Nationally Acclaimed Eminger Berries Founder to Participate in Salado’s Chocolate Festival Activities October 10th -12th
October 1, 2008
SALADO, TEXAS — A special highlight of Salado’s first annual Expressions of Good Taste Chocolate Festival is the appearance of Susan Eminger at Prellop Fine Art Gallery in the Village’s historic downtown district, Saturday, October 11th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eminger received national acclaim with her Eminger Berry recipe in The Food Network’s “Road Tasted” with Jamie and Bobby Deen. Eminger will be showcasing her famous dessert-stuffed strawberries at the gallery during the gallery tour portion of the weekend events. The Eminger Berry demonstration and the gallery tour are free of charge and open to the public.
Guests are invited to talk with Eminger about her dessert creations and sample her famous strawberries stuffed with New York Cheesecake and then dipped in white or dark chocolate. This is a rare opportunity for Texans to experience the original Eminger Berry from Maine.
The Food Network’s “Road Tasted” with Jamie and Bobby Deen cookbook, featuring the Eminger Berry recipe, will be available for sale during the evening. Eminger will be on-hand throughout the evening for book signings.
About the Village of Salado:
The Village of Salado is located in Central Texas approximately fifty miles north of Austin. The Village is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, historic shopping district, idyllic setting on the Salado Creek, and its growing arts and cultural community. Salado has been home to many esteemed Texas notables including authors,Liz Carpenter and A.C. Green, Governor James E. Ferguson, Governor Miriam “Ma” Ferguson, and numerous historical figures have visited, such as Sam Houston and General George Custer. For more information visit the Village of Salado Web site at www.salado.com, or contact Debbie Charbonneau at 254-947-8634 – email saladotourism@vvm.com.
Green Talk Radio and Nine Lords of the Night
September 1, 2008
One of the interesting things about publicity, marketing and the like, is when you get to work with an author on their book, and then start getting the word out about it. We published Eric Gibson’s Nine Lords of the Night because he is an old friend and it is a really good book! Well, he was recently interviewed by Green Talk Radio’s Sean Daily and it is a fascinating podcast.
Eric discusses previous cultures and how they had adapted (or not) to changing environmental conditions; how they dealt with living a ‘green’ life, etc. If you’d like to listen to the entire broadcast, you can subscribe to Green Talk Radio on Apple’s iTunes, or go directly to Sean’s site at Green Talk Radio. Eric’s broadcast is titled “GTR 126: Greendiana Jones – Simple Living Lessons from the Maya with Eric Gibson” and it is episode 126.
Salado Hits a Sweet Spot with its First Annual Expressions of Good Taste Chocolate & Art Festival October 10-12th, 2008
August 19, 2008
Salado, TX – The Village of Salado hits a sweet spot with weekend getaway fans. For those who believe the four basic food groups consist of white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate and truffles…the ‘Expressions of Good Taste’ Chocolate & Art Festival is one event not to be missed. This year’s event takes place throughout the downtown shopping district and coincides with the annual Christmas in October shopping spree and Gallery Night in October. October 10-12th offers visitors three great Salado events in a single weekend…Expressions of Good Taste Chocolate & Art Festival, Gallery Night in October and Christmas in October.
The three-day chocolate celebration promises to satisfy all the senses with chocolate, wine tastings, music, demonstrations, chocolate sculpting, a gourmet chocolate & champagne brunch, and gallery tours. The festival kickoff begins on Friday evening with an Evening of Chocolate & Wine from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Salado Wine Seller. Guests will be invited to savor the taste of premier Texas wines paired with decadent chocolates. The Evening of Chocolate & Wine will feature the finest in artisan chocolates, and wine tasting from Texas vineyards. Carriage rides and Belgian horses will provide transportation from both the Stagecoach Inn and Holiday Inn Express to the event location.
A Day of Chocolate & Art is scheduled for Saturday, October 11th. The first event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Stagecoach Inn. This event will feature chocolate cooking demonstrations from Chef Denice, an instructor at the Texas Culinary Academy, along with Jackie Parchman and Jennifer McClintock. There will also be a fun/educational class on wine and chocolate pairings from Jane Nickles entitled “Like Wine for Chocolate” along with live music and children’s chocolate activities.
