Kahn and Stanzel Building Hosts Grand Opening for a New Art Gallery and Events Hall in Hallettsville

New Lease on Life

Kahn & Stanzel Building Hosts Grand Opening for a New Art Gallery and Events Hall in Hallettsville

Hallettsville, TX (MMD Newswire) June 16, 2015 — “Welcome!” is the theme for the Hallet Oak Gallery, a newly created art gallery and events space that opens officially on June 27 on the square in downtown Hallettsville. The gallery is located in a prominent local landmark, the Kahn & Stanzel Building, built in 1894 and listed on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places.

A number of the local and international artists featured in the gallery will be present from 10 AM until 6 PM the day of the grand opening. The event will include live Old Country music from 10 AM to 2 PM by Lavaca Station Band with Ray Casper on lead guitar, Earl Logue on rhythm guitar, Clarence New on bass, and Tiff Chevalier on fiddle . From 2 PM to 6 PM there will be live Americana music, featuring Jim Schubert on mandolin and vocals, and Mike Stroup on guitar and vocals. A wine tasting by Darcy’s Vineyard will also be held. Five local caterers and five florists will be showcasing their samples and ideas for meetings and banquets on five round tables.

Famed offshore oil and gas photographer Mieko Mahi has leased the structure for use as an art gallery and teaching venue for artists, and for holding community social events. It will be open during lunch Tuesdays through Thursdays, and on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM.

The building has been restored to mint condition, and Mieko believes the space is ideal for selling the work of local artisans. Artworks presently on display are by Larry Bozka, Roy Cavarretta, Gisela Floto, Alberto Godoy, Art Juarez, Valentia Kisseleva, Ofi Juarez, Yan Lee, Mieko Mahi, Marcus Mann, Michael Moore, Hege Nolop, Chu Okoli, Elizabeth Payne, James Phillips, and Baca St. Onge. Their works are for sale.

“I am hoping the public will want to purchase one-of-a-kind art in a one-of-a-kind building,” Mieko said. “Also, I think the upstairs is perfect for small social gatherings and for painting, drawing, or photographing the historic Lavaca County Courthouse across the street.”

Several non-profit groups have used the space already. They include the Vietnam Veterans of America’s Lone Star Chapter 854, the Hallettsville Cultural Events Center, and the Hallettsville 4-H Club. Mieko hopes to encourage organizations to plan lunch-and-learns, plays, talent shows, workshops, meetings, and banquets – all for a rental fee. Non-profits will receive a discounted rate.

To help promote the venture, Mieko plans to hold events through 4-H that include photography at the gallery, ongoing photography workshops, and open mic nights on the first and last Thursday of the month.

Mieko envisions that the Hallet Oak Gallery and the rest of the building will become a lively and well-used space rented by clubs, bus tours, individuals, or families, to enhance the social and cultural life of Hallettsville.

If you have an event you’d like to see in the building, Mieko will be glad to work with you to plan it. All events in the building will be managed by her. If you have questions about what is included in an event package, please contact her at 361-217-7030 or email venue@halletoakgallery.com.

To see a calendar of events, please visit the Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce website at www.hallettsville.com and/or the venue website at http://www.halletoakgallery.com.

About Mieko Mahi and the Hallet Oak Gallery

Mieko Mahi is recognized as one of the world’s leading oil and gas photographers. For 20 years, she has organized and managed an oil and gas industry social group, the Oil & Gas Gathering, that meets in Houston once a month, so she is familiar with what can happen when a five-star caliber venue like the Hallet Oak Gallery brings together people from all over with one common denominator: a love for learning and cultivating the arts. At Mieko’s group in Houston, couples have met and married, and friends have re-connected, but perhaps the most valuable asset has been the sharing of information.

The name Hallet Oak Gallery is in honor of the beautiful, ancient, historic, and beloved tree in Hallettsville’s park. The Hallet Oak has long symbolized history, community, family, and growth. Hallet Oak Gallery will serve to enhance that symbolism, and make it accessible to even more people. The gallery’s name also honors those who support the arts, as the building’s owner, Dr. Betty Edward, has done for many years. Mieko will continue Dr. Edward’s tradition of generosity and support to organizations by offering non-profit groups discounted space rental rates.

For Information, Contact Mieko Mahi

713-822-0166

venue@halletoakgallery.com

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