A Message from Rebecca Bridges Rice, Board President
Dear Members:
This extraordinary year has gone quickly. The Rockport Center for the Arts has seen tremendous progress on our new building. Special events and shows have also been incredibly successful.
A heartfelt thank you to our donors, sponsors, underwriters and volunteers. Our community is fortunate to have wonderful companies and individuals that make all this happen.
The Art Center staff and Director, Luis Purón, plus RCA members and volunteers have dedicated many hours well above normal workweeks to make all this happen. Art Loop--our gallery walks--featuring the Art Center and local galleries happens 9 times a year. FREE Family Saturdays and summer programs like ArtSpace Summer Programs for kids, plus ongoing regular classes in arts and crafts offers a full calendar for the RCA. Add to that, larger events such as the first annual Spring Art Fair, Art Auction Gala and Art Festival, Rockport Film Festival, Silver Meltdown and this year’s Guy Clark Festival. One wonders how it all happens. We have many people to thank for their time and dedication --- too many to list here.
All our board members have served on committees and volunteered time and resources to make these events a success. Many will continue to be part of our team as volunteers and advisors, even though some of their official terms will end this year. This sort of commitment is not unique for this little town with a big art-heart.
Rockport Center for the Arts is a gathering place for artists, collectors, art students, and those who simply enjoy the arts. Working on events and projects together creates a unique sense of family and camaraderie. The same happens when people attend classes together. This sense of community in the arts is a core reason RCA was originally created.
In late 2022, our very own dynamic building complex will open with dedicated classrooms, clay studios, multiple galleries and administrative offices. Exhibiting, teaching, learning, sharing and rejoicing in arts together in one building will enrich the cohesiveness of our art community. As a working artist, I feel lucky to be a member of the RCA in the coming year.
The Art Center plans to begin booking events for the Performing Arts Center for the Fall of 2022--music, meetings, seminars, and more. We are planning a variety of classes and members-only events for 2022. We want to hear from you—our members—as we plan 2022 classes and events.
Even though we are a small community, we have dared to dream big. We will stay focused on the arts and our treasured arts community, and we encourage you to communicate with us your wishes for programs, classes and events. You, our members make this happen. Have a wonderful and successful New Year!
Finally, it has been a pleasure to serve as your President in 2021. I will be passing the mantle to Stan Smith January 4.
Rebecca Bridges Rice
President