Thank you to volunteers & sponsors!

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Art Fest Volunteers

Jason Adame
June Ainsworth
Mary Alice
Maggie Allen
Joy Arrington
Renetta Asaro
Ken Barnett
Mark Bartilucci
Larry Beavers
Tracey Bennett
Beverley Bigham
Pam Black
Mike Black
Peggy Bourg
Leticia Bransom
David Brimer
Lee Brown
Penny Brown
Becky Cornwall
Janet Coy
Bob Crocker
Nancy Crocker
Cammy Curtis
Chris Dawson
Terri De La Fuente
Scott Dinkens
Shelley Dinkens
Larry Dreier
Dawn Dunleavy
Lori Edwards
Rose Ann Elliot
Linda Erwin
Martha Evans
Jim Farnsworth
Rebecca Farnsworth
Susan Fest
John Flening
Arthur Foss
Lisa Baer Frederick
Rosalinda Garcia
Rosario Garcia
Sandra Garcia
Betsy Geddis
Kai Gomez
Donna Gordon
Melissa Guthrie
Cindy Hanifen
Helene Harris
Karen Hassinger
Warren Hassinger
Lorrie Harrington
Matt Hesley
Nancy Hillary
Gerald Hillary 
Barbara Hollingsworth
David Holman
Leta Horan
Marianne Hostetter 
Donna Husak
Ty Husak
Lee Hutchinson
Kaden Ivey
Kena Ivey
Katy Jacksn
Gary james
Kay Jamison
Pat Johnson
Philip Johnson
Sarah Johnson
Sophie Johnson
Robert Keller
Jin Sun Kim
Julia Kim
Justin Kim
Linda Koenig
Jon-Michael Kowall

Teresa Lambert
Isamel Lara
Allen Lea
Katie Ledbetter
Maddie Legner
Lorraine Lindsey
Bunny Logan
Mary Louis
Darlene Lynch
Liz Lyons
Helen Marano
Chris Marano
Jonnie Martell
Cindy Martin
Jim Martin
Charci McBurney
Dan McBurney
Stephanie McDonald
Kathy McDonald 
Brant McGlothlin
Laura Anne McGlothlin
Dora McKelvey
Pat McKelvey
Karen Mella
Margo Michel
Lisa Millard
Stuart Millard
Patricia Miller
Stephen Miller
Shirley Mims
Sally Mitchell
Kimmi Moake
Joe Moake
Sarah Morgan
William Morgan
Ava Moreno
Nicole Moreno
Cherry Morrill
Lee Morton
Lois Morton
Genie Mysorski
Milo Mysorski
Jonathan Nations
Veena Panchal 
Robert Pena
Wanda Polasek
Nancy Raley
Karen Raley-Kantz
Monica Ramsey
Jennifer Rasmussen
Ken Reese
Kenneth Reese
Sandy Reese
Karen Rester
Robert Rhodes
Patty Rios
Pat Rios
Lora Salfi
Sheri Satterfield
Kelly Schaub
Dawn Sharp
Terry Socia
Megan Stewart
Kris Stumpf 
Stacy Tanet
Sheena Thetford
Lynda Turner
Pat VanVelzer
Hilary Verduzco
Laura Vogel
Dwayne Whitley
Becki Wonnacott
Judy Wood
Tarah Young
Tina Zillmann

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Art Fest Chairmen

Festival Chair
Karen Ernst

Special Support
John Kidwell

Artist Chair
Elena Rodriguez

Artist Check-in
Pam Fulcher
Nancy Raley
Genie Mysorski
Vicki Totten
Stan Irvin
Bibi Dalrymple

Gates
Adrienne Marano
Alex Peña
Anna Galluzzi

Artist Breakfast
Cisco Willison
Natalie Moreno

Artist Dinner
Kim Krueger
Ally Krueger

Festival Store
Kim Ivey
Janet Coy

Beer Tent
Scott Comstock

Hospitality & Water Carts
Mike McBurney

Entertainment Stage
Jesse Ivey

Opperations Support
Larry Beavers
Kim Krueger
Genie Mysorski
Kim Hesley

Finance
Luis Purón
Tracey Bennet
Ally Krueger

Kids Tent
Abby Alves
Joey Rivera

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Art Auction Committee

Honorary Chairs
Sherol & Steve Russell

2021 Poster Artist
Robin Hazard

Big Board Auction
Sandy D’Imperio
Tracey Bennett
Dee Becker
Anna Galluzzi
Steve Aichlmayr
Bill Wagenbaur

