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For McKinney, the time is now
By Allen Rich
Apr 9, 2006

As a wave of new residents and businesses swept through the Sun Belt in recent decades, many population centers changed dramatically.  One by one, the transformation altered the skylines across Texas.

Remember Austin in the early 70’s, San Antonio in the 90’s or Fort Worth at the turn of the century.    Much like watching a small-town girl look in the mirror and decide she has everything it takes to be a star in the bright lights, the change is a magical time of reaching out for new dreams.    For McKinney, the time is now.

Saturday night in McKinney, shoppers slowly worked from store to store during the city’s popular 2^nd Saturday Art Walk.  As the sun went down, the beat picked up. 

The jazz band entertains inside the Performing Arts Center.

The flagship of downtown McKinney, the historic courthouse, is now the McKinney Performing Arts Center.  Cool jazz came swirling out of the stone walls.  Inside the impressive 1927 structure, couples enjoyed a glass of wine as they admired art adorning the hallways throughout the building. 

Art is a little word with a very big role in McKinney these days, with 18 stores that feature art participating in the city’s 2^nd Saturday Art Walk. 

"Bag Lady" -- Amanda Wallace

Just south of the square, Art Institute of McKinney opened their doors for a reception honoring the thought-provoking work of Amanda Wallace, an artist with a gift for capturing the fun of morning coffee or delving into the frightening demands media instills in young girls that think they must all grow up to be Barbie to be successful.

A carriage ride to the north end of Kentucky Street brought passengers to the McKinney Art House for an exhibit by Anne Royer.  Trained by noted colorist Gustav Likan, Royer is now coloring the world of dozens of young North Texans every year through her instruction. 

Learn more at her website,  http://www.mckinneyartanddesign.com/.

painting by Anne Royer

On this night, several of Royer’s students were on hand to celebrate this fascinating exhibit with their teacher.  Royer’s works filled Art House with studies in architecture and bright imagery, while a raku pottery demonstration captivated the backyard audience. 

Across the street, a jazz trio lit up the night outside Stained Glass as jewelry artists set up displays inside.  Another carriage ride awaited visitors ready to see to other featured events of the evening.

On the square, an Elvis impersonator was drawing a crowd outside Carrie’s Galleria D’Arte.  Passing motorcyclists slowed for a long look as couples posed for a photo with “The King.”   

McKinney’s next 2^nd Saturday Art Walk is set for May 13.  Art and entertainment are abundant, yet parking is easy to find.  Merchants still offer a small-town smile, but the county seat of Collin County has all the sophistication of a big-city girl these days.  And that combination is especially alluring.

McKinney Performing Arts Center

painting by Amanda Wallace

Painting by Anne Royer

Friends pose for a photo by the carriage that shuffled McKinney Art Walk patrons between events.

Grumpy Elf jewelry on display at Stained Glass

The kiln glows during a Raku pottery demonstration at McKinney Art House.

The beat of the bass, the beat of hooves...