Wed, 23 May 2012 13:08:27 -0600WeeblyMon, 21 May 2012 14:34:49 -0600http://www.conroeartleague.com/1/post/2012/05/catfish-festival-sidewalk-sale-for-small-items.htmlMark your calendars for October 12-14 for the Gallery Sidewalk Sale in conjunction with the Conroe Catfish Festival.  Small paintings, giclees, cards, ceramics,  and  jewelry will be for sale at that time.  Start getting your inventory ready!  More details to follow.]]>Sat, 19 May 2012 14:58:27 -0600http://www.conroeartleague.com/1/post/2012/05/junejuly-artist-schedule-for-changing-art-work.html        The schedule for removal of current art work and bringing in new art work  is
Monday, June 4th---1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 5th--10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
         Art work will not be accepted other than the times listed above.
         Please remember to pick up your art work at the above listed times as there is a storage fee for art which is not picked up.
          The fee for each art piece is $20 as this a 2 month hanging.   Oversize pieces will be $40 for the 2 months. 

]]>Sat, 19 May 2012 14:43:50 -0600http://www.conroeartleague.com/1/post/2012/05/deadline-extended-for-atrium-art-project.html    The Atrium Art Commission deadline has been moved to June 30th.  The proposal will be juried and the commission awarded by mid July.  Remember this art will be open to the weather so it must be oil, acrylic or housepaint. 
  Call Dr. Ottis Hilburn for details, 936-295-1878 or email ohilburn@gmail.com.
     The regulations and applications may be obtained at the Gallery on the docent's desk.  Proposals must be accompanied by an application. These are found on the last page of the information sheet handed out at the March 24th meeting or get a copy at the Gallery. 
    Information about the commission paid to the artist will be posted]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 15:26:31 -0600http://www.conroeartleague.com/1/post/2012/05/student-art-show-a-success.html27 students entered over 51 individual art pieces in the Student Art Show April 28th.  Works included paintings, drawings, mixed media, and sculptures.   The Gallery at the Madeley Building was filled with enthusiastic students, parents, and members.  As usual, the quality of art entered was outstanding which made selecting the winners difficult.  A scholarship check of $500 was presented to Devin Nelson, home schooled,  for his first place  oil painting of a gorilla, "Losing Yourself."  Scholarship checks of $250 each were presented to Francesca Killian, a student at The Woodlands High School, for her pencil drawing, "Forgotten Elegance" and Jennifer Pate, a student at The Woodlands College Park High School,  for her mixed media "Sunday Morning."  All three winners received a one year membership to the Conroe Art League with an invitation to doing a "mini" one peson show at the Gallery sometime during the next year.  All participants received a Certificate of Appreciation for entering the show.

]]>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 07:09:03 -0600http://www.conroeartleague.com/1/post/2012/04/student-show-cal-meeting-700-club-set-for-saturday.htmlPosted: Thursday, April 26, 2012 11:27 pm

CONROE ART LEAGUE Last Call to High School Seniors: The Conroe Art League’s annual Student Show, with cash awards totaling $1,000, takes place this Saturday at the Gallery at the Madeley Building, 127 Simonton Street, Conroe. Please note that the competition is open only to area high school seniors. CAL will accept walk-in registrants. All artists must bring in their artwork (a maximum of three pieces) between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Judging begins at 11, with awards announced at 12 noon. All artists must be present to win.

Artwork may be entered in the media: Paintings (oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel); sculpture (clay, ceramic, marble, bronze, other material); drawing (pencil, charcoal, etc); and mixed media. Contact Dr. Ottis Hilburn at 936- 295-1878 or Maggie Gutierrez at 936-582-7791 for more information.

Next CAL General Meeting and Art Demo: CAL’s next meeting is also this Saturday and will begin immediately following the announcement of awards for the CAL Student Show awards announcement at noon. Debra Latham will lead the artistic demonstration on the basics of oil painting. Her demonstration is scheduled to begin at approximately 12:45 p.m.

