Cockerell Galleries & Studios

By Shanna Smith-Snyder

This week, I had the opportunity to visit Cockerell Galleries and Studios, as well as sit down for a visit with one of their featured artists, T.M. Gand. Cockerell Galleries is known for being the type of gallery that supports the local arts scene and its artists. The vibe here is a very unified family-type atmosphere amongst the gallery’s artists. According to Carolyn Cockerell, gallery director, this supportive environment has been her dream since opening the studios and gallery.

If you ask Carolyn what prompted Cockerell Galleries and Studios, or even just her passion for the arts, she’ll say simply, “It has always been there.” And she is speaking of both the passion and the building. Carolyn was raised around classical music, her mother’s intricate quilts and a love for the performing arts. The Cockerell family has had a historic building in their family for generations and it just so happened to be perfectly suited for artists. So, approximately six years ago, Carolyn and her brother propelled the family into the downtown revitalization era and thus, Cockerell Galleries & Studios “Upstairs” was born.

In the main gallery, you will see a variety of artwork by both local artists and students from Abilene Christian University. Upstairs you’ll find 12 working artists’ studios with work in a variety of mediums — photography, oils, watercolors, graphic design and more.

If you can see only one studio, I would highly recommend T.M. Gand’s. Gand is a contemporary artist specializing in the use of texture, color and layering effects. Her art is vibrant, fun and bright. It is so different than what you would expect to see on a gallery wall and that is why I fell in love with her style instantly. When I inquired about the use of these colors, Gand replied, “I experiment with bright colors because it brings energy and life into a painting or eventually a room. It makes the piece come alive!”

In 2005, T.M. discovered her passion for painting, as she was diving back into her studies at a local university. She was trying to decide between taking economics or beginning painting, when her advisor enthusiastically replied “painting!” But her first painting class also completely terrified her. “I wondered how I could possibly paint on an easel and create anything of value,” she says, “I was not like the other traditional students with an entire educational background in art history, yet I hoped that attempting to paint regardless and facing this fear would be therapeutic for me — a way to ease any anxiety. However, it took about another two years before the anxiety melted away and I found peace in painting. With each new piece, I pushed harder and found a new way to express what I was feeling. Then, I realized that at age 31, I’d finally found my passion.”

What I loved most about her studio was that T.M. offered a retail side. In addition to fine art, she also creates greeting cards, journals, prints and more. Her latest project includes a wearable, fine art pendant line that showcases miniature versions of her popular artwork. Check them out for yourself at www.tmgandfineart.com.

Cockerell Galleries & Studios: 1133 N. 2nd St., 325-829-7975. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. www.cockerellgalleries.com.