By Mike Arcand
In the heart of Mineola, Texas lies a vibrant hub of artistic expression: Horsefeathers Gallery & Gift Shop. More than just a space to display artwork, Horsefeathers is a community cornerstone—fostering creativity, encouraging artistic exploration, and enriching the cultural landscape of East Texas. It’s a place where seasoned artists and budding creatives alike can find inspiration, connection, and a platform to share their unique visions with the world.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Karen Musgraves and Cathy Pegues, co-owners of Horsefeathers, to talk about their passion for art.
Turning Passion into Business
Cathy and Karen both expressed just how much of an encouraging environment they grew up with when it came to creativity and art. Although they are cousins rather than sisters, both sets of parents and grandparents were very encouraging and showed interest in their art growing up. This helped spur on their passion for art. Karen said she first started getting turned on to art in the 2nd grade, when she created a six-foot tall paper mache giraffe!
Early on in the business, the cousins would tour with their art to various shows around the county. After a time, however, the wear and tear of being on the road and setting up and tearing down booths over and over finally took its toll. After having a gallery in Fredericksburg and a permanent space in Canton, they decided to find a place in Wood County to set up shop. They started out in Golden in a building that was more than 100 years old. But after receiving an offer they just couldn’t refuse, it was time to relocate again.
Karen and Cathy moved their shop to the Beckham Hotel in Mineola in October of 2022 and established Horsefeathers Art Gallery. “We love the character and ambiance of being a part of the historic Beckham Hotel,” said Karen.
The Horsefeathers tagline—“Eclectic artistry and whatnots”—fits them to a “T”, according to Cathy. She claims the eclectic artistry and leaves the whatnots to Karen. Despite some differences in creative outlets and medium, they do collaborate on some projects, working together on paintings. And while the duo may not be the origins of art in Wood County, the family was very involved in starting the Mineola League of the Arts. Karen and Cathy were both charter members of the organization. Their vision for the area would be to develop Mineola into a mecca for artists and art enthusiasts in Wood County.
Art Is Everything
When asked what art means to her, Cathy replied, “Art is everything you see and touch.”
She went on to explain how art is involved in everything, from the creativity behind the design of automobiles to clothes—and everything in between. She said that everyone has talent, they just have to discover what area they are talented in. As a teacher, she taught art and coached sports. She helped kids discover their talents in the area of art in learning.
Karen expressed that art to her means “opening yourself up to being creative. Anything goes.”
A Unique Offering
Stepping into Horsefeathers is like stepping into a flurry of creativity. The gallery space, though not vast, is curated to showcase a diverse range of artistic mediums and styles. What sets Horsefeathers apart is not just the art it displays, but the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere it cultivates. The gallery is more than just a business; it’s a passion project driven by a deep love for art and a commitment to nurturing the artistic spirit within the community. And it shows.
Horsefeathers plays a vital role in enriching the cultural life of Mineola through a variety of programs and events. They host regular workshops and classes, such as candle making, providing opportunities for individuals of all ages and skill levels to explore different art forms and unleash their own creative potential. “We wanted to incorporate something fun, educational, and interactive,” said Karen. “So we offer two-hour candle-making classes where you learn to make and take home two custom candles. We also do other workshops throughout the year.”
The gallery also hosts regular events, from opening receptions for new exhibitions to community gatherings. These events provide a platform for artists to connect with each other and with the community, fostering a sense of shared passion and appreciation for the arts. They also offer opportunities for the public to engage with art in a more interactive and meaningful way, breaking down the virtual barriers between the art and the general public.
Raising the Bar
The dedication and passion of the cousins behind Horsefeathers are evident in every aspect of the gallery, from the carefully curated exhibitions to the engaging programs and events. They are driven by a genuine belief in the power of art to transform lives and communities, and they are committed to making art accessible to everyone.
The success of Horsefeathers hasn’t gone unnoticed. The gallery was voted “Artistic Experience 2024” in the annual Weekend Wonder segments on KLTV channel 7 in Tyler and KTRE channel 9 in Lufkin. “We are not your typical art gallery. We strive to offer original art of all kinds at affordable prices,” said Karen.
In a world where art is often seen as exclusive or intimidating, Horsefeathers offers a refreshing and welcoming alternative. It’s a place where everyone can feel comfortable exploring their own creativity while appreciating the work of others. Whether you’re a seasoned art collector, a budding artist, or simply curious about the East Texas art scene, a visit to Horsefeathers is sure to be an enriching and inspiring experience. It’s a testament to the power of art to bring people together, to inspire creativity, and to enrich the cultural landscape of a community.
“If you would like to be on our email list, just let us know at karen@horsefeathersgallery.com,” said Karen.
You can learn more about Horsefeathers Gallery & Gift Shop and see some of their recent art on Facebook and Instagram. You can also check out the Horsefeathers website.