April-May Exhibit: CAL’s “Exhibit 7,” at the Gallery at the Madeley Building, 127 Simonton Street, Conroe, which includes artistic tributes to local and Texas history, continues through the end of May. Gallery hours are: weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Gallery is open some evenings and weekends. Call CAL at 936-756-9572 or see the CAL website, CONROEARTLEAGUE.COM for special evening and weekend times.

Tea and Art: There is still time to purchase tickets for the Conroe Art League’s “Afternoon Tea, Art Show and Silent Auction,” from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 6. Items for the silent auction include: original artwork donated by area artists; wine tasting for 20 at Bernhardt Winery; rounds of golf; hair salon and spa gift certificates, “Champagne and Chocolate” baskets; gift certificates from local restaurants and more. Advance tickets are $10 or $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Gallery at the Madeley Building, 127 Simonton Street, Conroe, through the mail by calling Kerry Conkling at 936-890-9431 or emailing Kerry at KERRYC317@HOTMAIL.COM, or by calling the Conroe Art League at 936-756-9572.

From doodles to fine art: If you would like to learn how to turn your doodles into fine art, sign up for the next “Zen Inspired Art” class series, with Golda Radar, at the Gallery at the Madeley Building, 127 Simonton Street, Conroe. The next four-week series of classes takes place from 9 a.m. to noon on May 23, May 30, June 6 and June 13. Note that seating is limited to 15 students. The fee for the four-week series is $100. For more information or to register, contact Golda Radar at RADERIZMS@HUGHES.NET.

Upcoming Workshops

The Conroe Art League is sponsoring some exciting workshops at the Gallery at the Madeley Building, 127 Simonton Street, Conroe over the next few months. To help plan ahead, below is a glimpse of what’s being offered through August:

June 8-10: The much sought-after Colorado artist Scott Mattlin returns to CAL to lead a three-day workshop for beginners to advanced artists, in unraveling the mystery of impressionist oil painting.

July 14-15: Well-know area painter, Lois Blackburne, will lead a workshop on oil painting.

August 6-10: The well-known Florida artist, Tom Jones, comes to Conroe to lead “Adventures in Landscape Painting,” sharing some of his unique watercolor techniques.

All above workshops will take place at the Gallery at the Madeley Building, 127 Simonton Street, Conroe. Please see CAL’s website at CONROEARTLEAGUE.COM for fees and other information on upcoming workshops, or contact Vickie Voelz at VVSLIDER@AOL.COM.

THE LINDA WATSON GALLERY by Joe Fleshner

The “$700 Club” is the title for this month’s show on the north wall of the Gallery at 204 N. Main Street in Conroe. This show is represented by seven area artists. Some of the artwork featured in “$700 Club” are Joe Kolb with a painting titled, “Friends;” Jerry Parker with a 1964 rendition of the “Crighton Theatre;” Adriana Edmundson with a painting titled, “A Portrait;” Cynthia Reid with a painting titled, “Blue Bonnets;” James Hall with a painting titled, “You Name It;” and John Porter, with two paintings, “Mossy Oak” and “Days Gone By.” The reception for this show is this Saturday from 6-8:30 p.m. Meet the artists and enjoy cheese cake, wine, and mimosas.

“That’s Cool”

The May show at The Linda Watson Gallery is called, “That’s Cool.” If you would like to display artwork in the May show, contact Joe at 832-928-7150 or Jean at 832-651-0757. The May show already has two new artists signed up. John Groening, an area artist known for his “sustainable fun art,” has a piece on display titled, “A Modified 1964 Harley,” and a second piece titled “Christmas Lady.” John is a 73- year-old retired carpenter turned artist. The second new artist is James Hall. The reception and celebration of this show will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. on May 19. As always, the artists will be here for your opportunity to meet and greet. Refreshments will be served.

Studio 7

The working artist and gallery-within-a-gallery, known as “Studio 7,” is filling up. Thus far, the following artists will be working and displaying their work daily. John Porter, well-known area painter of Texas history, sits in the window and paints and chats Monday through Friday. Newcomer to Conroe, Tyson Ranes’ “studio” is next, followed by well-known area painter and illustrator, Jerry Parker. Next are copper repoussé artist, Maggie Gutierrez, and painter/sculptor, Lynn Peverill. Next to them is fabric artist, Jean Fleshner. Come by for casual conversation and maybe learn something new about art. Note: there is still one space left for an interested artist in “Studio 7.” Contact Joe Fleshner at 832-928-7150 or Jean Fleshner at 832-651-0757 for more information.