Silent Auction
Mary Hime
Susan O’Bryant
Lucy Nye
Angalee DeForest

Checkout
Karen Ernst
Kim Ivey
Anna Galluzzi
Kim Hesley
Joey Rivera
Abby Alves
Julie Hime
Brooke Bruni
Alex Peña
Ally Krueger
Kim Krueger

Live Auction
Luis Purón
Elena Rodriguez

Auctioneer
Wes Hoskins, President & CEO
1st Community Bank

Live Auction Carriers
Scott Comstock
Robert Peña
Andy Morrison
Hugh Morrison
Janet Coy
Gary James
Nick Jacobs

Auction Spotters
Jim D’Imperio
John Jackson
Scott Hime
Tommy Moore
Bill O’Bryant
Don Jackson

Catering Liaisons
Sara Morrison
Jean Giesey

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Art Auction Underwriters

Artist's Friends
Penny Auvinen & John Kidwell
Beth & Henry Beken
Tracey Bennett
Lisa & Scott Bibeau
Samuel Boldrick and George Hillhouse
Patti & Brink Brinkerhoff
Kathy & Trey Brown
CAPTRUST
Janet Coy, Rikki Rushing & Allen Gilmer
Sandy East
Gretchen Webb Evans
The Old Guard: Goolsbee, Giesey, O'Bryant, and Jackson
Deborah Greer

David Herring
Anne & Jeff Hunt
Debbie & John Jackson
Amanda & Ken Kellar
Carol Relihan and Joan Kennedy
Key Allegro Real Estate
Maddie & Tony Legner
Diana & John Macy
Sara & Hugh Morrison
Porter Family
Ann & Stan Smith
Dwayne Whitley
D'Ann & Mark Williams
Roberta Williamson
Mary & John Willrodt
Wind Way Gallery

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Art Auction Donors

June Ainsworth
Jorge Alegria
JJ Antonie
Dr. George Archibald
Ted Armulowicz
Michael Atkinson
Penny Auvinen
Elisa Baker
Nanci Barnes
Verlene Beckwith
Shirley Blackman
Dinah Bowman
Rebecca Bridges Rice
Harold Cathey
Joyce Combs
Shawn Corder
Frank Cornish
John P Cowan
Ross De La Garza
John Dearman
Angalee DeForest
Judith Deshong Hall
Diamond Point
Todd Diebel
Anita Diebel
Jeffrey Farmer
Stephen Fisher
Susan Forrest
Mary Frazier
Lisa Baer Frederick
Pam Fulcher
Gini Garcia
Deb Gioia
Lorrie Harrington
Dick Hasseley
Robin Hazard
Anne & Jeff Hunt
Stan Irvin
Caro Jackson
Diane Johnson
Teresa Justice
Jimi Kabela
Carol Koutnik
Tony Legner
Terry Lewis

John Martell
Elsa Matthews
Christi Matthews
Mark Mayfield
Medley Texas
Carman Michaels
Lisa Millard
Sally Mitchell
Ann Moller
Cherry Morrill
Genie Mysorski
J Neal
Jeffrey Neel McDaniel
Maria Nesbit
James Offeman
John Olvey
James Phillips
C Pitre
Kathryn Polk
Dolores Price
Bonnie Lou Prouty
Ken Reese
Greg Reuter
Clementina Rivera
Barb Robinson
Gilbert Rodriguez
Steve Russell
Gretchen & Tony Schartz
Kelly Schaub
Betty Shamel
Shibori Girls
Barbara Sparkman
Jimmy Stutz
Blake Taveapoi
Nancy Thyre
Donna Townsend
Annie Uhr
Kent Ullberg
V…. Vaughan
Ronnie Wells
Cisco Willison
Rick Workman
Chance Yarbrough
Tom York

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2021 Art Fest Poster

REDIRECT URL

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Call for Art: Postcards From Your Neighbor

Exhibition Dates: August 6 – September 4
Opening Receptions: Friday, August 6 (K Space) & Saturday, August 7 (Rockport)

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 About:
Postcards from Your Neighbor is a joint exhibition featuring members of K Space Contemporary and Rockport Center for the Arts. Members of each organization are asked to create postcard sized artworks, 5 inches tall x 7 inches wide, which will then be “sent” to the other institution for exhibition. It’s a great way to unite the sister art communities and share our creativity with each other.

