Paintings by Steve Russell

October 15 - November 14
Opening Reception October 21, 5-7pm

ROCKPORT, Texas (Sept. 15, 2021) — Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA) today announced the Guy Clark Festival, a new brand and experience incorporating art, film and music celebrating the Grammy Award-winning American songwriter and folk singer who spent his teen years living in Rockport.  

With multiple events scheduled October 15 –November 14 to benefit RCA and its new facility under construction, the unique festival is a tribute to Clark, who would have celebrated his 80th birthday on November 6 of this year.

“This is something we’ve wanted to do for some time,” said Luis Purón, RCA executive director. “Guy Clark is a beloved son of Rockport and an iconic figure who contributed so much to the world through his lyrics, poetry and music. He was a true artist and one deserving celebration.” 

The festival will kick off October 15 with the Rockport Kind of Guy exhibition at RCA showcasing new, original paintings by Steve Russell, Rockport artist and personal friend of Clark, interpreting 16 of Clark’s songs. Running through November 14, the exhibition is free and open to the public.

There will be a Rockport Kind of Guy art book and CD release event with artist Steve Russell on Thursday, October 21, from 5–7 p.m. Memorializing Russell’s 16 paintings, the book includes historical photographs, information, and personal memories from those who knew Clark best during his formative years in Rockport, as well as commentary by the artist, the 16 musicians/performers who recorded the songs in the CD, as well as local history champions Cheryl Livingston and Ty Husak, of the Aransas County Historical Society.

The companion Rockport Kind of Guy CD was produced by John Macy and Coastal Bend Music, featuring the 16 Guy Clark songs represented in the exhibition and book as performed by noted singer and songwriters such as Lyle Lovett, Michael Martin Murphey, Gary P. Nunn, Steve Earle, Verlon Thompson, Shawn Camp and more.

The Festival includes ticketed events as well, including An Evening with Verlon Thompson and Shawn Camp – an acoustic musical performance at the Rialto Theater in Aransas Pass, November 7 and 8, beginning at 7 p.m. Celebrating Guy Clark’s musical legacy, the evening features performances and storytelling by Thompson and Camp with a special post-concert meet and greet and CD signing for premium ticket-holders.

Fans can also purchase tickets to attend a special screening of the documentary film Without Getting Killed or Caught, directed by Tamara Saviano and Paul Whitfield, on Friday, November 12, 7 p.m., at Movies Inc Aransas Pass. Based on the diaries of Susanna Clark and Saviano’s 2016 book Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark, the film tells the saga from Susanna’s point of view, with Academy Award winner Sissy Spacek providing narration.

There will be additional Festival merchandise available, including a limited edition, signed, 20”x16” gicleé of Rockport Kind of Guy, the painting by Steve Russell used as the cover art for the book and companion CD. Merchandise for the Festival is available now for pre-order.

All Proceeds from the Guy Clark Festival benefit Rockport Center for the Arts’ new campus, currently under construction in the heart of the town Guy Clark loved.

“Rockport Center for the Arts already possesses nationally recognized visual arts and cinematic programs,” said Purón. “In the very near future, the performing arts will be a new but regular offering that is sure to energize our community and visitors. We are excited to launch Guy Clark Festival, and with it, chart a new direction for programs in the performing arts.”

Tickets for the concert will be available online beginning September 28 at 10 a.m., with tickets for the film screening on sale beginning October 1. To learn more, pre-order merchandise, and book tickets, visit GuyClarkFestival.com.

Important Guy Clark Festival Dates

Sept. 28            Tickets go on sale An Evening with Verlon Thompson and Shawn Camp

Oct. 1               Tickets go on sale for Without Getting Killed or Caught Film Screening

Oct. 15             Exhibit Opens — Rockport Kind of Guy, new work by Steve Russell

Oct. 21             Rockport Kind of Guy Book/CD Release and Signing with Steve Russell

Nov. 7-8           An Evening with Verlon Thompson and Shawn Camp – A Musical Performance

Nov. 12             Film Screening — Without Getting Killed or Caught, directed by Tamara Saviano and Paul Whitfield

Nov. 13             Film Panel Discussion — Without Getting Killed or Caught, with Tamara Saviano and others 

About Rockport Center for the Arts

Rockport Center for the Arts has moved temporarily to 401 S. Austin Street at the Baker Law Building, first floor, while awaiting the completion of a new facility in August 2022. Hours of operation for the showroom, galleries, and gift shop are Tuesday–Thursday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Friday and Sat from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon–4 p.m. Admission is always free. Visit rockportartcenter.com, follow RCA on Facebook, or call (361) 729-5519 for more information.