Participants will have an opportunity to sample some delicious desserts made by Pastry Chef Denice Woods, each paired with a wine hand selected by Sommelier Jane Nickles. “We’ll see how the wine and chocolate interact, and keep tasting until we find the perfect wine and chocolate match,” stated Jane Nickles. Carriage rides and the Belgian horses will be available to transport guests to and from the event.
Gallery Night in October will open Saturday evening activities with all nine Salado galleries hosting featured artists and art enthusiasts with a wine and cheese reception between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Chocolate sculpting demonstrations will also take place at several galleries. Specific times and locations will be announced at a later date.
A special highlight of Gallery Night in October is the appearance of Susan Eminger at Prellop Fine Art Gallery. Eminger received national acclaim with her Eminger Berry recipe in The Food Network’s “Road Tasted” with Jamie and Bobby Deen. Eminger will be showcasing her famous dessert stuffed strawberries at the gallery between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Guests will be able to sample her famous strawberries stuffed with New York Cheesecake. The berries are dipped in dark and white chocolate. Eminger will be providing booklets full of recipes and stories from her experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the original Eminger Berry. The business has closed. This is simply Eminger’s way of reaching out to Salado visitors. “I have found a new joy in this community,” stated Susan Eminger. “What better way to share the magic than through the chocolate festival?” concluded Eminger.
The three-day event will conclude on Sunday, October 12th with a spectacular Chocolate and Champagne Brunch between the hours of 11: 00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Participating restaurants and inns will dazzle guests with their finest chocolate and gourmet recipes. Menu selections incorporate the finest chocolate and gourmet selections, including Adelea’s cocoa rubbed beef tenderloin thinly sliced and placed on a bed of field greens with a raspberry vinaigrette and dark chocolate mousse with fresh raspberries. A complete list of Chocolate and Champagne Brunch locations and menus can be found at www.saladochocolatefestival.com.
For festival details and ticket information, visit us online at www.saladochocolatefestival.com or contact the Village of Salado Tourism office at 254-947-8634.
About The Village of Salado:
The Village of Salado is located in Central Texas approximately fifty miles north of Austin. The Village is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, historic shopping district, idyllic setting on the Salado Creek, and its growing arts and cultural community. Salado has been home to many esteemed Texas notables including authors, Liz Carpenter and A.C. Green, Governor James E. Ferguson, Governor Miriam “Ma” Ferguson, and numerous historical figures have visited, such as Sam Houston and General George Custer. For more information visit the Village of Salado Web site at www.salado.com, or contact Debbie Charbonneau at 254-947-8634 – email saladotourism@vvm.com.
Salado’s ‘Best of the Best’ Fine Art Show was a Night to Remember
August 3, 2008
Salado, TX, August 2, 2008 – The first annual Best of the Best Texas Show was a tremendous success. The room was beautifully lit with wandering pathways of fine art exhibits to delight and surprise visitors. The best art and artists in the state of Texas were on display with many renowned artists and several new faces. Special memories of the evening included popular landscape and western artists. Dalhart Windberg showed a beautiful autumn landscape of gold and vibrant greens and oranges exhibiting his skill with the pallet knife. Lee Herring’s three cowboys chatting at the fence was a favorite of many throughout the night. Roy Lee Ward captivated participants with his historic scenes of Indians in full headdress and cowboys warming near a campfire.
Bascom Heard’s Hill Country landscapes, were a real hit, as was his spectacular Art Fair poster, with the edition almost sold out. Chuck DeHaan’s horses were a sight to behold with extraordinary detail and lifelike qualities. Travis Keese from Kerrville had a remarkable scenic with deer walking through a hill country stream. Raul Gutierrez‘s western scenes exhibited his unique flair for blending backgrounds with an aged quality that was reminiscent of old-world paintings. George Boutewell, a Salado icon, has a consistency in quality and depth in his bluebonnet landscapes, that never fails to delight the crowds. And, Larry Prellop’s latest moonlit seascape, was exceptional with the light streaking through the waves as they begin to crest and break along the beach. There were so many wonderful painters in one room, one was hard pressed to pick a favorite.
Ron Wells’ bronze work was spectacular as you entered the door of the Celebration Center. The scale and patina on his bass bronze definitely had the ‘wow’ factor. Around the corner you could see Edd Hayes’ life-size figurative bronzes depicting early frontier life, where even women were required to pick up a rifle. Another big hit in the 3-D category was the metal botanical work of Charles Allen. His skill with cutting and bending metal into tiny, delicate flowers is simply extraordinary.
