His Creative Spark: Local artist finds community in Salado
By Elizabeth Finkenbinder | Photos by Elizabeth Finkenbinder and courtesy of Sirril Art Gallery
Salado is known for its quaint atmosphere, friendly people and a variety of small businesses from food and wine to crafts and the arts. The town houses art galleries that display pieces from all over the country. Michael Pritchett, owner of the Sirril Art Gallery off Main Street, is grateful to be a part of the artistic community.
Originally from Dallas where he previously worked in clothing design and custom framing, a friend invited Pritchett to the Salado Christmas Stroll. Salado? He had never heard of it, but he decided to come for a visit. As soon as he stepped foot in the charming village, he was hooked.
The people were friendly, the creative spirit was oozing from every storefront, and he just loved the vibe.
He decided then and there that he wanted to be a permanent part of it. He resigned from his job in Dallas and traveled back to Salado with no job and no place to live, but his artistic spark was ignited. He wanted to live out the dream of being an artist and perhaps owning a gallery.
He ended up with a smaller gallery in the entrance of a local restaurant but outgrew that space rather quickly, so he looked for a bigger space.
Pritchett had grown up in a creative family, including actors and singers, but his special gift was always drawing. He never really had any formal art training, having earned his undergraduate degree in graphic design. As a child, he said he would draw on the walls at home and get into trouble, until his parents realized it wasn’t malicious behavior but a gift he was not sure how to use. His parents got him sketch books, and his art began to blossom.
When he first came to Salado to inquire about displaying his art, he was told to check Georgetown and Round Rock galleries because his style was a bit modern and different from what had been previously displayed. But internationally known artist and Salado resident Ronnie Wells and his wife, Patricia, were very supportive of Pritchett in his endeavors. Patricia Wells told him, “If you don’t fit in, stand out!” Michael took that to heart and began enthusiastically drawing and painting.
He ended up in a building off Main Street on the second floor under the Sugar Shack candy store and has been there ever since, filling the walls with vibrant and unique paintings.
Pritchett says he can draw from a photograph, a sketch, or his own head if an idea blossoms. He uses a variety of mediums including oils, acrylic, pastels and mixed media. The special ingredient in his work is often the use of fluorescent paint, which really makes it stand out. The subjects seem alive and spirited because of the bright colors, almost jumping off the canvas to say hello. “I can’t wait to share my art,” he says. “I know eventually it will be in someone’s forever home. I can’t wait to meet that person and hear their story.”
He has done many pieces of custom artwork as well, such as family and pet portraits, scenic views, and even some abstract art, each painting more colorful and fascinating than the last. He creates original paintings but does smaller prints of his works. He has also done some mural work, which can be seen on the Gunter Financial Building on Penelope Street in Belton.
Drawing and painting are his passions, and it is evident from the first moment you walk into his studio. “It’s really a blessing to be here in Salado still making and painting. Salado was a perfect place for me to set up shop. It’s really a very creative community.”
Sirril Art Gallery
108 Royal St., Salado
Facebook.com/SirrilArtGallery
