This Moveable Masterpiece is owned and cared for by Andre and Virginia Bally. Andy is the Art League VP, and Virginia is on the Board as Chair of several committees. The Art Truck makes its appearance at special functions such as First Friday. It will represent the San Antonio Art League + Museum in the King William Parade next year.
Here is the Story of the Art Truck, as told by the Ballys:
The evolution of the Bally Studios Art Truck is the result of the combined creativity of many talented individuals and opportunities, culminating in a remarkable mobile artwork that now travels the roads of Texas. The idea for the Art Truck was born from the merging of two separate events. The Houston Art Car Parade, a tradition for over 35 years, operates under the concept that artists can bring their creations directly to the public by transforming their cars or trucks into mobile artworks.
The second event that triggered in 2016, Archway Gallery, the oldest artist-run gallery in Texas, celebrated its 40th anniversary
Virginia and Andre Bally, who have been active participants in the Houston art car community for three decades, were also members of Archway Gallery during this milestone. To commemorate the gallery's 40th anniversary, Bally Studios volunteered their Toyota Tundra to serve as the foundation for a unique Art Truck.
Over time, Virginia and Andre relocated from Houston to Canyon Lake, near San Antonio, and the Art Truck found a new community. The Bally Studios Art Truck has continued to evolve, participating in the Houston Art Car Parade seven times as well as participating in Texas Hill Country parades representing Gallery 195 in Boerne and Texcetra Gallery in Johnson City. As the years pass, old pieces are replaced, and new ones are added, with many artist friends contributing to its ever-changing design.
Recently, the Art Truck has formed a new partnership with the San Antonio Art League and Museum and has become something of a mascot, continuing its mission to bring art to the people.