How to Participate:
1.     Make a work of art
Create a 5 x 7 work of art that is suitable to hang on the wall. There will be 5 x 7 canvas boards for free pickup at Rockport Center for the Arts and K Space beginning June 2 during regular business hours*.

2.     Drop off art at the appropriate institution between July 28-30
After you have created your work of art, bring it to the gallery of the organization where you below. If you are both a K Space and Rockport Center for the Arts member, you may choose either or both organization during regular business hours*.

3.     Attend the openings
Opening Receptions will take place at K Space Contemporary the night of August 6 during ArtWalk, and at Rockport Center for the Arts the night of August 7 during the Rockport Art Loop. Attend both openings to see all of the wonderful work created for the exhibition!

*Rockport Center for the Arts is open Tues-Thurs 10 – 4, Fri & Sat 10 – 5, and Sunday noon – 4. K Space Contemporary is open Wed - Sun, 11 – 5.

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Important Dates & Deadlines:
Pick up Canvases: June 2
Art Drop Off: July 28-30
Exhibition Dates: August 5 – September 4
Opening Receptions: Friday, August 6 (K Space) & Saturday, August 7 (Rockport)

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Welcome Anna, New Education Coordinator

Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new education coordinator, Anna Galluzzi, to begin June 1, 2021

Anna Galluzzi is a studio artist and educator who specializes in painting, fibers and ceramics. Originally from the Texas Hill Country, Galluzzi moved to Dallas, Texas in 2013 and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Texas at Dallas in 2017. In May 2021, Galluzzi earned her Masters of Fine Arts in painting and drawing from Texas Woman’s University, where she also taught introduction studio courses. During her time in the Dallas – Ft. Worth area, Galluzzi interned with the education departments at the Dallas Museum of Art and the The Kimbell. Galluzzi believes in the importance of diversity and accessibility in the Arts and feels that art genuinely enhances people’s lives. She looks forward to joining the team at Rockport Center for the Arts’ and is excited to be part of its growth in the years to come.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Galluzzi to our team.  She has a diverse range of experiences in the many facets comprising our existing education department at the Center” said Karen Ernst, deputy director for RCA.   “Galluzzi brings great energy and enthusiasm that will be essential in helping grow youth and adult education programming as we move into our new campus in 2022.”

Photography Studio Liquidation

Local photographer is liquidating the contents of his studio. The sale includes tools, photo paper, frames, stretchers, canvasses, art hangers and framed art.

Location: 626 E Market St in Market Center next to Rockport Center for the Arts administration offices.
Date: Wednesday, May 26th
Time: 10-12 noon

Spring Art Fair Demos

In case you missed the demos at the Spring Art Fair, we’ve compiled a playlist for you here. Check back often for more videos.

Update to RCA's Gallery COVID policy

Beginning May 1, masks are encouraged but not required while visiting Rockport Center for the Arts’ gallery (401 S. Austin), classrooms (620 E. Market), and offices (638 E. Market).

Welcome Brooke!

Brooke Bruni joins the Art Center staff as the Administrative Assistant.

Brooke is an oil painter who loves implementing nature into her work.

She will be working Monday - Friday at the admin building.

Art Fest Tickets Go On Sale May 4!

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This year’s Art Festival will take place July 3 & 4. With over 120 artists, live music, food, cold beer, and an Air Conditioned main tent, the Art Festival is the best place to be July 4th weekend!

A two-day VIP Pass is $15 and gets you into the Festival both days an hour earlier than anyone else!

Single day tickets are $10.

2021 Art Festival T-Shirt Design Contest

Open to all Aransas County students in K-12 grade.

The winning design will be featured on this year's Art Festival T-Shirt, and the artist will receive a $100 cash prize, a free t-shirt, and a coverage in the July 3-4 Art Festival program.

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CONTEST RULES

1. Draw, color, or paint a picture on a piece of paper or canvas (please no art larger than 9 x 12 inches)

2. Use the theme of Coastal Life, the Art Festival, or Rockport

3. On the back of the artwork, please include the artist/student's name, phone number, and school + grade year

4. Turn in the artwork to Rockport Center for the Arts gallery at 401 S. Austin Street no later than 5 pm on Friday, April 30.

