Article featured in Rock & Vine Magazine Spring 2020 issue - Written by Kimberly Giles Beth McLaughlin is not the typical gallerist. She
does not come from a family of dealers or artists.
But she is an entrepreneur and philanthropist committed
to promoting the arts and giving back to her community.
The inspiration behind
Slate Gray Gallery in Kerrville
launched more than 20 years ago when McLaughlin
began visiting the Hill Country on weekend getaways
from Austin. She was inspired by the natural beauty and
the relaxed, artsy vibe. McLaughlin has since made the
Kerrville area her permanent home and she splits her time
between a second gallery location in Telluride, Colorado.
What is important for her is engaging and promoting
the work of local and regional creatives, alongside
the international artists. Currently Slate Gray Gallery
represents about 40 local artists between the two regions
in an effort for them to continue to live and create in the
places they love. “I like what I like and I hope you do too,”
she said.
“It’s important to promote and connect local artists with
patrons and art enthusiasts and give our artists a home to
display and sell their art,” McLaughlin said. “The flip side
to this is that we have become a renowned destination for
collectors to find the best talent that the Hill Country has
to offer. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
GIVING BACK
Although her Telluride gallery location
features a selection of works that are
more abstract and contemporary in
style, her Kerrville location features both
traditional realism and contemporary
pieces. Both galleries opened in 2015. The Kerrville location was
the first and the impetus was two-fold to promote her “friends,
fellow artisans” and to assist in revitalizing Kerrville’s historic
downtown.
Projects McLaughlin has spearheaded in Kerrville, other than her
gallery, include opening the Schreiner Goods with then business
partner Keri Kropp, and the recent restoration of the historic
landmark Guthrie Building. She is serves on the nonprofit
board for “Arcadia Live,” which will direct the re-opening of the
Arcadia Theater to the public (after 30 years of dormancy) as an
event and live music venue.
McLaughlin said it is important for Slate Gray Gallery in both
locations to reinvest back into their communities and support
arts-based nonprofits.
WE ASKED MCLAUGHLIN TO SHARE
WHY SHE LOVES AND CREATES
SPACE FOR THESE PARTICULAR
FOUR ARTISTS
- Carol Arnold began working in pastels and expanded
into oils over the past year. She is inspired by nature and
is an avid traveler around Texas. “Carol just keeps getting
better,” McLaughlin said. “Everyone wants to own a
Carol.”
- Karen Freeman is originally from Kerrville but had a long
stint in Manhattan as an architectural designer. Freeman’s
abstract expressionist works are mixed media that are
rich with organic and architectural structure. “Karen’s
wide variety of sizes and gorgeous colorations make her a
favorite for interior designers and architects,” McLaughlin
said.
- Katherine Lott is one of McLaughlin’s longest-standing
artists – the gallery was originally created for her – and
a friend. Lott works in oils, cold wax, and metallic leaf.
“They are simply peaceful and beautiful, and you can
feel her depth of soul through each of her varied works,”
McLaughlin said. Lott is also a holistic practitioner and has
strong connections to the Native American heritage.
- John Self is a found-object sculptor who is collected all
over the country. “John is the most creative, quirky and
funniest artist on deck,” McLaughlin said. “His work is
exceptionally crafted and never ceases to amaze.” Self
scours estate and garage sales to source his endless need
for unique parts that he can craft into sculpture.
A great amount of storytelling and self-expression is
nurtured by McLaughlin and her staff. “We have a
gorgeous historic downtown and a long history of arts
appreciation here in Kerrville that we are thrilled to be a
part of,” she said.
R&V pg. 11-14