Art Walk

The Round Rock Art Walk opened last night to the tune of a couple hundred attendees! The art was divided onto three floors with the first being a silent auction, the second being photography and the third being other forms of art; paintings, woodwork, watercolors. Musicians played throughout each floor as well as there being wine and hors d'oeuvres offered.

As I drove into the parking lot, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of cars. I didn't know what to expect, so it was nice to see a real turnout. Getting out of my car, I slightly regretted the ensemble choice as the air had turned crispy and the wind seemed to enjoy its attempt at carrying my dress and hair along for the ride.

Walking into the lobby, I was met with volunteers who handed me a program and then ushered me over to the "artist" table. It was surreal, being there for myself instead of in support of others. All my life I have enjoyed being a spectator; my uncles' bands, the cousins' sporting events, various friends' artistic endeavors. This will sound really strange, but it was nice to be there for myself. In support of me. It's not often one gets to do that for themselves.

After applying my nametag, I made my way through the silent auction, noting just how much western art there was available and then got onto the elevator. The elevators were glass, so as it rose, my photos came into view. I saw a small crowd surrounding one of them which made me sort of laugh and gasp at once. It was a surreal moment. I tried hard to be nonchalant and just order a beer and wander around, but I couldn't help but to notice the attention my photo received. I agree, bicycles in water with a white collection on them is unique. "Oh look snow," a woman said. "No, it's in water, look, and it's called salty?" the man next to her replied.

I watched from a little table just behind my photos as I awaited my roommate and her date. I listened to everyone, curious really just to know what people thought without knowing the artist was behind them. I heard comments on the lines, the colors, the subject. All good. I know that next to photographers like Ansel Adams, or Margaret Bourke-White, or Anne Geddes I am a pathetic attempt at being a photographer. But in a room full of photos from both amateurs and professionals, I didn't feel out of place. In fact, the only complaint I have of my own work was the frames. And that's a pretty good complaint to have.

The photos adorn the hallways of the Texas State Higher Institution Building in Round Rock for the next three months. I wonder where my photography will be by the time they come down :) If you'd like to see more of my photos, my website is mcraycroft.zenfolio.com. Enjoy!