Maggie Gutierrez is a local artist and member of the Conroe Art League. She may be reached at GGutmarina@aol.com.

Article and photos here.
]]>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:46:47 -0600http://www.conroeartleague.com/1/post/2012/04/downtown-duo-madeley-west-buildings-reach-100th-anniversary.htmlPosted: Thursday, April 26, 2012 11:14 pm | Updated: 11:54 pm, Thu Apr 26, 2012. By Andrea Bolt

Residents celebrating in downtown Conroe Thursday night traveled back in time for the 100th anniversary of the historic Madeley and Pete West buildings at 125 Simonton St.

City officials and members of the Madeley family attended the free “Downtown Duo” event to speak about the building, which was constructed in 1912 and housed Conroe’s first phone company, the Conroe Telephone Company.

Event patrons were encouraged to dress in early 1900s wear while being treated to an old-fashioned lemonade stand, a host of antique cars, a live quartet, as well as an antique telephone switchboard and carriage rides from liveried drivers.

Ladies in lace bearing parasols of every color walked hand-in-hand with men in bowler hats and suspenders.

After a devastating fire that destroyed most of downtown Conroe in 1911, the property on which the Madeley Building was constructed was sold to Albert A. and Daniel A. Madeley for $400.

The building was home to a cleaning business, a dress shop and many more retail establishments before becoming the phone company.

The renovated structure is now home to the Conroe Art League, a location that CAL President and Conroe Live member Theresa Thornhill said is awesome.

“The historical aspect is just amazing,” Thornhill said. “We have the most beautiful building downtown that is housing art — which is a huge advantage for us.”

CAL artist and event attendee Carol Berger, of Montgomery, said she loved seeing the cultural aspects of Conroe brought to the forefront and celebrated.

“Events like this encourage people to see it like it is; unfortunately, many people still just drive through, but this makes it more inviting and for people to want to come to the other side of the highway.”

Morris Bateman, an original switchboard operator at the Madeley Building in the 1940s, said he remembers the days he spent in Conroe very fondly and that he enjoyed his time working the switchboard.

Madeley family spokesperson and grandson of his namesake Albert Madeley said he was very grateful for the event.

“I focus and think about my dad, my grandparents — I appreciate the heritage they’ve given to the town,” Madeley said. “I look around and see friends and neighbors and their friends and I see they’ve passed the torch and have done a great job.”

The Pete West Building first housed a saloon, and over the years, a barber shop and a deli before Rodney and Joyce Pool purchased the building to open what is now The Corner Pub.

Girl Scouts of Troop 10409 were decked out in period wear from the early 1900s.

Caroline Hartmann, 11, said her long, lacy white dress was much too hard to walk in, while fellow troop member Margit Schafer, 11, who wore a black feathered headpiece, said she loved the costuming.

“I wish we still dressed like this,” Schafer said as she twirled in her dress.

Article with photos here.

]]>Sun, 22 Apr 2012 06:14:21 -0600http://www.conroeartleague.com/1/post/2012/04/century-celebration-of-madeley-west-buildings-thursday.htmlPosted: Saturday, April 21, 2012 11:01 pm By Howard Roden

Conroe residents can enjoy a trip into the past while celebrating the 100th birthday of two downtown buildings Thursday night.

Conroe Live, the Conroe Art League, Consolidated Communications and members of the Madeley family are sponsoring a party for the “Downtown Duo” of the Madeley and West buildings.

The activity-laden event will be held from 5-8 p.m. at the corner of Main and Simonton Streets. There is no charge, and families are welcome to participate, said Larry Foerster, of Conroe Live.

Built in 1912, the Madeley and Pete West buildings were among the first constructed following the great fire of Feb. 21, 1911.

The Madeley Building, new home of the Conroe Art League, served as Conroe’s first telephone company. The public will see an antique telephone switchboard, and visit with ex-employees of the old Conroe Telephone Company that occupied the Madeley until the early 1950s.

