Hoskinsons artwork brings music to Red Oak’s square

The planter box located in front of the Five One8 at the intersection of 4th and Reed streets is joining others along the square sporting a colorful new paint job.
Last year, two of the eight planter boxes along the square had artwork designed and painted by artists Gannon Sallach and Samantha Williams. The project is being spearheaded by the Red Oak Arts Destination Group.
The FiveOne8 planter box was designed by Terri Hoskinson, who works in graphic design. Hoskinson said she’s always had a passion for art.
“My background was, as my mother would call it, real art. I was considering going to art school, but my cousin talked me out of it and said I needed to go into commercial art or graphic design so I would get a paycheck, whereas otherwise I’d become a starving artist,” Terri said. “I do artwork on occasion when I find the time to do it. I like to do a lot of pencil work.”
Terri’s inspiration for her planter box artwork design was inspired by the FiveOne8, which the planter box sits in front of.
“I figured we should have one that portrays what goes on in here, so it focuses on music and art. One side of the box has piano keys, and they’re a bit curved. It’s not straight like normal piano keys would be. All of the artwork has curves to it, representing the movement of the instruments. Another side features musical notes. The design had to be based around the height of the planter box,” commented Terri.
Terri was inspired to submit a design as there hadn’t been as many submittals from the public. The design was chosen by the ROAD committee. Hoskinson said she was pleased her design was chosen.
“When we took it to the committee, I took quite a few sketches along so they could visualize it. I was pleased when I found out I was chosen; it’s always nice to be selected for something,” stated Terri.
Terri’s husband, Jim, said the painting work itself has been a collaborate effort.
“I’ve been painting on it as well as Terri, and Brian Bills did most of the priming. We’ve also started working on the box across the street. I’m here a bit more than everyone else, but it’s a shared project,” Jim said.
Due to the surface they’re doing the artwork on, Jim said a lot of prep work goes into the project.
“The first step is two coats of a commercial primer. All of the paint we use is Tnemec paint, which is ‘cement’ spelled backwards. It’s a very specialized paint. We did a lot of research and found it’s very fade-resistant and durable. It also dries extremely fast, so that enters into what designs we can use because you can’t really blend it for shadows. By the time it’s painted it’s too dry to blend,” Jim explained.
While the committee has designs for the remaining four planter boxes, they are still accepting submittals from any artists that haven’t submitted a proposal yet.
“While we have some selections, we’re very much open to other ideas if anyone has them,” commented Jim.
Also, Jim said that if anyone would rather simply assist in painting, they’re welcome to volunteer.
From a personal standpoint, Terri said she’s honored that a piece of her artwork wll be on display in a highly-trafficked area of town.
“I’m really happy. I would like to see much more stuff going on art-wise around here. Jim already has murals up at the Firehouse and at the Montgomery County History Center so for me, it was nice to have something I can sign my name to,” Terri stated.
Jim said while he’s had his own experience with public artwork, this project is even more special.
“It’s special to me because of the involvement of others. Also, everything I’ve done previously was in my studio and I was working on my own. When you’re out on the square working, it’s amazing how many people slow down and wave or roll down their windows and make a positive comment or give a thumbs up. That part of it makes it feel extra special,” Jim said.
The Hoskinsons also expressed their appreciation to the Red Oak City Council for its support in allowing them to do the project, and for a donation for paint and supplies from the Hotel/Motel Tax committee.
Work on the FiveOne8 planter box is still underway, and once it and the planter box located in front of the U.S. Bank at 323 E. Reed St. are completed, four planter boxes remain. Jim said the U.S. Bank box is a collaborative design.
“It’s going to have a river scene with wildlife native to the area. The design was a collaboration with the whole committee, We came up with some ideas, and Phillip Lamb and myself have been doing the artwork. We didn’t have to sketch things out, we just started,” explained Jim.
Despite the recent heat, Jim said the painting experience has been relaxing and enjoyable.
“I enjoy being outdoors all the time. It’s been an especially good experience for me. Also, as I stated earlier, I love having the people drive by and see what we’re doing. The interest is really good, and that makes it worthwhile to be out there and put up with the elements,” Jim stated.
Anyone seeking more information about the planter box painting project or wishing to volunteer can call or text Jim at 712-621-5544 or email heritageportraits@yahoo.com.