1-C-Community-May 14, 2014 www.FreestoneCountytimes.Com

Tri-County Homeschool Players Present...

Friday, May 16, 2014, 6:30 p.m.Saturday, May 17, 2014, 6:30 p.m.Sunday, May 18, 2014, 10:45 a.m.

First Baptist Church Fairfield“A comedic, heartwarming, redeeming twist on the classic story we all know and love.”

“Fierce with a happy vibe” is how pop artist trill whiteside describes the pieces he creates. (photo by Karen Leidy)

Spray paint art iS Fun to warch! artist trill whiteside will be teaching a class this weekend on the courthouse square in downtown Fairfield, Texas. (Photography courtesy of healthy rhythm community art Gallery)

“I create art whereever I’m at, with any medium I can get a hold of,” says Trill Whiteside of Teague, Texas. “I’ll be in the kitchen, in thought, and will doodle something on a napkin.” This prolific artist works on at least a couple pieces each day. “I think about it non-stop,” he says, “About what I’m going to do next.” Trill Whiteside is the newest artist at Healthy Rhythm Community Art Gallery in Fairfield, Texas. Gallery owner Ken Vail describes his work as contemporary Pop Art. His subject matter is iconic, pulling much of his subject matter from 1980’s television shows. “I like to paint funny situations that don’t make sense, says Whiteside.” Some of his pieces include Donald Duck with a crossbow, a character that combines ET and Mr. T, and a grizzly bear with butterfly wings. Many of his works are created on traditional canvas, with a few using burlap. Whiteside also has several pieces on various sized wooden boards, including a Space Monkey painted on a door panel. Using acrylic, oils, spray paint, and even Sharpie® pens, Whiteside creates pieces that he calls “fierce and scary, with a happy vibe”.

High Energy Pop Artist Joins GallerySpray Paint Class Offered this Weekend

“It’s therapy for me,” he says. “It gets what’s inside of me to get out.” He also sees art as a way to bond with his kids, who range from 3 to 16 years old. “It gives kids a positive thing to do,” says Whiteside. Trill Whiteside grew up in Waco and Belton. Art has been a major part of his work career. Whiteside is trained in Computer Graphics and Design, and created vehicle wraps for Gulf Coast Graphics in Corpus Christi. During the

Did you know that homeowners can harvest as much as 600 gallons of water during a 1-inch rainfall from their roof’s gutter system? It’s true, say the folks at Freestone County’s AgriLife Extension office. About a dozen homeowners attended a Rainwater Harvesting demonstration on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 presented by Ag Agent Erin Hensely (above right). She showed how they built a small rainwater collection system to water the beautiful pink roses in front of the Extension Office. “Everything you need, can be found in the garden section of your local hardware store,” says Hensley. The Extension office utilizes a Rubbermaid trash can.

Mesh covers a large square area, cut out of the lid. A spigot (below left) has been fitted at the bottom, to release collected water when the flowers get thirsty. Mesh is important for keeping out leaves and debris. If the mesh is small enough, it can repel mosquitoes as well. Secretary Beth Gibbs also suggested adding mineral oil to the water, which she uses in her pond at home, to deter mosquitoes. Incorporating a Rainwater Harvesting system can save money on your water bill, as well as reduce the demand on municipal or community water supply. Considering that the average household uses as much as 30% of water on landscaping, the money and resources saved can really add up. The water collected from this system is considered non-potable, and is not safe for drinking water. Non-potable water may be used to wash clothes, flush toilets or water plants. For information on creating a harvesting system that includes water treatment, visit the Texas A&M AgriLife website at water.tamu.edu and browse through their resources. Stop by the Freestone County Extension Office and take a look at their Rainwater Harvesting system. The office is located at 440 East Main Street in Fairfield, Texas. Or, contact their office at 903-389-3436 and talk with Erin or Beth. They will be glad to hook you up. Karen Leidy reporting.

Harvesting Rainwater

Spring Break season, he has worked as a street artist, selling spray paint art. Whiteside was a full-time tattoo artist for 20 years (and still does some work by appointment). He also plays drums for the electronic / acoustic band, Tea Aguilar of Waco. According to Whiteside, the band has performed from Corpus Christi to Dallas, including 6th Street in Austin. They share an interest in art, as the other band members are professional artists as

well. Currently, Whiteside is creating art pieces for the “Con of the Living Dead” event in Waco this September, which is presented by the Heart of Texas Comic Con. “I’ve been going to Boudine’s [junkyard] to find porcelain figurines,” says Whiteside. The artist has been giving these items (along with several My Little Pony toys) a “Day of the Dead” paint job with ribs exposed, in keeping with the event’s theme. Whiteside says he will also be painting portraitures of cast members from AMC’s the walking Dead who will be attending the event. The community is invited to experience the high energy art of Trill Whiteside during a Spray Paint class this Saturday, May 17, 2014 at Healthy Rhythm Community Art Gallery on the courthouse square in downtown Fairfield. “Spray paint art is all about turning mistakes into an art form,” says Whiteside. “It’s controlled chaos.” It’s also fun to watch, as Whiteside uses cups, a blunt knife and even fire from a long-reach butane lighter. The class will run from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. All supplies will be provided, and attendees will take home a unique piece of artwork. Class size is limited; cost is $50. “I want people to come away from the class saying ‘I can do that,’ and then take it from there,” says Whiteside. Contact Ken Vail at 323-270-6284, or stop by the Gallery at 127 S. Mount Street, if you would like to attend. Karen Leidy reporting._______________________