Bihl Haus Arts brings healing and change.
That’s how Kellen Kee McIntyre, executive director and co-founder of Bihl Haus Arts, described her first interaction with Army veteran Dan Gamez.
Time in the gallery inspired the former soldier to seek a bachelor’s degree in art and teach his new craft to others. Born in El Paso, she earned an undergraduate degree in education and fine arts at the University of Texas at El Paso. McIntyre worked as a public school teacher for a few years before she decided to further her education at the University of New Mexico. There, she pursued her master’s and eventually a Ph.D. in art history. In addition, McIntyre taught art in Albuquerque for close to a decade, and during this time met her husband, Eric Lane.
The historic structure is said to be the only authentic German stone residence that remains on Fredericksburg Road. Using stones from an old military barricade that protected the Alamo, George David Bihl constructed the house in 1920. The structure passed through several owners and served various purposes. Eventually, it fell into disrepair, and after years of neglect and vandalism, its fate was uncertain.
That was 17 years ago, and since then, McIntyre has organized more than 100 art exhibitions and other programs at Bihl Haus Arts. She credits Lane, who serves alongside her as president of organization, for much of the nonprofit’s success.“You feel very comfortable with everyone here,” Leal said.“You feel welcomed, and you feel like you belong.”“I had a number of deaths in the family,” she said.
While she plans to retire soon, she still considers what’s best for the organization and its artists.