The Gallery is Open Tuesday-Thursday 10 - 4, Friday & Saturday 10-5, and Sunday noon-4.

Please email questions to rockportartfestival@gmail.com

Rockport Center for the Arts Announces Search for Education Coordinator

A challenging yet rewarding opportunity awaits the right individual with a passion for arts education. 

Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA), a vibrant and prestigious multi-disciplinary arts organization celebrates 52 years of operation in 2021.  Poised for growth, the organization is in the process of constructing a campus in the heart of Downtown Rockport that will feature state-of-the-art education, exhibit, performance and conference spaces.  The project is slated for completion in June 2022 and will transform downtown while significantly increasing operations for the Center.  In preparation for dynamic growth, the organization seeks a creative, energetic, and inspired individual to join the staff team and lead youth and adult education programming. 

Title: Education Coordinator
Reports To: Deputy Director
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Status: Full-time
Approved By: Executive Director
Effective Date: March 30, 2021
Application Deadline: April 30, 2021

Position Purpose:
The Education Coordinator leads the work of the educational pillar of Rockport Center for the Arts. The Education Coordinator is responsible for designing and implementing innovative educational experiences for youth, young adults, and adults to further the mission and strategic vision of RCA.  Adult programming includes year-round classes and workshops for adult learners including an annual resident artist program co-coordinated with RCA’s Curator. Youth programming includes youth summer camps, FREE Family Saturdays, an annual art educator conference, and field trip and outreach activities in local schools and child care facilities.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, the responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following tasks:

• Work closely with Deputy Director and RCA Education Committee to plan and execute a strategic, well-balanced schedule for education & outreach programs while striving for program growth

• Serve as primary staff representative to RCA Education Committee.

• Design and Implement Adult Classes & Workshops throughout the year including: instructor identification, room scheduling, class pricing, course descriptions and supply lists, website population, promotion and registrar tasks.

• Design and Implement annual youth summer camps including supervision of paid camp staff and high school student volunteers.

• Design and Implement FREE Family Saturdays during academic year including supervision of any program volunteers and contractors.

• Design and Implement Annual Art Educator Days, Art Teacher In-service Conference.

• Work in collaboration with RCA Curator on the design and implementation of visiting artist programming including Penny Redmon and Artist in Residence series. 

• Work with community partners to create engaging Field Trip & Outreach programming for PK-High school students

• Supervise contractors, interns and volunteers that will help in execution of all education programs

• Manage art supply inventory for all education programs

• Cultivate community partnerships, especially with local schools, child care facilities and area non profits

• Attend all exhibit openings and RCA signature events including Rockport Art Festival, Spring Art Fair, Rockport Film Festival and the Silver Meltdown Jewelry Show and Sale.

• Assist with signature events and projects as identified and requested by Executive and/or Deputy Director.

 The ideal candidate will also be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities

• Negotiate, prepare, administer, and monitor MOAs/agreements with contractors involved in the delivery of programs.

• Develop and manage all budgets, expenditures and data related to education programs.

• Assist the Development committee in identifying and cultivating program underwriters and sponsors.

• Write Grants and assist with funding appeals for youth programs

• Actively participate in promoting and marketing programs, including creation and dispersal of promotional materials both in print and online.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications & Requirements

• High School Diploma required.  Bachelor’s degree in Arts Management, Arts Education, Specific field of art or other related field preferred.

• A minimum of two years’ experience in education administration, arts education, or museum or relevant non-profit sector work preferred.

• Teamwork, interpersonal skills, and the ability to develop good relationships with internal and external contacts and to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies including people from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds required

• Experience with parents, teachers, and students with the ability to react quickly and communicate effectively in time sensitive situations required.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills required.

• Highly organized, self-starter, detail orientation required including proven organizational skills, with strong ability to set priorities, manage multiple projects, work independently, demonstrate initiative and perform under pressure.

• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office required.

• Proficiency in database management, website management, graphic design preferred.

• Demonstrated enthusiasm and passion for the arts required.

Working conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• Regular workweek schedule is Monday through Friday with periodic evenings and weekends, particularly tied to signature events and exhibit openings.

