A Quiet Haven for ‘art Monks' Flourishes in Corsicana

CORSICANA -- The large red-brick building at 100 West St. has presided over Corsicana’s downtown for well over a century. Named after its address, 100 West is a three-story, 11,000-square-foot piece of preserved architecture and history.The entrance to the building is topped by a half-moon window and framed by an arched stonework facade dating back to its origins at the turn of the 20th century. If the detailed decor at the main double doors didn’t tip visitors off to 100 West's idiosyncrasies, the sight upon entry would: A grand wooden staircase stretches wide across the building’s small foyer, flanked by walls painted the most curious shade of pale mint green.It’s a strange color, equal parts soothing and mesmerizing. Like the off-white of a blank canvas, it invites guests to fill up the building’s empty spaces with their own creations. To cover its walls, populate its corners and nooks, construct and create in its giant, echoing studios. Kyle Hobratschk, the building’s owner, calls this color “Corsicana green.” It’s a fitting environment for today’s inhabitants of 100 West -- artists. These are participants in the biannual 100 West Corsicana artist residency, founded by Hobratschk and administered by a collective of Dallas and Corsicana artists.  Continue reading...