Content provided in partnership with

Secret Artist Colony

Southern Living, Aug 2004

On an abandoned chicken farm in San Angelo, Texas, we found a surprise that you won't want to miss.

A:hicken farm with no poultry. Now that's a new one.

Since 1971, The Old Chicken Farm has been one of the most fascinating places to visit in San Angelo. It's not due to a flock of clucking birds, but rather because of the amazing artwork and clever characters you can find at this West Texas treasure.

More Than Chicken Scratch

When you visit this quirky spot, expect to see potters, painters, jewelers, metal sculptors, bronze workers, and stone carvers doing what they do best: creating. You can hang around all day and watch these free-spirited folks work, or simply stop in for a minute of shopping. Visitors enjoy strolling the grounds, decorated with hand-painted signs and steel cutouts of chickens.

Most Popular Articles in Home & Garden: Coolest room on the block: have a bedroom that's way drab and boring? Hang ...; Reuse, recycle, remodel: environmentally friendly materials and techniques ...; Keeping it simple: interior designer Michael Lee finds an overdesigned ...; House of the Year: this craftsman-inspired home is factory-built--proving ...; Dreaming of cabin life: smart ideas for small spaces, plus the hottest spots ...; More »

If you have time, meet founder Roger Alien and hear his tale of starting the place. After growing weary of losing workspace to the whims of landlords, Roger purchased this vacant 3-acre chicken farm 33 years ago. Now it houses 15 studios and nearly 25 artists.

A Comfy Nest

The visitors who simply don't want to leave have an option: Stay at the on-site bed-and-breakfast and dine at The Silo House Restaurant.

The Inn at the Art Center offers three rooms (The Santa Fe Room, French Room, and Artist's Loft), which are decorated with artwork from the center, of course. Each room comes with a private entrance and bath along with a TV and a collection of books for browsing.

Hungry? Don't expect plain corn feed here. The Silo House Restaurant features exquisite evening meals Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. The menu changes weekly, but you might find chili-crusted rib eye or portobello mushroom ravioli. You can also choose, dare we say, the chicken entrée. The Silo House offers Sunday brunch as well for inn guests only. A special note: The restaurant doesn't hold a liquor license, so dining here is BYOB.

When asked why people should visit this art community, Roger says, with a chuckle, "We're real nice people. No, seriously, if you like art, this is a good place to be. I don't know if I can say it any better than that."

The Old Chicken Farm Art Center: 2505 Martin Luther King Blvd., San Angelo, TX 76903; (325) 653-4936 or www.chickenfarmartcenter.com.

The Inn at the Art Center: (325) 658-3333. Rates: start at $65 Sunday through Thursday and $80 on weekends.

Secret Artist Colony

Southern Living, Aug 2004

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Autos

Most Popular Articles in Home & Garden

Most Popular Publications in Home & Garden