Physical requirements

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use their hands and arms to handle, reach, or feel; and talk and hear.

• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Direct reports

• Artist Instructor Contractors

• Summer Camp Staff

• Education program Interns & Volunteers

Compensation:
Full-time position.  Competitive salary based on experience.  Benefits include paid time off and employee health insurance provided and covered at 100% with option to add Vision and Dental coverage at employee’s expense. Employer will provide professional development opportunities.  Employment is at will with a one-year probationary period.

To Apply:
For more information about Rockport Center for the Arts, please visit www.rockportartcenter.com. No phone calls, please.

To apply please submit a letter, a CV, three professional references (no personal references), and salary requirements by April 30, 2021. Submit at hr@rockportartcenter.com. 

Rockport Center for the Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Welcome Nicole Moreno - Newest Gallery Attendant

RCA extends a warm welcome to Nicole, our Sunday Gallery Attendant.

Nicole has been associated with the Rockport Center for the Arts for the past 4 years. She has been an ArtSpace Summer Camp intern and an Art Scholarship recipient. Nicole graduated from Rockport Fulton High School in 2020 and is currently studying computer animation.

FREE Open Studio Time: The Space to be Creative

Do you have the creative urge but not the studio space? Or do you like to make art among other artists? Rockport Center for the Arts offers weekly studio space for Members.

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Calendar of Open Studio Time

Now Open Sundays

Beginning Sunday, January 31, the Gallery and Gift Shop at 401 S. Austin Street will be open Sundays from noon-4pm. Stop by and see the great art and exhibitions the Art Center has to offer.

Welcome New Board Members

Five wonderful people were elected/re-elected to our Board this year:

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Dee Becker

Education: Bachelor of Natural Science from University of Texas

Professional Career: Licensed Real Estate Agent with Key Allegro Real Estate. Owner of Dee Becker Real Estate Appraisal Services

Family History: My grandparents fell in love with Rockport in the 1950’s. She was an artist who painted local beach scenes while he sport fished. I moved to Rockport permanently with my parents in 1972 when we made our summer home on Key Allegro our main home.

My mother established and owned Islander Interiors until her retirement. She was the go-to interior designer on Key Allegro and in Rockport for many years. She also furnished and staged homes. Inheriting my mother’s love of art and design I moved to Indonesia for several years collecting indigenous art and furnishings from the area. I traveled extensively in the region experiencing the art and culture of places like Bali.

I returned to Rockport with my son so he could grow up here. I was involved with him in his scouting as he achieved Eagle Scout. Every summer he took all the classes at the Art Center he could. He graduated from Texas A&M at College Station and is currently an Ocean Engineer for a major oil service company.

Personal Statement/Mission: The Rockport community has given so much to my family. The Art Center is a special part of my history and my son’s childhood, I want to do my part to continue the legacy of this special place.

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Tracey Ramsey Bennett

Tracey Ramsey Bennett worked at the San Antonio Public Library Foundation (SAPLF) from 1996 until her retirement from the organization, as President, this past December. After a long and fulfilling career in San Antonio, Tracey happily relocated to Rockport this May.

During her time at the Foundation some of her responsibilities included: co-publishing SAPLF’s bilingual “Arte Kids” book series with the SA Museum of Art and Trinity University Press; overseeing two free and open to the public programs: “Born to Read” (early reading initiative) and the “Literacy Caravan” (a mobil classroom); raising funds for the acquisition of art works for the Library system. Tracey’s main responsibility was to raise private dollars to supplement the City of San Antonio’s Public Library System’s budget. While at the SAPLF Tracey also served as co-founder of the San Antonio Book Festival established in 2000.

After graduating from Goliad High School Tracey attended The University of Texas in Austin where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Radio, Television and Film. Before joining the SAPLF she worked at the Southwest School of Art and the San Antonio Art Institute. Born in Goliad, Tracey has one daughter who is a senior at Savannah School of Art and Design.

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Mike Catlin

Education: Elementary School, New York and Texas; Jr. High School, Texas; High School, Texas; University, Oklahoma and Texas; Continuing education, Texas. Degree in Fine Art, Certificates in Programming and Graphic Design. I still attend art workshops and classes from a variety of Artists.

