BUCK AND THE KID

March 7 - April 27, 2008

Nave Museum

306 W. Commercial Street

Victoria, Texas 

The Victoria Regional Museum Association is pleased to announce the opening of Buck and The Kid, a compilation of diverse works of the legendary Texas artist E. M. "Buck" Schiwetz and his younger friend and protégé, renowned watercolorist Harold Phenix. This exhibit brings together an enchanting collection of sights and memories and will be on display at the Nave Museum from March 7 through April 27, 2008.

At a magical point in time, two incredibly gifted men were brought together. One was a young squirt with a budding talent as an artist. His father’s friend, who happened to be one of the leading artists of Texas, shared his quirky sense of humor. The older man recognized the younger man’s talent and passion, and began encouraging him to explore his gifts. They were kindred souls; each understood the strengths and weaknesses of artistic minds. Their love of our great state is evident in their work: the grand sweep of the landscapes, the water, the birds, the glorious wildflowers, the architecture, the automobiles, the shrimp boats, and yes, even the oil rigs that would make it possible for them to indulge their art. They bonded early and easily. Old "Buck" taught, mentored, teased, admired, praised and often worked alongside "The Kid." It was a joyous relationship to behold, lasting over half a century. Although Buck has been gone almost twenty-five years, their unique communion continues; Harold confides that Buck still talks to him often. This unique show brings together for the first time the works of these two talented men. Many of the pieces reveal contrasting "looks" at the same subject. Many of these works have never been in a public exhibition.

 

Sponsored by:

First Victoria • Wells Fargo Bank & Wells Fargo Private Client Services

Sharon Steen & Gary Dunnam • Frank Richard Nelson • Lester & Burdine Giese

Victoria Regional Museum Association