Galleries

ROCKPORT CENTER FOR THE ARTS entered its 54th year of operation in May of 2022. Inspiring exhibitions, an annual Artistin-Residence program and traveling exhibits are part of the repertoire the community and its visitors have come to expect the Rockport Center for the Arts. The many activities of the Art Center attract 30,000+ visitors per year. In the March, the Spring Art Fair allows visitors to acquire work directly from some of the most unique artists in Rockport’s storied art colony, while learning about a variety of art mediums and techniques. On 4th of July weekend, the Rockport Art Festival, a tradition that started in 1969, makes Rockport the place to be in the State of Texas. More than 10,000 people attend each year to enjoy music, food and artwork from over 130 of the best artists from California to Florida. In November, the Rockport Film Festival celebrates the power of story-telling in cinema while entertaining audiences with the finest independent films. Workshops, classes, independent studio time, makers spaces and mentoring from established local artists are part of a well-crafted art education program that has delighted locals and visitors alike. For decades children have enjoyed free, high caliber art education year-round through ArtSpace Summer Art Camp and Free Family Saturdays. The Rockport Art Loop (a monthly downtown gallery walk) features artists and their one of a kind work, in 10 galleries all located along Austin Street- the most unique business corridor in Rockport. A full calendar of exhibitions and programs is in place for 2022. A worldclass sculpture garden featuring works by Kent Ullberg, and the late Jesus Morales among others have accentuated the Art Center since 2000, making it one of the most prestigious showcases for fine art in South Texas. The Sculpture Garden is located at 902 Navigation Circle, next to Rockport Harbor. The Art Center is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10AM to 4PM, Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm. and Sundays from noon to 4pm. ADMISSION IS ALWAYS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! The Galleries and the Gift Shop will be located at 401 S. Austin St. For more information call 361-729-5519 or visit www.RockportArtCenter.com. SALT FLATS GALLERY/DIANE LOYD PHOTOGRAPHYinvites their wildlife friends to visit them in downtown Rockport and enjoy the photography of Diane Loyd. Her once in a lifetime, captivating birding images are in many collections and over 100 of Diane’s photos have been published. Home of the famous Whooping Crane photos of the “Lobstick twins”... Canvas and prints are available of wildlife, birds, and marine images. This is a gallery that invites you to enjoy all things birding and Coastal. Photo commissions are welcome. Also check out “Diane Loyd’s Hummer House” for rent. Visit on line at www.SaltflatsPhotography.comFind them downtown at 415 South Austin St. #10 in Rockport. 361-288-2752

WIND WAY GALLERYpresents outstanding work by professional fine artists in a warm, intimate setting. The gallery is a showcase for these local artists who are hometown favorites as well as state and national exhibitors. The gallery artists are June Ainsworth, Angalee DeForest, Lorrie Harrington, Elsa Mathews, Lisa Millard, Barbara Robinson, Genie Mysorski, Sandy Reese, and Rebecca Bridges Rice. Wind Way Gallery proudly represents internationally renowned sculptor, Kent Ullberg.Our guest artists include Diane Johnson (jewelry), Martha Berkebile (jewelry), Jimmy Stutz ( hand carved birds), Susie Bracht Black (fabric art), Susan Forrest (pastel) and Sally Mitchell (protographs). Additional guest artists add to the flavor that makes Wind Way a favorite of serious art lovers and visitors to the coast. Visit them at 203 S. Austin Street in downtown Rockport under the bright blue awning. Online at http://www.WindWayGallery.com or on Facebook. You can call at 361-790-8331 or email: windwayart@gmail.com