Often called “the other building on the corner across the street,” the West Building first hosted a saloon. Through the years, the first floor of the building served as the location for several drug stores, a barber shop and a deli before Rodney and Joyce Pool purchased the building to create the beverage and musical venue The Corner Pub.

In addition to the Madeley and West buildings, visitors can attend the opening of the Old Red Brick Tavern, located at Talley’s Domino Parlor.

Also on hand for the double birthday are:

• A display of vintage automobiles, work trucks and an antique fire truck;

• The Silver Statesman Barbershop Quartet, the Panorama Pep Band and the Note-ables ladies chorus singing period songs of the early 1890s;

• Complimentary birthday cupcakes, popcorn, hot dogs and lemonade.

Visitors are welcome to wear period clothing of the early 1990s and examine old Conroe photos and a video presentation of the 100-plus years of the city’s history.

While the festivities kick into high gear at 5 p.m. Thursday, event participant Ron Saikowski said the section of Simonton Street between the Madeley and West buildings will be cordoned off throughout the day to put antique automobiles on display.

Saikowski said the Girl Scouts were founded in 1912, and Scouts of that era will be represented.

“A troop dressed in the uniforms of the day will be on hand,” he said. “They’ve also got the original recipe for Girl Scout cookies, and will have several batches for tasting.”

Interest in this second round of building birthdays has grown.

“People are learning about the history of downtown Conroe,” he said, “and they’re proud of it.”

Full story and pictures at: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/news/century-celebration-of-madeley-west-buildings-thursday/article_55b1face-61be-54ec-8f1c-d26fe3a8457d.html?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150757940938763_21818126_10150758081648763#f33bef187cf0936

]]>Sat, 14 Apr 2012 05:10:03 -0600http://www.conroeartleague.com/1/post/2012/04/arts-festival-celebrating-history-and-mourning-kinkade.htmlPosted: Friday, April 13, 2012 12:07 am

By Maggie Gutierrez / Art Talk

Working behind the scenes at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival: Don’t miss the largest and most celebrated annual arts festival in the area this Saturday and Sunday.

This year the Conroe Art League is supporting the festival in a big way as a “Charity Partner.” Other Charity Partners this year include: The Pavilion Partners; The Woodlands Art League; The Woodlands Children’s Museum and the Anne Marie Hopkins Art Alliance. Charity partners provide the volunteer support which enables festival organizers to bring in some 200 world class artists from across the country to display and sell their art (in clay, metal, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, leather, photography, sculpture, watercolor and wood), to offer a high school art scholarship competition, provide art classes for young people, provide live entertainment on multiple stages, sponsor cooking demonstrations and welcome thousands of guests. Admission is $10, with children 12 and under free. See WOODLANDSARTSFESTIVAL.COM for more information.

Annual Student Show Date Change: The Conroe Art League’s annual Student Show competition for area high school seniors was originally announced to area schools as occurring April 21. Please note that the show date has been changed to Saturday, April 28.

The show will take place at the league’s Gallery at the Madeley Building, 127 Simonton Street, Conroe, prior to the league’s general meeting. The student show is open to all area public and private high school artists who are seniors this year. Students need not be members of the Conroe Art League to enter this competition. Art work can be rendered in oil or acrylic paints, drawing, pastels, watercolor, sculpture or mixed media. The first place award winner will receive $500; the next two winners will be awarded $250 each. Art work must be delivered to the Gallery at the Madeley Building between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. on April 28 in order to be considered.

Contact any of the following for additional information: Dr. Ottis Hilburn at 936-295-1878; Maggie Gutierrez at 936-582-7791; or the Conroe Art League’s main number at 936-756-9572.

Celebrate our History: Bring family and friends (in period clothing if possible) for a very special celebration, being called the “Dynamic Duo” from 5 to 8 p.m. on April 26 in downtown Conroe.

The “Dynamic Duo” will celebrate the 100th birthdays of two pivotal buildings in downtown Conroe’s history – the Madeley Building (current home of the Conroe Art League) and the West Building (current home of The Corner Pub). The Conroe Art League has partnered with Conroe Live, Inc., Consolidated Communications, members of the Madeley family, The Linda Watson Gallery, the Gallery Off the Square, the Louis E. Wheeler Fine Art Gallery, area theatres, hosts of local merchants and other dedicated individuals to help organize the combined celebration.