Professional Career: I started Custom Framing Art at the age of 16. I’ve framed for Amado Pena, Malcolm Furlow, Peter Max, Bonny, Frank Howell, Tony Magar and other world-renowned Artists. I have painted 8 foot by 4-foot show posters for Amado Pena and Malcolm Furlow. I taught at the University of Texas in Arlington’s continuing education program. I currently own Coast Modern a Custom Frame shop and Art Gallery in Rockport, TX.

Community Service: In 2015 I started a Youth Art Program in Portland Texas and the United States Congress for that effort recognized me in 2017. In 2018 I did a framing program with the Rockport Art Center where 10% of Art Fest Poster framing sales were donated back to the Rockport Center for the Arts. I helped paint the public piano for the Rockport Cultural Arts District in 2018. I was also a Rockport Film Festival sponsor in 2019.

Special Interests: Sailing, Travel, Being a part of the Art Community, not only as an Artist and Gallery Owner, but also as a collector, teacher and critic.

Personal Mission: When I chose Rockport as the location for my Gallery and Frame shop, it was because I saw major support for the Art Community and the potential to help that Community grow. My mission within the Art Community first and foremost is to be an Artist with passion and integrity for the Arts. We as Artists have the ability to “police” ourselves and it’s important that we operate with integrity and realize our decisions can affect the Art Community around us. A strong Local Art community promotes interest, buzz and sales from art collectors and the casual art lovers alike. Helping create and sustain a strong Art Community requires education and the Rockport Center for the Arts has been providing that type of support for decades. I too believe that education is a big part of being an Artist and the second part of my mission is Art Education.

I’m not necessarily talking about teaching Art, but the education of emerging art enthusiasts as well as the seasoned art collector. Buying and talking about Art can be intimidating to the young professional that is interested in buying fine art or starting their art collection. We have an opportunity as professional Artists, Gallery owners and Art educators to make our community approachable and less

intimidating for not only collectors but for aspiring collectors as well. Art collection doesn’t always have to be polished originals, it can be sketches, studies, art proofs etc. and the new Art collector might not understand or even know those options exist. Being a part of the Rockport Center for the Arts at any time would be an honor and privilege. However, with the exciting new chapter for the Art Center right around the corner, I think now would be the perfect time for me to offer my knowledge and dedication to the Rockport Center for the Arts.

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Susan O’Bryant

Susan O’Bryant is married to Bill. They have lived in Rockport for the past 30 years. This will be the second time for Susan to serve on the Art Center board. Susan also served as Chairman of the Tour of Homes Kickoff Party at its inception over 25 years ago along with two other co-chairs. Susan graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and received a Master’s in speech pathology from Texas Christian University. One of Susan’s hallmarks and distinct honors in our community is to have served as Founder of the Odyssey After School program in 2002. At Odyssey, she has served as President of the Board of Directors. She remains involved in the organization as a member of the Advisory Board. She founded and helped fund and underwrite the art program at Fulton Elementary. She currently serves in the Key Allegro Homeowner’s Association, where she resides with her husband Bill. They have two wonderful children and eight grandchildren, and they enjoy their company often.

Susan has been a longtime supporter of the Rockport Center for the Arts. In the uncertainty caused by Hurricane Harvey; she selflessly provided leadership and funding guidance to many area nonprofits that experienced tremendous loss; including Rockport Center for the Arts.

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Dwayne Whitley

Dwayne Whitley is a Lifetime Benefactor who lives in Portland, Texas and spends a considerable amount of time in Rockport. He has been an active volunteer for art center functions since 2005.

Dwayne is a graduate of Texas A&M - College Station with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting and a Master's Degree in Public Administration.

Dwayne currently has a tax accounting practice in downtown Corpus Christi and a part time office in Rockport.

Dwayne has been a Founding Board Member and Treasurer of the Rockport Cultural Arts District from Feb 2016- May 2017 and serves on the Board of the Friar-Thomas Ranch Foundation in Cuero, Texas.

He is a Member/Volunteer of the Texas Historical Foundation, Member of the Historic New Orleans Collection, New Orleans, La., Member of the Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi, Texas, Member of the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston, Tx, Member of the New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans, La., and Member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Dwayne has actively supported the Art Center in the past and has expressed a desire to continue to do so in the future.

Thank you for your service

to the Art Center!