ERZSEKE has been creating art for as long as she has been alive. Growing up with an artist for a mother with many artist friends such as Steve Russell, she was greatly influenced in her formative years on the importance of learning traditional art forms and expanding from that. Her mother tirelessly encouraged her to paint, however it wasn’t until her adult years after being gifted a set of acrylic paints, that her paintings evolved into colorful one of a kind masterpieces. She has always been greatly fascinated with people and their unique stories, now capturing memories in her use of mixed media, resin and brightly colored acrylic paints. Erzseke was formally trained in the Arts while attending TCU receiving a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising and a Minor in Fine Arts. She is pictured here with some paintings from her “YEE HAW” series. Let her create a custom piece for you that brings life back to a memory of a parent, relative, hero or someone who brings a smile to your face. Visit her website often for new pieces or commission information at www.Erzseke.com

the Rockport Art Loop

is a walkable, al fresco art experience in the heart of downtown Rockport, featuring 10 gallery openings, 9 Saturdays a year from 4-7 PM. In 2020. . For more information visit

www.rockportartcentecom/art-loop

JOHN MARTELL PHOTOGRAPHY is located in the

Merchants Square Building in the heart of downtown Rockport and features the award-winning photography of John Martell. For images that truly capture the charm and feel of the coast, look no further than John Martell Photography! John’s stunning photos are exquisitely printed on canvas, metal and glass in a wide variety of sizes. The gallery also features a beautiful collection of unique drink coasters, all with John’s distinctive images of Rockport printed on them. Quality and tastefulness are the hallmarks of this exciting new gallery. Please visit his Facebook page and online at www.JohnMartellPhotography.com or stop by Merchants Square at 302 S. Austin St., downtown Rockport in the Cultural Arts District. 361-729-8000

SPECHT ART What do you buy the person who has everything? You are sure to please them with a commissioned painting by Ellie Specht of their favorite pet or special place. Specializing in Texas Western Art, Coastal Sporting , Rodeo and animals. Check out her Facebook page SPECHT ART. Email at ellielummus@yahoo.com for more imformation or call at 361-463-1371

DOWNTOWN ROCKPORT MAKER’S MARKET is held at the Rockport Daily Grind Courtyard every Second Saturday of the Month.

MARIA NESBIT ART GALLERY is “Photography is an art form that Maria has chosen to express herself. She captures her vision and mixes it with her signature style.” She is a local artist and acclaimed teacher who has combined her passion for photography with her technical knowledge to create images that transcend the ordinary. Maria was born and raised in the beautiful coastal town of Vera Cruz, Mexico. A wild wind from the ocean brought her to Rockport, Tx in 1988. She taught in Rockport-Fulton High School for 30 years where her pirate soul felt most at home. As a result of her love for nature and photography she established a photography program to pass the craft along to her students. After many years of dedication, her vision came to life by opening her own photography studio and art gallery. You will encounter “An Elevated Art Shopping Experience” with Maria. Her gallery is full of her vibrant work and Joey Blasek’s Art. She specializes in Coastal Art, Family Portraits, Weddings and Photography Classes. Located at 2734 TX-35 BUS, Rockport in the Harbor Oaks Shopping Center. See her website for more information at: www.MariaNesbitPhotography.com

“CULTURAL INTERFACE” The Rockport Cultural Arts District is proud to be partnering with the Aransas County Navigation District to install a major public artwork, a sculpture project by renowned Rockport artist Steve Russell. RACD will be raising funds for “Cultural Interface,” symbolizing the impact of Europeans on the area. Russell is shown with wax models of two or three figures, a pirate and conquistador, that will join a missionary in a grouping that will be places on top of a large rock about 40’ in the bay near the south end of Rockport Beach. The second grouping of a Karankawa family will be installed on shore. Russell is a master of many media, including painting of landscapes, portraits and historical scenes. https://www.SteveRussellArt.com. If you would like to donate to this spectacular project, please contact them or use the Donate feature on their website

https://RockportCulturalArtsDistrict.com/support/.

STEVE RUSSELL is a native Rockport artist well known for his coastal scenes of the Texas Coast. Steve captures the simplicity, natural beauty and tranquility of the vanishing Texas Gulf Coast fishing communities with a durable clarity. His work has expanded with scenes of his travels of United States and Europe. He has originals, Giclee prints on canvas and archival paper in sizes from 8 x 10 in up to 30 x 40 in. Many of the prints have been individual enhanced by the artist’s hand which makes them each one of a kind. Visit Steve’s website to see some of his amazing artwork at www.SteveRussellArt.com and call Steve for inquiries on pricing, sizes or to make an appointment at 361-205-0118