She received early encouragement to express herself and study art. She came from a family where art and education were important and she was fortunate to attend Stephen F. Austin State University. Fostering her passion for art began with her father Robert Ezell, an accomplished artist, teacher, and director with a masters in fine art from North Texas State University. This encouragement has led Mathis to a full career in the arts and an understanding of how important the arts are in developing a whole person. “Children can learn science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) but without art they may not learn how to think creatively, and reach new horizons.”
Andrea is inspired by the rolling hills, trees, the wildlife and the people she holds close. Her love of color and contemporary art has led to a new body of mostly abstract paintings created by using heavy textured oils and horse hair brushes.
The Electric Horse painting and many other diverse works can be viewed directly at Art-Walk in Fayetteville. Visit with Andrea and view her artwork at ArtWalk 2021 to be held on the historical square in Fayetteville. The hours of the show are Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free to the public and showcases artwork by 56 artists from around the state. Along with the artwork, ArtWalk offers wine tastings, fun children’s activities, music and tasty food. For more information, call, (979) 378-2113 or visit www.artsforruraltexas.org.