Most of the activities will take place on Simonton Street between N. Pacific and N. Main, and along N. Main to Metcalf Street. Similar in many ways to the hugely successful centennial of the Gentry building in November 2011, this celebration will offer sights and sounds reminiscent of the 1912 era, with people clad in period costume, period music performed by numerous groups of area roving musicians and pristine condition vintage cars parked along Simonton Street.

A team of local historians will be on hand to help welcome guests and offer insights on area history. Some items, including a Thomas Kinkade painting, donated by Gallery Off the Square owner, Cathy Cook, will be raffled during the Dynamic Duo event. Complementary foods and beverages will be available at the Gallery at the Madeley Building and Hillson’s Interior Designs and at other venues along Main and Simonton. Other food and beverages may be purchased at The Corner Pub or at the new Red Brick Tavern, next to the Gallery at the Madeley Building.

Admission to the event is free. See CONROELIVEINC.ORG for more information.

Art and History at CAL Gallery: The Conroe Art League’s “Exhibit 7,” which was installed the first week of April, will begin a new gallery exhibit schedule. Starting this month, the Gallery at the Madeley Building (at 127 Simonton Street, Conroe) will be offering exhibits for two months. The current exhibit, “Exhibit 7,” which continues through the end of May, has an historic focus in honor of the “Dynamic Duo” historical celebration mentioned above. While the “Dynamic Duo” focuses primarily on Conroe history, some of the current CAL exhibit pays tribute to Texas state history as well. With two and three-dimensional artwork in varied media, such historical tributes pay homage to early cowboys and trail blazers, to some of downtown Conroe’s historical buildings, such as the Crighton Theatre and Conroe’s old railroad station. Other artworks depict early Texas buildings, legends and landscapes.

Afternoon Tea: There is still time to purchase tickets for the Conroe Art League’s Afternoon Tea, Art Show and Silent Auction on May 6 from 2-4 p.m. at the Gallery at the Madeley Building, 127 Simonton Street, Conroe.

In addition to a variety of original artwork donated by local artists, the silent auction will also include such items as: wine tasting for 20 at Bernhardt Winery; rounds of golf; hair salon/spa gift certificates; “Champagne and Chocolate” baskets; gift certificates from local restaurants and more. Advance tickets are $10 or $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Gallery at the Madeley Building, through the mail by calling the art league at 936-756-9572, by calling Kerry Conkling at 936-890-9431, or by emailing Kerry at kerryc317@hotmail.com.

THE LINDA WATSON GALLERY by Joe Fleshner

30th Art Show: April brings to The Linda Watson Gallery (at 204 N. Main Street, Conroe) its 30th as the “700 Club” because all paintings are on sale for $700. An artist reception is set for April 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The “700 Club” is presenting the paintings of such exceptionally talented artists as: John Porter; Jerry Parker; Cynthia Reid; Lynn Peverill; Adrianne Edmunson; Joe Kolb and James Hall. The “700 Club” art work has been on display on the Gallery’s north wall since April 2 and will continue through April 30.

Studio 7: The gallery within a gallery concept, called “Studio 7,” which began in January of this year, has already brought six award-winning artists together to work, display and sell their work. Lynn Peverill (painting, drawing and sculpture) and Maggie Gutierrez (copper repoussé) are the latest to join Studio 7, leaving only one space available. The other Studio 7 artists include: John Porter (oil landscapes and historical building) who paints nearest the front window, Tyson Ranes (acrylic, high contrast interpretations of life’s journey) is next to John. Jerry Parker (acrylic and oil representational and abstract painting) is next to Tyson. Maggie and Lynn are next to Jerry, followed in the very back by Jean (fabric/textile art) and Joe (architect). To reserve the last space in Studio 7, call Joe Fleshner at 832-928-7150 or Jean Fleshner at 832-651-0757.

