The Frontier Times Museum inducted watercolorist Susie Short into its Texas Heroes Hall of Honor on Friday evening.
The April 19 event was well-attended and showcased local Susie Short’s watercolors in the Doane Western Art Gallery.
Lew Pewterbaugh started off the event with some soulful tunes as patrons gathered under tents outside on the Museum grounds.
The weather cooperated with a cool breeze and overcast skies making for a pleasant evening. The refreshments were flowing as the crowd began to gather.
Museum Executive Director Rebecca Norton welcomed the group and gave a brief introduction with a background for the award.
She then introduced Ann Hevenor, President of the Museum Board.
Hevenor spoke briefly about the significance of the award and presented Mrs. Short with a plaque commemorating her induction into the Hall of Heroes, one of Bandera’s most prestigious awards.
Short spoke about her history and growing up in Bandera. She told stories about other Hall of Heroes honorees that she remembered from her youth.
Her bubbly personality and creative nature are shown through her comments. As she spotted friends and family in the crowd, she gleefully welcomed them and remembered them to the audience.
Two of Short’s great grandfathers were well known area pioneers. J.W. Short was a local banker and rancher. J. Marvin Hunter was the founder of the Bandera Bulletin and the Frontier Times Museum.
Short studied art with her uncle, Warren Hunter at the Hunter School of Art.
She is nationally known and has competed in juried competitions throughout the United States.
After the ceremony, Short took pictures with family and friends while the audience chatted together and wandered inside to see the retrospective of Short’s work.
The exhibit is titled “Colors in Symphony: A Retrospective of Susie Short.”
The exhibit contains many watercolors of quintessential Texas subjects like deer, Hill Country landscapes and wildflowers.
Short’s works are brilliant examples of eclectic subjects made relevant by the medium of watercolor.
Attending the induction ceremony and exhibit opening were many notable locals. Matriarch Ople Boyle toured the exhibit as Johnny and Holly Boyle, with son Jon, chatted outside with Museum President Ann Hevenor and her husband Russell.
Medina historian Cecil LeStourgeon was present. Museum Board member Kirk Mc-Mullan with wife Hooter chatted with Diana Harris who brought husband and Board Parliamentarian Harry Harris.
Board member Tessa Kolodny photographed the event to capture the ceremony in pictures.
Local author Mary Schenk strolled through the Museum. Writer Judith Pannebaker and husband Bill attended the event.
A group of retired teachers from the Bandera County Retired Teachers Association gathered to chat. Kronkosky Library Board member Anna Montague, ceramicist Denise Van Dyke, potter Mary Mosely, and longtime BISD paraprofessional Gloria Robbins caught up on their summer plans.
Retired coach Brett Morris and his wife Duna strolled through.
ATPE President and Museum board member John Milner helped with the refreshments.
The Frontier Times Museum thanked the HIX Ranch, Dr. Bill Pannebaker, Chuck Lutke, and Tessa Kolodny Photography for supporting the event.
Over 100 people attended the induction ceremony and exhibit opening.
The Frontier Times Museum is open from Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