Playing background music for the show was Shelly King, an outstanding musician. It’s easy to see why the State of Texas chose her as the 2008 Musician of the Year. And, speaking of state artists of the year…the State of Texas Poet Laureates were well represented by Larry Thomas and Alan Birkelbach. These two extraordinary writers kept the crowds entertained with stories and personalized autographs of their poetry and writings.
Throughout the evening you could see artists meeting for the first time and many rekindling old acquaintenances. The food, cocktails and spirit of the evening were on par with the level of art on display. Texas’s rich heritage in the arts was well represented in this small Village of Salado.
For pictures of the event, click here.
Salado’s 42nd Art Fair
July 14, 2008
Salado’s 42nd Art Fair to Host Texas State Artists & Texas Originals August 2nd & 3rd
SALADO, TEXAS — Organizers of the hottest art show of the year just kicked it up a notch with participation by Texas Commission on the Arts’ Texas Originals artisans and the Texas State Artists. This includes some of the greatest painters, sculptors, musicians, and poet laureates from around the state. Art fans that have been traveling to the banks of Salado Creek for the past 42 years are in for a real treat this year. The quality and variety of artistic expression has never been greater.
The Salado Chamber of Commerce will host over 100 Texas artists and artisans at the 42nd Annual Art Fair August 2nd and 3rd at Pace Park and the new ‘Best of the Best’ Texas Fine Art Sale & Reception at Celebration Center on August 2nd.
“This is a very exciting year for both Art Fair fans and serious art collectors,” stated Larry Prellop, President of the Salado Chamber of Commerce. “Never before has there been such an extraordinary level of artistic talent… from top Texas artists that have rarely, if ever, exhibited together,” added Prellop.
Texas Original artisans working in a wide variety of media including clay, glass, fiber, wood, metal, stone, and more will be exhibiting along with Art Fair favorites at Pace Park on Saturday, August 2nd from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and again on Sunday, August 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 4: p.m.
Texas State Artists will be honored at the inaugural “Best of the Best” Texas Fine Art Sale & Reception on Saturday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Celebration Center. This one-evening event offers art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with some of their favorite Texas artists and poet laureates. Participating artists include: Dalhart Windberg, Roy Lee Ward, George Boutwell, Lee Herring, Ed Hayes, Kathy Vargas, Ralph White, David Keens, Jack Terry, B. Herd, Raul Gutierrez, Alan Birkelbach, and the 2008 Texas State Musician of the Year, Shelley King.
“The Texas Originals and Texas State Artists are two programs that we are very proud of, “stated Gaye Greever McElwain, Director of Marketing and Development for the Texas Commission on the Arts. “These artists represent the depth of the state’s artistic talent and its rich cultural diversity,” added McElwain. “Many of these artists began their careers at the Salado Art Fair,” noted McElwain. “I can’t imagine a better venue to showcase these two state programs,” concluded McElwain.
For ticket information, contact the Salado Chamber of Commerce at 254-947-5040 or visit them online at www.salado.com.
About Salado Art Fair: Salado Art Fair, held the first weekend in August, is one of the oldest open-air art exhibits in the state of Texas. For the past forty-two years, thousands of artists and artisans have traveled to the banks of Salado Creek to showcase their work. Over the years, many nationally recognized Texas artists have participated in the event, including George Boutwell, B. Herd, and Ron Wells. The Salado Art Fair is a Salado Chamber of Commerce event that brings over 5,000 arts enthusiasts and visitors to the community each year. For more information about the Salado Art Fair and other Chamber events call 254-947-5040 or visit them online at www.salado.com.
About the Texas Commission on the Arts TCA was organized in 1965 by the Texas Legislature to develop a receptive climate for the arts in Texas. TCA supports a diverse and innovative arts community in Texas, throughout the nation and internationally by providing resources to enhance economic development, arts education, cultural tourism and quality of life. For more information on TCA and its programs, please visit www.arts.state.tx.us.
About Texas State Artists Every two years, the Texas Legislature honors talented Texans for their years of excellence and dedicated commitment to the arts by designating them as Texas State Artists. Texas State Artists are native Texans or five-year residents of the state that have received recognition for high levels of excellence and success in their respective disciplines and are named as Texas State Poet Laureate, Musician or Visual Artist. Texas State Artists serve one-year appointments and demonstrate the essence of what art in Texas is all about. Previous winners include James Dick, Lee Herring, Ray Benson, Damian Priour, Red Steagall, Sharon Kopriva, and George Boutwell, just to name a few. The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) oversees the Texas State Artist program. The next call for Texas State Artist nominations will take place in the fall of 2008. More information, including a complete list of past Texas State Artists, is available online at www.arts.state.tx.us.