GALLERY OFF THE SQUARE THOMAS KINKADE by Cathy Cook

Gallery owner Cathy Cook and her staff express sincere sadness in announcing the passing of their founder Thomas Kinkade and wish to share the following:

“As we share our grief with millions of others who mourn his loss, we recall his inspirational message of faith, family and all that is beautiful in the world. Thomas Kinkade knew from an early age that painting was his true calling and he used his extraordinary talent to share his faith and share his light with the world.

“Thomas Kinkade always wanted to make his art accessible to everyone. He strived to make his paintings available and affordable to the public and his collectors. In his honor, we will continue his legacy and do what we can to carry on. The man is already greatly missed by the Kinkade extended family, but we want everyone to know that the galleries will remain open and his images will continue to be marketed worldwide, just as he would have wanted it.

“We will keep our readers updated on memorial service details as they become available and ask everyone to please keep Nanette and the family in your prayers in this time of deep sorrow.”

Raffle for “Dynamic Duo” event: The Gallery is raffling a Thomas Kinkade Limited Edition painting of “The Lion King,” at the April 26 Dynamic Duo event. Tickets at $5 may be picked up any time before April 26 at the Gallery Off the Square, 202 N. Main Street, Conroe.

Empty Bowls: The Gallery Off the Square will be hosting an “Empty Bowl” event on April 21 to benefit the Montgomery County Food Bank, from 6 to 8 p.m. For a $25 donation (all of which benefits the Food Bank), participants may enjoy a simple meal of soup, bread and water, take home a ceramic soup bowl made by students of Montgomery High School, and contribute to helping feed the hungry in Montgomery County. Contact the Gallery at 936-539-2993 to make reservations.

Maggie Gutierrez is a local artist and member of the Conroe Art League. She may be reached at GGutmarina@aol.com.

To see complete story with pictures, go to:
http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/living/arts-festival-celebrating-history-and-mourning-kinkade/article_cb120d7f-6ab3-5041-989f-fde9d2b40af0.html#.T4hNvswBZWA.email

]]>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 06:38:28 -0600http://www.conroeartleague.com/1/post/2012/04/best-of-the-west-west-building-celebrates-100-years-of-commerce-in-conroe.htmlPosted: Sunday, April 8, 2012 4:00 am | Updated: 3:29 pm, Thu Apr 5, 2012. By Brad Meyer|bmeyer@hcnonline.com

It’s not an elegant or architecturally significant structure, but the West Building continues to serve downtown Conroe as a cultural icon 100 years after it was originally constructed.

The northeast corner of Main and Simonton streets, now occupied by The Corner Pub, has been a focal point of Conroe commerce for more than a century. The two-story structure has been home to drug stores, restaurants, saloons, a photocopy business and offices for doctors and lawyers.

“It was a saloon when I was growing up and my folks warned me to stay away,” quipped Conroe historian and attorney Whitson Etheridge, age 95. “There was a doctor’s office upstairs and that was okay, but I stayed clear of the downstairs.”

The building was originally constructed by Pete West in 1912, following a massive fire that devastated much of downtown Conroe in February of 1911. The building was one of the first to be constructed of brick in accordance with a municipal ordinance adopted by the city after the fire destroyed some 65 buildings.

The West Building is typical of turn-of-the-century commercial construction, according to local architect Duayne Freeman.

“It’s a plain, utilitarian structure that could be used for a number of purposes,” he said. “The goal at the time was to get something that could be built quickly after the fire – with mercantile space down below and offices up above.”

Prior to Prohibition, West operated a saloon, but the building later became a grocery store when liquor was outlawed. In 1931, Neil West opened a barber shop with showers in the back for men – many coming to the area in search of work and new lives.

In the early 1930s, a portion of the building became the Crighton Drug Store – operated by Harry Crighton who would later build the Crighton Theatre. The drug store was later sold to Lewis C. Brownlee when Crighton found wealth in oil leases in the Conroe area.

Gertie Spencer, 77, with the Montgomery County Historical Commission, recalls visiting the soda fountain at Brownlee’s Drug Store on a regular basis.

“It was a different way of life back then and kids walked everywhere,” she recalled. “An ice cream soda was a dime and you could go see a movie at the Crighton Theatre for nine cents.”

