Mention the town of Clifton and a dozen images come to mind. Some people think of the Norwegian Heritage with the often repeated designation “Norwegian Capital of Texas.” Others may think of the rural life style and the small town ambience that attracts many visitors and retirees to the community. (Clifton’s designation as a Certified Retirement Community is a recent validation of this image.) But perhaps the most surprising is the reinvention of the city’s image as an art and cultural designation in Central Texas.

The visual, literary and performing arts have been evident in Bosque County since the 1900’s. The visual arts, however, leaped to the forefront in the last half of the twentieth century with the arrival of artists Melvin Warren and James Boren. A critical mass of creativity was quickly formed when other artists followed them to the county. Currently thirty working artists have studios in the county and have gallery representation across the state. Several major Bosque artists such as Martin Grelle, Bruce Greene, Tony Eubanks, George Boutwell, George Hallmark and Bobby Gentry are nationally known and most are found in galleries on the east and west coast. Artist Martin Grelle is currently recognized as the leading western artist in the nation and his one-man shows are frequently sold out.

The late Bill Burford, owner of the Texas Art Gallery in Dallas, recognized Clifton as one of the major art producing regions in the state. In 2007 he conservatively estimated that more than $5.5 million of art was produced in the county and sold nation wide. Although the majority of this art work is sold in galleries outside of the state, the economic impact is evident in the local economy. Today more than five art galleries are in the community with more to be added soon. Many out of town visitors now come to see the art galleries, public art and visit the Bosque Arts Center and the Bosque Museum.

The community has quickly evolved into a cultural designation.

The community has built upon this growing reputation with monthly activities in its historic downtown. Monthly events are planned on the third weekend of every month and gallery shows are scheduled though out the year. A new art initiative for the community is the Bosque Sculpture Expo 2009 planned to kickoff with a weekend festival on May 15, 16, and 17. This is an annual event promoting the best sculptors in Texas. The Sculpture Expo is a year-long display of outdoor sculptures along Clifton’s Main Street. The event will be judged by internationally known art critic Patricia Meadows. There will be several sculpture events scheduled throughout the year.

The Sculpture Expo complements the annual Classic Art Show sponsored by the Bosque Arts Center in September of each year. The nationally recognized Classic Art show is now in its 23rd year. Many nationally emerging artists received their first recognition at this competition. The Roland Jones Gallery at the art center presents art work from many of the winners of this competition.

The unique culture and history of the county may be found at the award winning Bosque Museum. The museum uses the creative talents of local artists in many of its exhibits and has received acclaim for its early man exhibit called the Horn Shelter. The museum has become a tourist attraction with its exhibits highlighting the creativity of local county’s citizens. The museum has a well attended lecture series and it hosts traveling exhibits.

The art and cultural amenities in the community continue to evolve. New artists, galleries and art collectors will add variety to Clifton’s art scene and attract new visitors and art collectors. Change will occur but art will always be an ingrained part of Clifton’s image.