About Texas Original Texas Original (TxO) was created by the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) to help preserve Texas’ unique arts and crafts heritage and was designed to achieve three primary goals:
• promote original work by Texas’ craft artists;
• provide a method for buying/selling original Texas artwork and crafts;
• preserve traditional methods for creating hand-crafted work to ensure those methods are passed on to future generations.
Texas is home to an extraordinary number of talented craft artisans working in a wide variety of media including clay, glass, fiber, wood, metal, stone, and more. Artists included in the Texas Original program have been through a review process overseen by the Texas Commission on the Arts. Only artisans and crafts people who meet the highest business, quality and artistic standards are granted the title of Texas Original. When you see the TxO brand, you know you are looking at a high-quality, authentic, original work by a Texas artist. For more information on the Texas Original program, please visit www.txoriginal.com.
###
Salado Gallery Trail May 10th
May 5, 2008
Salado’s 2008 Fine Art Gallery Trail is scheduled for Saturday evening, May 10th from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Eight galleries will participate in the Gallery Trail with free carriage rides to and from each location.
Artists participating in the evening event include many of the top Texas painters and sculptors, including: Jack Terry (western), Ronnie Wells (bronze), B. Herd (landscapes), Larry Prellop (landscape/bluebonnets), Barry Shadrock (landscapes), Bill Meek (glass), Jim Eppler (bronze), Farrell Cockrum (Native American), Charles Allen (botanical sculptures, metal), Kathryn Martinez-Watts (photography), Tamara Rymer (western), Renie Patty (landscapes), and William Larson (western).
The 2008 Fine Art Gallery Trail includes the following gallery shows:
Griffith Fine Art Gallery:
Artists Tamara Rymer and William Larson will be available during the evening event as well as landscape artist Renie Patty. Tamara Rymer is considered one of the top female western artists in the nation. Rymer has recently received the top honor at the American Plains Artist Contest. William Larson, another popular western artist, grew up in the Texas Hill Country and studied under notables Bruce Greene and Martin Greille. Landscape artist Renie Patty has been creating vibrant landscapes, seascape and floral oil paintings for over thirty years. Patty studied under notables Dalhardt Windberg and Simon Michael.
B. Herd Gallery:
Artist and gallery owner, Bascom Herd, has received world-wide attention from collectors for his vivid landscapes showcasing tranquil Hill Country scenes. His use of stippling in his pieces adds a unique level of detail and richness to his paintings. Herd will unveil his most recent painting, “Fall Reflections,” during the Gallery Trail. Visitors will receive the first glimpse of this new work depicting a Hill Country scene featuring the Guadalupe River with several deer grazing along the banks. This 20” x 30” original and the accompanying prints will be available for purchase during the show.
Thomas Kinkade Stagecoach Gallery:
Thomas Kinkade, the “painter of light,” is considered one of America’s most collected artists. The Thomas Kinkade Stagecoach Gallery is a signature gallery representing the latest works of the artist, including his most recent seascape “New Horizons,” Footprint in the Sand,” and “Fenway Park.” Limited edition prints will be available for the show in various sizes, hand signed and embellished.
Main Street Galleries:
Represented artists for the Gallery Trail include Kyle Polzin, Dalhart Windberg, Larry Dyke and Mark Keathley. The gallery’s special feature for the evening is artist Judith Miller. Miller excels in not only the visual arts with her abstract paintings, but also in music. The Judith Miller Band will play jazz throughout the evening.
Miller Fine Art Gallery:
The exhibit planned for this years Gallery Trail includes both 2-D and 3-D artists working in oil, acrylic, bronze, metals and photography. Artists participating in the show include Bill Meek working in glass, Jim Eppler working in bronze and oils, Farrell Cockrum working in acrylic, Michael Tatom working in bronze with unique patinas, Brent Lawrence working in stainless steel, Kathryn Watts-Martinez working in enhanced photography, and Michelle Smith’s jewelry.
