Artists

JACKIE
SMITH

Jackie Smith graduated from Tarleton State University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, with an emphasis on Horticulture and Landscape Management. In 1996 Jackie created Absolute Accents an accomplished landscaping and landscape art company in Santo, Texas.

Using natural materials Jackie took on the Shanley Park fountain project with simplicity in mind and created The Jewel Ball Fountain. The fountain is not only pleasing to look at but is pleasant for all your senses. The cool mist and sounds of falling water greet and soothe you. By incorporating the natural beauty of a water feature Jackie turned an outdoor area into a luxurious oasis.

MIKE
TABOR

Mike Tabor, born 1956, Fort Worth, TX. (United States)

Mike Tabor is one of the most respected American Western Expressionist artists. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, this third generation rancher began drawing and chasing artistic endeavors at an early age. He began his formal training in 1974 at Tarleton State University. Upon his graduation, he cowboyed on various ranches before settling down to pursue an art career.

Tabor credits the pop artists of the 1960’s and the Abstract Impressionist movement for his approach in the breaking of traditional representations of Western themes. His work has been best described as “Postmodern Western.” His concern for layers of light and color becomes an intense emotional interpretation.

A career that began creating drawings for beef cattle publications has expanded into a range of work including paintings, sculptures, and assemblages. The addition of recent life size sculptures has added a new dimension. The production of Public Art has added more depth to his ever evolving portfolio. Tabor has worked with collectors and corporate affiliations from coast to coast, including the home furnishing industry in the U.S. as well as across Europe.

Tabor’s corporate connections include commission projects for national and international private corporations including public works.

“My primary concern is to continue to expand my interpretations of the subject with less literal representations. Through techniques and creative uncertainty, I want to keep creating a visual statement with a variety of elements.” Tabor will continue his exploration into Expressionism regardless of the subject matter. He continues to grow and expand to meet a never ending desire to push his art into a new direction.

Mike and his wife, Suzy, live in Granbury, Texas.

COVELLE
JONES

Covelle Jones, born 1936, Bremond, TX.

Covelle Jones attended Tarleton State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree and Masters in Education. Jones’ artistic accomplishments span the country, with one of his pieces residing at the White House in Washington, D.C. while another is exhibited at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas.

Jones was named by Texas State Legislature as the Official Texas State Artist of the Year from 1984-1985, and honored by Tarleton as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1989.

Now living in Granbury, Texas, Jones devotes extensive research to each of his bronzes to ensure historical and anatomical accuracy. From the musculature of horses and cattle to the clothing, weapons, and tools of 1800s frontiersmen, every detail is carefully considered. To support this authenticity, Jones raises his own longhorns and maintains a wide collection of 19th-century Western artifacts. A dedicated historian, he approaches each subject with deep study, translating his knowledge into sculptures defined by precision and painstaking craftsmanship.