The logo for River’s Edge is a colorful dragonfly, and the colorful gallery, framing and printing shop sits beside the Guadalupe River.
When asked why she opened the gallery, co-owner Debbie Wilson joked, “Crazy,” then added, “I love art.”
Over the 15 years of operation, Wilson says the market has changed. Customers wants fewer bluebonnets, more contemporary art.
Her husband and gallery co-owner, Mike, is happy to oblige. He’s a self-taught artist whose series of “Vigilantes” paintings is highly collectible He described the four-year-old series as “relying on the family to get through the hard spots.”
“Most people try to paint what makes you happy: day on the beach, turkey dinner. But these mean more than passing scenery. They touch you in a way,” he said. “Some people think they’re creepy, but that’s cool too.”
Mike also paints landscapes — even bluebonnets sometimes. He’s working on a new series about the human body. His work fits right into the type of art that customers want.
“It’s the weird stuff that’s selling,” Debbie said. “That’s what I love about art — you never can tell what’s going to sell. Taste changes over time. You never know who will walk through the door.”
Other featured artists at River’s Edge include James Snuffer’s pop art, landscapes by Larry Dyke, and David Phelps, who created “Nancy,” the 12-foot bronze sculpture just laying around, waiting for another visitor to photograph her.
In addition to the gallery, River’s Edge restores old paintings, such as the one that was stained completely black from nicotine.
The process to clean old works of art and guarantee their beauty for the next century requires time and skill.
“You have to know when to stop, to make sure it’s not the paint coming off,” Debbie said.
River’s Edge also offers framing — not only of paintings but also of things like vintage beaded purses, even Mardi Gras masks.
“By the time we’re done, it’ll look like a million bucks,” Debbie said.
She specializes in shadow boxes using museum-grade glass.
“We use glass that looks like there’s no glass there,” she said. “I always try to find a texture or a design to use and bring it out in framing, especially the shadow boxes. Set it off with a filet.”
Debbie’s favorite part of her job is the stories she hears as customers bring in heirlooms that are important to them and entrust River’s Edge to preserve them.
“We try to save our customers as much money as possible but give them the art they deserve,” Debbie said.
RiversEdgeGallery.net
832 & 838 Water Street
Kerrville, TX
Mon. – Sat. 10am-5pm
(830) 895-5184