Prellop Fine Art Gallery:
Gallery owner, and artist, Larry Prellop is well known throughout Texas and the United States for his vivid sunset landscapes and light reflecting seascapes. Prellop’s paintings are in the private collections of numerous corporations and former Texas governors and State Representatives. Along with his own paintings, Prellop represents the work of G. Harvey and numerous emerging artists from around the state. Artists available for the Gallery Trail include: Barry Shadock, a student of Dalhart Windberg, who is known for his palette knife and brush techniques creating landscapes that glow with rich color; Loveta Strickland, showcasing her technique for translating color and light into vibrant landscapes and garden scenes; and Charles Allen, with his unique botanical sculptures in metal. The Prellop gallery will also host accordion player Willard Piper Dyer from Austin.
Southern Image:
Southern Image is the only gallery to exclusively feature Texas artist Jack Terry’s originals and Giclée prints. Terry’s work is collected by Travis Tritt, Burt Reynolds, Dick Clark, Exxon, and Anheuser Busch. Jack Terry will be present during the event showcasing his most recent work, “A Long Day in the Saddle” – a 48” x 60” oil depicting a canyon scene, two cowboys and a straggling calf. Also featured during the event is Terry’s “Turning the Lead Steer.” Entertainment is also planned at the gallery during the Gallery Trail.
Wells Gallery:
Artist and gallery owner, Ronnie Wells, was recently selected the 2007 Texas Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year for his wildlife and sporting bronzes, original paintings and limited edition prints. His latest creation in bronze, using the lost wax process, “Pitchin’ the Roost” will be on display during the Gallery Trail. “Pitchin’ the Roost,” is a 20” x 13” wild turkey bronze in a limited edition of thirty.
Wine, cheese and other refreshments will be served at each gallery with artists available to talk with visitors and art collectors. Visitors are encouraged to attend each gallery’s show and participate in the Fine Art Gallery Trail prize package drawing. Participants in the drawing have the opportunity to win free passes to the Silver Spur Theater, a 30-minute Massage at Serenity Spa, Wine-tasting for two at Salado Wine Cellar, a $50 shopping spree at Charlottes, one weekday night stay at the Red Barn Bed and Breakfast, and a lunch for two gift certificate from Brownings Café, just to name a few. For more information about Salado’s Fine Art Gallery Trail, visit us online at www.salado.com or contact Larry Prellop at 254-947-3930.
Elgin Art Walks Gain Momentum With More Than 90 Artists & Musicians Exhibiting
April 3, 2008
ELGIN, TEXAS — The artistic energy in downtown Elgin is alive and growing. The next Art Walk is scheduled for Saturday, April, 12th from 6pm until 9pm. It will feature sixty artists exhibiting in downtown businesses, gallery exhibits, and over thirty musicians playing in four different locations throughout the Historic Downtown District. Music is coordinated by Debbie Lundrigan of the Elgin Jam. Highlights include Bluegrass, Country, Folk, Western Swing, Big Band, Jazz and Classical Guitar. Musicians will be playing on street corners and inside several businesses, creating a one-of-a-kind Elgin Art Walk experience.
Galleries will be showcasing the work of local, regional, and national artists. Exhibitions include Kingfisher Fine Art & Music’s Spring Show featuring new work by Susan Kirchman and Neil Cronk; WW Treenware Folk Art Gallery & Studio will be featuring artists working in treen, watercolor, polymer clay, pottery, fused glass, mask making, and photography. At Enye Gallery, artists working in jewelry, oil, fiber art, beads, ceramics, oil and photography will be showcasing their work. Bremond House Gallery opens its Legends of Tanach Show, with artist Dan Grife working in acrylic & copper. An added feature to this show is Grife’s storytelling sessions at the gallery scheduled for 1pm, 3pm and 5pm Art Walk day. Bremond House is also hosting a book signing with author E. C. Gibson and his new murder/mystery novel, Nine Lords of the Night, during the Art Walk beginning at 6pm.
Local businesses or ‘other wall’ locations host many of the local and regional artists working in oil, watercolor, fused glass, beads, photography and origami. Hosting businesses include Blue Moon Auction and Mercantile, A Flower Connection, Stanberry & Associates Realtors, Elgin Depot Museum, Franklin Bank Community Room, Jeanette Shelby Realty, Elgin Outfitters, Main Street Optical, Back Forty Chiropractic, Nirvana Smoothies & Café, and Lickity Splits Ice Cream Parlor.
