Rockport: The Center for the Arts of the Coastal Bend

June 18 - July 31,2021

From the Rockport Center for the Arts: "Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA) mid-summer exhibition, Rockport: The Center for the Arts of the Coastal Bend is a reflection of the community, its history, and the personal motivations of artists who call Rockport home. Also known as the Rockport Art Festival Poster Artist Show, the June 18–July 31 exhibition will be a featured event of the Aransas County Sesquicentennial celebration scheduled for June 12–20. Showcasing works from many of the artists selected to create signature poster art for the annual Rockport Art Festival — now a 29-year tradition in the Festival’s 53-year history — Rockport: The Center for the Arts of the Coastal Bend is a visual representation of what inspires artists to move to Rockport and become part of the most vibrant art community on the Gulf Coast. Exhibition artwork will be viewable and for sale both in person and online at rockportartcenter.com. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees of the Aransas County Sesquicentennial will have the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the exhibit beginning Wednesday, June 16, while the official public reception will be held Saturday, June 19, from 5–7 p.m. in RCA’s Galería Dos. “This exhibition shines a spotlight on many of the amazing individuals known for their artistic achievements,” said Elena Rodriguez, curator of exhibitions for RCA. “Hosting this exhibition as part of Aransas County’s Sesquicentennial celebration is a wonderful way to engage an audience who may otherwise be unfamiliar with Rockport’s celebrated artist community.” Rockport Center for the Arts is temporarily located at 401 S. Austin Street at the Baker Law Building, first floor, while awaiting the completion of its new facility. Hours of operation for the temporary galleries are Tuesday–Thursday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Friday and Sat 10 a.m.– 5 p.m., and  Sunday, noon–4 p.m. Admission is free. Visit rockportartcenter.com, follow RCA on Facebook, or call (361) 729-5519 for more information. About the Rockport Art Festival Poster Artist Tradition The first Rockport Art Festival was hosted in 1969 and has grown to become one of the most respected, and longest running juried art festivals in the United States. Every year since 1993, a diverse committee of artists and art patrons gathers to select one master artist to create the official poster for the annual Rockport Art Festival, the first of whom was master artist Harold Phenix. This select group of chosen artists are known for their achievements in the Arts, for their engagement and contributions to the Rockport Center for the Arts, and for their ability to capture the coastal aesthetic that is uniquely Rockport and that is recognized across the State of Texas.   Rockport Art Festival Poster Artists (1993) Harold Phenix†; (1994) Steve Russell (Russell is a founding member of the Rockport Art Association, Inc.);(1995) Al Barnes†; (1996) Herb Booth†; (1997) Jesus Moroles†; (1998) Evelyn Atkinson; (1999) Ricardo Rivera†; (2000) Kay Barnebey; (2001) Jim Offeman; (2002) Flint Reed; (2003) Anita Diebel; (2004) Thom Evans †; (2005) Carol Koutnik; (2006) Hal McCaskill; (2007) Nanci Barnes; (2008) Teresa Justice; (2009) Lisa Baer Frederick; (2010) Shirley Hughes Blackman; (2011) Betty Shamel; (2012) Bruce Bitter; (2013) Bonnie Lou Prouty; (2014) Pamela Fulcher; (2015) Chance Yarbrough; (2016) Joey Blazek; (2017) Barb Robinson; (2018) Debbie Stevens; (2019) Angalee DeForest; (2020) V… Vaughan; (2021) Robin Hazard  (Legend: †Deceased)   About the Aransas County Sesquicentennial The June 12–20, 2021, Aransas County Sesquicentennial celebrates the 150th anniversary of Aransas County, which was founded in 1871. Originally a part of Refugio County, Aransas County came into being after the new towns of Rockport and Fulton rapidly grew following the Civil War as a result of the development of cattle shipping and meat packing facilities on Live Oak Peninsula. The nine-day celebration includes the Founders’ Day Breakfast, old fashioned county fair, parade, fireworks, market days and more with events scheduled at local museums, galleries, and historical locations throughout the week."

Reception: June 19, 2021 | 5-7 pm

Rockport Center for the Arts 638 E. Market St.
Rockport, TX 78382
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