MEDIA CONTACT:
Sarona Winfrey
(972) 529-8170 / winfreypr@att.net
PURÓN PERSONAL ART COLLECTION AUCTION RAISES $110K
Luis Purón Endowment for the Fine Arts surpasses $700K with auction proceeds
ROCKPORT, Texas (March 25, 2025) — The recently established Luis Purón Endowment for the Fine Arts benefitting Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA) got a big boost following the recent auction of art from Puron’s personal collection as he prepares to depart from his RCA executive director position in May.
In all, 143 lots featuring almost 200 curated art pieces were sold March 20 and 22 via live and online auction through LiveAuctioneers under the direction of auctioneer and appraiser Mark J. Prendergast, AAA, of MJP Art Services. The auctioned work brought in $110,000 for the endowment, now valued at more than $700,000, to benefit RCA’s 56-year-old mission and its multi-disciplinary arts programs.
“How gratifying it was to witness the spirited bidding for these wonderful pieces,” said Purón. “I never dreamed the collection that has brought me so much joy could someday benefit future generations of artists. We have made great strides over the past decade to secure the future growth of Rockport Center for the Arts. I am truly grateful for the support I have enjoyed during my tenure as RCA’s executive director and am so pleased to be able to give back to the community that embraced me so dearly.”
Spanning four decades, Purón's collection represented his life experiences, travels, and personal relationships with artists, showcasing works in all mediums with many pieces acquired during his RCA tenure, including works by Dorothy Hood, Jesus Moroles, Salvador Dali, James Rizzi and more.
Those wishing to contribute to the Luis Purón Endowment for the Fine Arts can do so by going online to the Donate tab on the RCA website. For more information on Rockport Center for the Arts, visit rockportartcenter.com follow RCA on Facebook, or call (361) 729-5519.
About Rockport Center for the Arts
The new 1.2-acre Rockport Center for the Arts, the Coastal Bend’s first multidisciplinary arts organization, is located a block from Aransas Bay in the heart of the Rockport Cultural Arts District. Designed by the award-winning team at Richter Architects, the state-of-the-art campus features a two-story, 14,000-square-foot, visual arts and education building with four galleries and five classrooms (204 S. Austin St.); The Rockport Conference Center, a one-story, 8,000-square-foot conference and event center, known as The ROCC, (106 S. Austin St.); with a 16,000-square-foot Sculpture Garden serving as a visually inspiring transition space between the two buildings. The hours of operation for the showroom, galleries, and gift shop are Tuesday–Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday from noon–4 p.m. Admission is always free. For information on event space or to book an event, call (361) 450-8033. For general information and to become a member, visit rockportartcenter.com, follow RCA on Facebook, or call (361) 729-5519.
About The Rockport Conference Center (The ROCC)
Located at 106 S. Austin St. on the 1.2-acre Rockport Center for the Arts campus is The Rockport Conference Center (The ROCC). Perfect for small conferences and board meetings, team-building events, family reunions, wedding receptions and more, the one-story, 8,000-square-foot conference and event center features a 4,400-square-foot ballroom (Randy Ewing Kemper Hall), 1,400-square-foot reception area (Estelle Stair Foyer), a fully equipped catering and culinary arts kitchen, and state-of-the-art AV and Wi-Fi throughout. For general information or to book an event, visit the-rocc.com, or call (361) 450-8033.
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