The Oncor Electric Delivery offices will host the first children’s art component to the Elgin Art Walk. Children’s face painting will be done by artist Kristen Rendulic and a Children’s Art Contest with the theme Texas Springtime, will be hosted by Susan Snelson and artist Ava Barker of the Elgin Arts Association, The children’s events will run from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
Elgin Art Walks are scheduled on the second Saturday of the months of March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The Elgin Art Walk is in the Historic Downtown District and takes place in existing commercial galleries, non-profit arts spaces and what are called “other walls”; restaurants and retail stores. Art Walk exhibits are free and open to the public. For more information about exhibits and a detailed walking map, visit www.artinelgin.com/.
Salado Launches Re-Branding Campaign With an “Artfully Yours” Focus
April 2, 2008
SALADO, TEXAS — “Artfully Yours” is a regional re-branding campaign underwritten by the Village of Salado and the Salado Chamber of Commerce. This effort will begin a major shift in the community’s marketing efforts to leverage Salado’s arts identity to strengthen and expand its tourism reach. The “Artfully Yours” slogan grew out of a desire to develop a deeper, richer understanding of Salado’s cultural and natural resources which have long made it a favorite arts destination.
Salado has a large population of resident artists, galleries, one-of-a-kind specialty shops and restaurants, cultural festivals, and numerous bed & breakfast accommodations – all nestled into one of the most scenic areas of Texas. It has been a treasured arts destination for several decades. The brand repositioning campaign will broaden Salado’s definition of the arts to include all expressions of creativity; fine arts, literary arts, handmade crafts, cultural displays, performing arts and music. The campaign is a cohesive plan that incorporates an artistic theme into every visitor touch point.
“Collectively we can do more to promote interest in our community and businesses than we can do individually,” stated Larry Prellop, President of the Salado Chamber of Commerce. The “Artfully Yours” initiative has unprecedented public and private cooperation,” added Prellop.
Salado has hired Austin-area communications firm, Embella, Inc., to create momentum in the hearts and minds of travelers as they contemplate weekend getaways. “We chose Embella because of their history of energizing developing arts communities and their understanding of our local markets,” added Prellop. Embella plans an integrated marketing and public relations strategy consisting of media tours, feature stories, press releases, online marketing, advertising and events strategy, and collateral repackaging. Embella expects to ignite interest from the Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston markets – areas that range from forty-five minutes to three hours driving distance from Salado.
“Salado’s re-branding effort is aimed at leveraging its core strength as an arts destination with a refreshed, more relevant message for younger generations who may not be familiar with the brand,” stated David E. Warner, CEO of Embella. “What we’re undertaking is a significant change in how Salado views itself, how businesses interact, and how Salado’s originality and uniqueness is communicated… ultimately translating into a heightened experience for visitors and increased tourism revenue,” concluded Warner.
There is an emerging trend among small communities to embrace their cultural assets to attract tourism dollars, and for good reason. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, (as reported in The Historic/Cultural Traveler, 2003 Edition) eighty-one percent of the 146.4 million U.S. adults who took a trip of 50 miles or more away from home in the past year can be considered cultural and heritage tourists. These travelers spend more per visit: $623 vs. $457 and stay longer: 5.2 nights vs. 3.4 nights than other travelers.
About Embella
Embella is a full-service marketing and communications agency specializing in economic development through arts and cultural initiatives. Services include management consulting, research, marketing, publicity/public relations, promotions, advertising and Web site development. Embella’s client list is varied and includes Fortune 500 as well as small to mid size organizations. For more information about Embella, visit their web site at www.embella.com or call 866-505-3400.
About Salado
The Village of Salado is located in Central Texas approximately fifty miles north of Austin. The Village is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, idyllic setting on the Salado Creek, and its growing arts and cultural community. Salado’s population of 3,944 is unique for a small rural town with 70% of its population having attended college and earning higher household incomes compared to the US average. Salado has been home to many esteemed individuals including authors, Liz Carpenter and A.C. Green, two Texas governors, Governor James E. Ferguson and Governor Miriam “Ma” Ferguson and numerous historical figures such as Sam Houston and General George Custer. For more information visit the Village of Salado Web site at www.salado.com; contact Debbie Charbonneau at 254-947-8634 – email saladotourism@vvm.com, or Suzi Epps at 254-947-5040 – email saladochamber@vvm.com.
