Meet three McKinney-based artists make waves throughout North Texas

by Michele Stevens Bernard of Town Square Buzz

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You never know what or whom you might find in a North Texas gallery.

MCKINNEY — As idyllic as McKinney’s art scene is, why would we ever leave the city limits to imbibe? Nevertheless, from time to time the art-road leads out and about. Lucky for us, we can find some of our favorite artists along the way.

Whether heading south to Dallas for a cup of urbanite inspiration, or road tripping through the North-Central Texas winery-dotted countryside, here are a few of our resident artists representing well outside our city limits.

Ted Cantrell

Anyone who has sipped coffee at Snug on the Square in downtown McKinney is sure to recognize this man’s work. With his clever use of everyday objects such as pencils, matchbooks, and rulers, Ted Cantrell creates beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces that warm the heart and leave viewers in awe.

Recently, while strolling through Dallas’ hip Bishop Arts District, imagine my delight to spy a fun piece of Cantrell’s art gracing a display window at the Ginger Fox Gallery. I couldn't resist popping in to take a look around.

I giggled like a fan-girl as I walked the gallery enjoying Cantrell's other creations on display. I fairly burst with hometown pride as I let it drop that yeah, "I've met the artist."

Located at 408 N. Bishop Ave. Suite 102 in Dallas, The Ginger Fox Gallery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more about the artist, check out TSB’s Stuart J’s Lens feature of Ted Cantrell here.

KD Hafley

If, after enjoying a fabulous Second Saturday art experience in McKinney you’re still hungry for more, how about a taste of the Third Saturday scene at Dallas’ Gallery at Midtown? Located inside the Valley View Center at 13331 Preston Road, the Gallery at Midtown, which features working artist studios, was according to their mission, “conceived from a need to infuse our community with art and involve the public on a personal level.”

“I have a co-op studio there,” says McKinney artist KD Hafley, “I work from there one day a week.”

Fans of Hafley’s hyper-realistic animal-totem paintings — as enjoyed in McKinney's art circles and galleries — might be excited to see another side of her work in Dallas. “You might see work that is more avant garde," she said. "I am experimenting with papier mache, and 3D art. I have free reign to show what I want here, so you will see a wider variety of my work.”

This Saturday, March 16, the Gallery at Midtown kicks off their inaugural Third Saturday MidTown ARTwalk with a fine arts show, music, food and drinks. The fun starts at 6 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m. Patrons can expect to find open artists’ studios to tour with over 100 artists represented. Painting, sculpture, metal art, jewelry, fiber art, photography, pottery and glass works will be featured.

McKinney art patrons may remember Hafley from, among other things, the McKinney Art Studio Tour, of which she is a member of the board. You can check out her profile here.

Lynne Hubner

For those in the mood for a road-trip with a quieter destination in mind, look no further than the quaint little town of St. Jo. Located in Montague County, north and west of McKinney, you will find contemporary artist Donna Howell-Sickles and husband John among 1,000 or so people who call St. Jo home. In 2010, the couple founded the Main Street Gallery, a gorgeous fine art gallery located in the historic Davis and Blevins building on the downtown St. Jo square.

McKinney printmaker Lynne Hubner made Howell-Sickles' acquaintance when the artist nationally known for her depiction of confident women in the form of old-time cowgirls juried a Collin County Art Show that included Hubner’s work.

“She chose one of my pieces,” says Hubner. “Shortly thereafter, I received an email from her gallery director with an invitation. She is a very strong female artist that I admire, and to be a part of her gallery is an honor.”

St. Jo is located 20 miles west of Gainesville on Hwy. 82.

“The drive to St. Jo features beautiful rolling land," she said. "Then, you happen upon this little town with this amazing upscale gallery. It is an incredible gem.”

The Main Street Gallery is opened Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 100 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Hubner, like Hafley, is also a board member and popular artist to visit during the McKinney Art Studio Tours. You can see her MAST profile here and check out her website here.

In addition to St. Jo, art fans can frequently find Hubner conducting workshops or making art in fun destinations such as Austin, where she is a member of the Women Printmakers of Austin; or in Houston where she will once again be a part of the Print Houston Rock and Rollin Steamroller Exhibit. And, for those wanting to walk the same paths that the legendary Georgia O’Keeffe did at Ghost Ranch, in Abiquiu, New Mexico, you can even find Hubner there.

So next time you find yourself enjoying the arts outside our city limits, be sure to keep a keen eye. You never know which one of your favorite McKinney artists or their works you might run into.

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