This October, we invite you to venture into a cozy Hill Country community where you can meet local artists in their private studios.
Story by Shawna Holly
If you’ve ever taken Scenic Loop Road in Northwest Bexar County–from Helotes up to the Kendall County line, then you’ve driven through the tiny one-and-a-half-mile-long city of Grey Forest.
With only a few hundred residents scattered among the hills and creek beds and with no stop lights, grocery stores, or shopping centers to boast, it’s a curious place.
Recently I decided to take a drive down from Boerne to check it out. I’d never been before, and it was especially bleak outside–a wet, drizzly day. Yes, it was quite literally grey in Grey Forest, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the weather amplified the community’s “lost in time” atmosphere.
The streets are notably narrow, winding, tree-lined, and possess storybook-inspired names like Sherwood Trail, Nottingham Lane, and Hillside Drive–all fitting for the heavily wooded, quaint little community. On my journey, I spotted the tell-tale signs of small town life–and a couple of distinctly Grey Forest gems. I saw notices of farm fresh eggs and firewood for sale, “SLOW DOWN – FAWN CROSSING” signs, the local volunteer fire department, the highly lauded Grey Moss Inn & Restaurant, City Municipal Offices, and the Madla Park Natural Area.
On first glance, I observed as I went along, one might think there’s little more to draw in a wanderer. Yet, as is often the case with small towns and burgs scattered across our region, there’s more to this hidden Hill Country town than meets the eye.
To whit, and for more than eight decades, Grey Forest has served as home to an abundance of talented local artists. Moreover, for every year since 1995, they’ve come together to showcase (and sell) their work to the public during the annual Grey Forest Open Studios.
Natalie “Tita” Bowman, who heads up the event’s press & publicity committee, graciously took the time to fill me in on exactly how this all came to be.
“The lovely hamlet of Grey Forest has been an artist’s haven since 1932,” she said, pointedly noting the work of Helotes non-fiction author Cynthia Leal Massey as her go-to resource for local history and lore. “The Orpheum Circuit ended its long running vaudeville show in San Antonio and with no money and no place to go, the artists-musicians, dancers, comedians and painters-were offered lodging at the Scenic Loop Playground, which became the town of Grey Forest in 1962. Grey Forest has since been home to such world-renowned artists as landscape painters Robert Wood and Warren Hunter.”
That tradition of creative enterprise has continued onward into this new century. What started with just seven resident artists in 1995 has grown to include two dozen resident and visiting artists, all of whom come together annually on the second Saturday in October. These creative spirits decorate their homes, gardens, and studios–and then throw open their doors to the public in a community-run showcase. Yes, they sell the beautiful works of art they create. According to the event’s official website, items on offer for 2018 will include “paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolors, ceramics, sculptures in stone and metal, textiles, jewelry, antique dolls, vintage aprons, mosaics, mixed media collage and wall art, fused/slumped glass objects, note cards and totes, chalk boards, repurposed painted furniture, and more.”
The artists and artisans provide, too, plenty of festive, friendly fun alongside food and drink, as visitors make their way through Grey Forest. The hospitality and the quality of the work all makes for a marvelous time, say long-time attendees, and it’s hard to miss a simple fact: twenty-three years is a long track record for any event, much less one that takes place at such a tiny little dot on the Hill Country map.
Marveling at the milestone, I asked Ms. Bowman for her take on what exactly has made Grey Forest Open Studios stand the test of time.
“As you know, the city of Helotes and the surrounding area has exploded with construction and families moving into this area,” she said, “But even with all the buzz, Grey Forest is still a green jewel in all it has to offer its citizens and visitors and continues to be a haven for artists who are inspired by the Texas Hill Country. It’s been the dedication of the artists to their work and to their patrons, and the resulting following of visitors who come back every year, that have made it a success.”
Here’s to many more years of happy, creative days in Grey Forest–whatever the weather.
Shawna Holly is a Boerne wife, mom, and blogger who shares her family’s adventures through life and the Texas Hill Country at SowingSeedsTx.com.
Explore More
You’ll find the 23rd Annual Grey Forest Open Studios at 18502 Scenic Loop Rd., from 12 p. m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 13, 2018, come rain or shine. The event is free and open to the public and directional signs and maps will be provided to guide visitors. You’ll find the walking tour map here and more information can be found at www.GreyForestOpenStudios.com, on YouTube, and Facebook.
If you attend the event–and decide to share your adventures on social media, we hope you’ll tag us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Thanks for reading!
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