Embella, Inc. Releases “Nine Lords of the Night”
March 27, 2008
AUSTIN, TEXAS — The recent book release of “Nine Lords of the Night” by E.C. Gibson, is sure to appeal to thriller fans and archaeological aficionados alike…especially those with a penchant for details. Author, E.C. Gibson, masterfully moves the reader through a web of mysterious activities surrounding a murder at an Ivy League college, the inner world of the antiquities trade, and an imminent political uprising positioned to strike a blow to Mexico’s ruling class.
This riveting journey by a group of archaeologists is set against the background of the Zapatista uprising in Chiapas, Mexico in the early 90s. Betrayals, disappearances, murders, and a labyrinth-like conspiracy reaching from academia to Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico, gradually unravel as the protagonists apply their professional skills to solving larger mysteries.
This is non-fiction writer E.C. Gibson’s, debut into fiction writing. Gibson, a Harvard trained Ph.D. in anthropology, has directed archaeological research projects in Central America, France, Polynesia, and North America and authored over fifty scientific papers; blogs, book reviews, technical monographs and papers presented at scientific society meetings. “Gibson’s first-hand knowledge of archaeological digs and the political climate of Mexico and Central America bring depth and credibility to the characters,” stated David E. Warner, CEO of Embella, Inc. “Gibson is a master storyteller,” added Warner. “He balances the creative interpretation of events with factual details that archeological buffs will really appreciate,” concluded Warner.
“Nine Lords of the Night” is available in paperback through Embella, Inc. at www.ninelords.com/ and www.amazon.com/ websites. “Nine Lords of the Night”; E.C. Gibson; Paperback; 416 pages; ISBN 0-1890184160; 6” x 9”; $24.95; Fiction; Publication Date: April, 2008.
Reviews:
“The characters are intelligent and interesting. The plot is possible and complex. The dialogue is actually speakable and the scenes are from real places accurately portrayed. The bad guys are very real – they are modeled after the bad guys that are every archaeologist’s real nemesis in professional life. These are the evil doers who will sacrifice anything for a trinket or a chance to get rich – or famous. I have met them and I know the names of several. Most of them think they have every right to do what they do. After all, what are a few laws, or even a few lives, where “art” is at stake?” Karen Anne Pyburn, Professor of Anthropology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
An “archaeology thriller that follows the adventures of several young Harvard doctoral students through a thicket of intrigue that takes them from the ivy-covered environs of Harvard to Florida to Belize, Guatemala and Chiapas State in Mexico. Against a background of the Zapatista rebellion in Chiapas in 1993 and 1994, the young archaeologists face a brutal band of antiquities smugglers whose tentacles stretch back to the hallowed ground of Harvard Yard. He artfully weaves throughout the story the brooding presence of the ancient gods of the Mayan peoples, particularly the Nine Lords of the Night, who rule Xibalba, the Mayan underworld.
Gibson is a Ph.D. anthropologist from Harvard with excavation experience in Central America, France, Polynesia and North America. His technical expertise in archaeology is evident throughout the story…. His descriptions of various locales are vivid and true to life, whether it is Cambridge, Massachusetts, or its working class and student affordable sister city, Somerville, or more exotic environs like Belize or archaeological sites like Yaxchilan in Chiapas State or Tikal in Guatemala.” Bill Gresens, Chair, Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center, At the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.
“Exciting, interesting, a good read for the true mystery lover! The next John Grisham? Written in the tradition of J. A. Jance, learning (about Maya civilization and archaeology) served up in a good thriller. Those in academia will enjoy the inside look at teaching and tenure.” Brenda S. Nichols, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Lamar University.
About E. C. Gibson
E. C. Gibson grew up on Air Force bases in Tennessee, Maine, Oklahoma, and Arizona. He was educated at the University of Oregon, University of Kentucky, University of Bordeaux, and Harvard University where he obtained his Ph.D. in anthropology. He has directed archaeological research projects in Central America, France, Polynesia, and North America (Massachusetts, Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington). He has authored over fifty scientific papers; blogs, book reviews, technical monographs and papers presented at scientific society meetings. The Nine Lords of the Night is his fictional novel.
About Embella, Inc.
Embella, Inc. is a communications company representing emerging fiction and non-fiction authors who are looking to get their books into the hands of readers and reviewers. Embella offers a variety of services to authors, from non-traditional marketing, manuscript development, book tours, and book publishing. Embella provides expertise in marketing, branding, product positioning, collateral, Web site development, advertising, publishing, and press review package design. For more information, contact David E. Warner at 866-505-3400.
