OUR STORY
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studio | COMFORT TEXAS is a uniquely intimate yet flexible gallery environment combining thoughtful exhibition with a working studio and engaging, art-centered experiences. In our exhibition programming, our emphasis is upon curating contemporary artwork that’s exceptional in its approach and is made primarily by Texas artists. Through experiential programs, we cultivate skills, interest, and awareness of art in its various forms through thought-provoking workshops, talks, events, and excursions in a variety of venues.
Curated by artist and proprietor, Cara Hines, and augmented by studio | COMFORT TEXAS artists and visiting instructors, this combined approach demystifies art and art-making by integrating participation and observation of process, into our guest and collector experience. We also offer fine art selection and consultation, as well as customized art experiences and instruction with our curated roster of artists and instructors. To stay informed with what is being offered at STUDIO COMFORT, including gallery exhibitions, special events, and workshops, join our mailing list! studio | COMFORT TEXAS was co-founded in January 2019 by two encaustic artists, Cara Hines and Jeannette MacDougall, who had a shared vision for a working artist and teaching studio and art gallery amid the charming, historic community of Comfort. After three wonderful years, Jeannette returned to the life of a full-time freelance artist and fine art instructor. As of 2022, Cara became the sole member of Studio Comfort Texas LLC, and continues to evolve and grow what began as a simple conversation during a creative weekend of melted wax. |
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CARA HINES | Artist / Managing Principal / Founder
Cara is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in Interior Design and minors in Architecture and Business. She is an abstract artist who works primarily in mixed media and encaustic. She has wide ranging experience in various capacities of the design and art worlds including project management, sales and marketing, showroom and gallery management, and art instruction. Cara co-founded Studio Comfort Texas in January 2019 with fellow artist, Jeannette MacDougall. As of 2022, she is the sole member of Studio Comfort Texas LLC. For Studio Comfort Texas, Cara selects art and artists who respond to and dialogue with the forward momentum of life: the yearning, the connection, the expansion of our humanity. Life positive. Earth positive. Nature positive. Nurture positive. Solution seeking––searching and fumbling as it may be––and always hopeful and upward turned. GINGER HINES | Public Relations
Ginger is an Australian Shepherd and an integral part of Studio Comfort. She loves art, but more importantly, she loves people! When she has time off, she enjoys chasing frisbees, going for walks and swimming in our local Hill Country rivers. Sometimes she barks excitedly at our guests, but don't be fooled...she's completely harmless. She's simply passionate about welcoming you to our studio gallery. |
COLEY WOHLGEMUT | Lead Gallery Assistant
Coley was born and raised in Comfort and is the calm, organized presence of Studio Comfort. She will be here to greet you when you visit, assist with studio registration, handle orders and purchases, help us manage our website, and assist other administrative duties. With her on our team, we know our t’s will be crossed and our i’s will be dotted!
Coley was born and raised in Comfort and is the calm, organized presence of Studio Comfort. She will be here to greet you when you visit, assist with studio registration, handle orders and purchases, help us manage our website, and assist other administrative duties. With her on our team, we know our t’s will be crossed and our i’s will be dotted!
DEBORAH HOGAN SHAW | Artist / Gallery Assistant
Deborah moved from Houston to the Hill Country in 1982 and to Comfort in 1987. She graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She was an art educator in public schools for 30 years, including 6 years with Comfort ISD. She has taught everything from drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture to ceramics. Deborah greets our guests and collectors and assists them with purchases. She is a fountain of knowledge about art and art history and is currently reigniting her passion for ceramics.
Deborah moved from Houston to the Hill Country in 1982 and to Comfort in 1987. She graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She was an art educator in public schools for 30 years, including 6 years with Comfort ISD. She has taught everything from drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture to ceramics. Deborah greets our guests and collectors and assists them with purchases. She is a fountain of knowledge about art and art history and is currently reigniting her passion for ceramics.
JEANNETTE MACDOUGALL | Artist / Co-Founder (former partner)
Jeannette is a graduate of Parsons School of Art in NYC and has been an instructor at the Southwest School of Art in San Antonio for over 30 years. She is highly accomplished in drawing and painting, and her artwork is widely collected. As a professional artist and art educator, she finds great inspiration and joy in sharing her methods and experiences with those ready to tap into their own dreams of self-expression through art exploration.
Jeannette MacDougall, studio | COMFORT TEXAS artist and co-founder, made a shift in early 2022 to full-time freelance artist, fine art instructor and mentor. Jeannette will continue offering fine art instruction of the high standards for which you have come to know her, now at different locations around the globe. We will continue featuring Jeannette's artwork in our art gallery.
If you are interested in following Jeannette's artwork or classes, workshops and other instruction she has to offer, you can connect with her at the following:
www.jeannettemacdougall.com | Facebook: Jeannette MacDougall | Instagram: @jeanetee
Jeannette is a graduate of Parsons School of Art in NYC and has been an instructor at the Southwest School of Art in San Antonio for over 30 years. She is highly accomplished in drawing and painting, and her artwork is widely collected. As a professional artist and art educator, she finds great inspiration and joy in sharing her methods and experiences with those ready to tap into their own dreams of self-expression through art exploration.
Jeannette MacDougall, studio | COMFORT TEXAS artist and co-founder, made a shift in early 2022 to full-time freelance artist, fine art instructor and mentor. Jeannette will continue offering fine art instruction of the high standards for which you have come to know her, now at different locations around the globe. We will continue featuring Jeannette's artwork in our art gallery.
If you are interested in following Jeannette's artwork or classes, workshops and other instruction she has to offer, you can connect with her at the following:
www.jeannettemacdougall.com | Facebook: Jeannette MacDougall | Instagram: @jeanetee