At the time, most local families had family charge accounts at Brownlee’s Drug Store, said Spencer. Whenever she went for a soda or a fountain drink, she could just put in on her family’s account.

“My older brother Lewis “Bubba” was on the football team and very popular,” she said. “One month he ran up a $125 charge in malts for him and his friends – my folks were furious.”

Both Etheridge and Spencer recall the West Building served as home base for a handicapped man who was a highly skilled watch repairman.

“People would come to Conroe from Houston and outlying areas because he was the best around,” said Etheridge.

The building later became Scotts Pharmacy. The second floor of the West Building served as living quarters for owners and renters as well as a wide range of offices for doctors, lawyers and businessmen over the years.

Rodney and Joyce Pool purchased the building around 2000 and converted the structure to The Corner Pub downstairs, maintaining office space on the second level.

The facility is a popular downtown gathering place, often featuring live entertainment. It was also home for the Siegelman’s of Chicago sandwich shop, recently replaced with a deli operation.

“Conroe is a lot different these days,” said Spencer, “but there are still a lot of good memories about the way it used to be.”

Full story with pictures: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/living/best-of-the-west-west-building-celebrates-years-of-commerce/article_82617c82-5ad3-5c2e-99d3-6c3130917dcc.html
]]>Sat, 24 Mar 2012 06:41:17 -0600http://www.conroeartleague.com/1/post/2012/03/choral-society-closes-season-with-our-heritage-in-song.htmlBy Sondra Hernandez
The final concert of Montgomery County Choral Society’s 40th anniversary season will be dedicated to the memory of a founding member who loved exploring all things musical.

Jeanne Zuber, a long-time nurse, passed away May 29, 2011 but had contributed ideas and her thoughts on musical selections for the 40th anniversary season.

“She was really looking forward to the 40th anniversary year and had already contributed ideas and things she wanted to see,” said Ann Lee, artistic director for MCCS.

Lee said singing was the love of Zuber’s life, both in the choral and in church.

In her memory, an arrangement of the American folk song “Oh Shenandoah” was commissioned by Rob Landes who often performs with the choral society.

The group’s March 30 concert marks the premiere of this arrangement of “Oh Shenandoah” which is just one of the special events planned for the evening.

The concert titled “Our Heritage in Song,” is the culmination of the group’s 40th anniversary season of bringing great music of the world to this community.

Lee said the theme offers a patriotic element as well as spiritual tones and features the work of several American composers.

Two special guests also highlight the evening.

Montgomery County Performing Arts Society 2011 Young Texas Artist Winner in the Vocal Division Abigail Levis will perform several selections with the choral society.

A native of Portland, Maine, lyric mezzo-soprano Levis is emerging as one of the most exciting young singers of today. The Boston Musical Intelligencer praised her for her “dramatic style” and “high level of technical ability” in her performance in Israel in Egypt with the Handel and Haydn Society in Symphony Hall.

She is currently a member of the Vocal Arts program at the Bard College Conservatory where she studies with Edith Bers and Dawn Upshaw.

In keeping with the concert theme, “Our Heritage in Song,” collected works titled “Of Faith and Freedom” will be narrated by Lt. Col. Michael Odom, Commander 1st Battalion 158th Aviation Regiment Attack Reconnaissance Battalion.

Lee said words from our founding fathers are a part of “Of Faith and Freedom.”

In a special arrangement of “God Bless America,” by Rob Landes, Lee and Associate Director/Accompanist Craig Stephan will play a four-hand piano arrangment where they are both at the piano at the same time.

At the concert’s conclusion, “A Song of Peace,” based on the hymn tune “Finlandia,” by Jean Sibelius encourages peace and respect for people of all nations.

Other special highlights of the evening include:

Conroe Art League members displaying artwork indicative of our heritage in the lobby of the First United Methodist Church in Conroe prior to the concert.

Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, or a member of his staff, will present a Senate Congratulatory Certificate in honor of the group’s 40th anniversary

The Choral Society will award a scholarship to an outstanding graduating senior who desires to pursue a career in the choral field.

For more information, please log onto www.mcchoral.org or call 936-756-3395

This project is supported by funds from the City of Conroe Commission on Arts and Culture and ExxonMobil.

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