A Message from Luis Purón, Executive Director

Dear Patrons of the Arts,

It’s hard to believe that four months have passed since the start of 2021.  Here’s a recap of what we have accomplished so far:

1.     We successfully moved Kline’s Cafe Building, which will add density to the downtown area.  The property will soon be added to the City’s tax roll.

2.     We broke ground and our capital project is well underway. Take a drive downtown, you will soon start to see vertical movement.

3.     In May, our coastal contemporary building designed by Richter Architects will be featured in Texas Architect magazine.

4.     The 1st Annual Spring Art Fair, presented by Salemi’s Ace Hardware, helped us exceed our net income goal by 100% thanks in great part to generous sponsors and underwriters.

5.     We have hired a new Administrative Assistant, Brooke Bruni who starts today.

6.     Our new sculpture project, which is fully funded, is on queue for delivery and installation this winter.

7.     The Exhibition Committee traveled to San Antonio to do studio visits, see exhibits and plan for the future.

8.     We have hosted 3 exciting and diverse new shows per month in February, March and April.  

9.     Birds in Art 2021 will be migrating to Rockport at the start of 2023, to be exhibited in our brand new Galleries.

10.  We are in the process of hiring an Education Coordinator for youth and adult programs.

11.  We continue to successfully fund our youth education programs, raising almost 90% of our goal.

12.  Workshops and Free Family Saturdays are demonstrating stronger participation than last year. 

13.  We hosted the publisher and editor of Glasstire, Texas’ premier online art publication, to look at our capital project and exhibits.

14.  In an effort to reach new audiences and form collaborations, we invited Masters in Fine Arts students from the University of Texas at Austin to Rockport for a plein air weekend (see images below courtesy of Jesus Treviño). Thanks to Edie Wall Muehlberger, Al and Diane Johnson and Captain Tommy Moore for giving these budding young artists the inspiring scenery our coastal community has to offer which they committed to canvas.

15.  We are in the process of selecting the art work by Robin Hazard that will become the poster that will represent this year’s Rockport Art Festival.  Hazard’s poster will be revealed at her solo show opening reception - Saturday, June 19 at 5 PM.

16.  We are in the process of finalizing a very strong media buy and PR plan to promote the Art Festival.

17.  We are moving forward with a traditional Art Auction Gala and the Art Festival. We expect the Art Auction Gala to be a complete sell out early. Patrons like you, have started making table reservations. 

Across the great State of Texas, the buzz is strong about what is happening with the Arts and at the Art Center in Rockport.  I encourage you to stay involved. Keep your membership active. Increase your membership level. Volunteer for the Art Festival. Donate to the Imagine Capital Campaign.  Great things are happening!

Luis Purón 
Executive Director