Robin Hazard Named 2021 Poster Artist

Every year, a committee made up of collectors, gallerists, artists and staff affiliated with the Rockport Center for the Arts gathers to select one master artist who will join a select group of individuals known for their achievements and excellence in the Arts, for their engagement and contributions to the organization and for their ability to capture the coastal aesthetic that Rockport and the Rockport Art Festival are known for.  A 28 year old tradition continues next year with the selection of Robin Hazard (http://robinhazard.com/).  The Rockport Art Festival (since 1969) will take place July 3rd and 4th, 2021.

2021 Merit Artists Chosen

Congratulations to our 2021 Merit Artists: George Ann Jonshon, Sarah Fedak, and Cisco Willison. Their group exhibition - Standing Out 2021 - will take place next December. Congratulations to Anne Uhr, our people's choice winner. She receives a complimentary 1-year membership to Rockport Center for the Arts. Thank you to our juror, Caroline Kneese, of Cerulean Gallery in Amarillo and Dallas.

ARTISTS FIND SILVER LINING AMIDST COVID CHALLENGES

MEDIA CONTACT:
Karen Ernst, Deputy Director
(361) 729-5519 / karen@rockportartcenter.com

ARTISTS FIND SILVER LINING AMIDST COVID CHALLENGES

Spirit of mentoring shines through as female designers’ jewelry takes center stage in Nov. 7 event

ROCKPORT, Texas (October 29, 2020) — For five female designers, the upheaval of 2020 simply meant working together to creatively showcase their unique fall lines. This year’s aptly named showcase — Women on the Verge of a Silver Meltdown, presented by La Palmera — is Rockport Center for the Arts’ (RCA) celebration of the creative spirit in artists who work with metals, primarily silver. 

The popular annual event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at Estelle Stair Gallery from 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Although the traditional runway show was prerecorded this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event will include individual shopping opportunities culminating with an evening trunk show. The event showcases dozens of one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, as well as select winter white mudcloth garments and leather purses, from RCA Member Artists and Rockport residents Danya Heck, Teenya Barnard, Diane Johnson and Juleanna Fuller, along with Kim Knifechief, an RCA Member Artist from New Mexico.

"This has become one of the highlights of our year,” said Karen Ernst, deputy director for Rockport Center for the Arts. “These are creative, strong women who support each other in their creativity. Kim mentored Diane, who in turn has been mentoring Juleanna, who has served as Diane’s studio aide in Rockport. This community of artists is like no other in the country in its’ support of the arts and the artists’ support of one another.”

The fashion event has become Rockport’s most coveted event of the fall season. Instead of a room full of 200-plus female guests the event usually draws, RCA has set up six one-hour blocks from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2–5 p.m., where up to four social pods of five women each are scheduled every hour for private shopping experiences, followed by the trunk show from 6–7:30 p.m. with a limit of 70 guests. Pod costs range from $125 to $250 per group based on the time slot.

“I came up with the idea for a jewelry-focused runway show for ladies only following the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, “ said Luis Purón, executive director for Rockport Center for the Arts. “It’s our gift to the resilient women of Rockport who have done so much over the course of five decades to create a strong and vibrant art center and community.  Even a pandemic can’t stop them.” 

For information and to register a social pod, contact Karen Ernst at the RCA Administration Office, (361) 450-8033, or karen@rockportartcenter.com. Those who would like to attend the event should plan to reserve a spot soon as space is quickly filling up. A preview look book and runway show are both available online at rockportatcenter.com.  

About Rockport Center for the Arts
Rockport Center for the Arts is located in downtown Rockport at Estelle Stair Gallery, 406 S. Austin St. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is always free and open to the public. Visit rockportartcenter.com, follow us on Facebook, or call (361) 729-5519 for more information. #PodWithUs

About La Palmera
Located in Corpus Christi, Texas, La Palmera is a 1 million-square-foot super-regional mall with more than 100 retail and restaurant tenants including Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, P.F. Chang’s and H&M. Acquired in July 2008 by IMI and Trademark Property, La Palmera is the first mall to be awarded LEED® Silver for Core and Shell 2.0 established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is an IREM Certified Sustainable Property. The mall features a 600-seat food court with a 4,500-gallon feature aquarium and a children’s ocean-themed play area. For more information on La Palmera, go to www.lapalmera.com, or call (361) 991-3755.

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