Art in the Making
It took determination, perspiration and money to turn the stark county jail into an art museum. The sweat came from volunteers, the money from a bequest of Gladys Winkle, aunt of Tom Wilkinson, long time supporter of the FCAA. The Winkle bequest, managed by Mr. Wilkinson also provided funding for the museum's core art collection. The initial conversion work came from the labors of Tommy McDonald (president 1998-1999), and her husband Mike and with help of county prisoners. Carol Kober (president 2000-2001), and her husband, Jim, completed most of the work. Charlotte Chaney (president 2002) and her husband, David, finished the conversion.
When Gladys Winkle died in September 1997, She left $25,000 to the community of Mount Vernon to be administered by Mr. Wilkinson. Most of that money went to the old jail conversion, including payment for the air conditioning and the core art collection. A side note: The same amount was given to Pittsburg, Texas, plus $100,000 to North Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant, for art and music scholarships.
After depletion of the Winkle bequest, Mr. Wilkinson continued adding to the permanent collection using his personal finances. The Wilkinson Gallery was named in tribute for his many contributions and continuing support of the museum.
The county jail was replaced in 1992, by a new facility: the JC Law Enforcement Center and County Jail on the west edge of town. The last use of the old jail, however, was in 2002, when Michael Rodriguez was tried for murder. Rodriguez was one of the Texas Seven who escaped from the Huntsville state prison. They killed a security guard in Dallas as they fled to Oklahoma where they were captured. The old county jail, which is adjacent to the court house, was used to confine Rodriguez during the trial's lunch and break times. A change of venue had moved the Rodriguez trial from Dallas to Franklin County.
A number of invitational exhibits by local artists are displayed at the museum each year. The main gallery can accommodate 30 to 50 paintings and numerous pottery and sculpture pieces. Wilkinson Gallery can display 15 to 20 paintings, and is currently showing pottery and sculptures.
One cell block is maintained for historical interest. A number of soft, figure sculptures are displayed in the cell block as is a photo display of sheriffs who served at the jail.