Texas A&M University Press recently published The Story of the Rockport-Fulton Art Colony: How a Coastal Texas Town Became an Art Enclave, a book about the seventy-four year old art colony. And in just a few months, the Rockport Cultural Arts District (RCAD) along with the town’s local organizations, will present a weekend of events including a symposium honoring the colony and the publication.
“The Story of the Rockport-Fulton Art Colony,” a book by Kay Kronke Betz and Vickie Moon Merchant. Published by Texas A&M Press.
Written by Kay Kronke Betz and Vickie Moon Merchant, the book investigates how a small fishing town became a regional hub for the visual arts. In 1948, artist and educator Simon Michael settled in Rockport and began setting down roots for what would become a haven for artists. Mr. Michael opened a fine art school in 1950, where he taught numerous students, the most famous of which was Dalhart Windberg. Other artists who spent time in Rockport include Jesus Moroles, Buck Schiwetz, Harold Phenix, and Kent Ullberg.
The symposium, “Weekend in the Art Colony,” will take place from June 17-19 at various partner organizations. On Friday, June 17, the Fulton Mansion will host a reception for the authors and artists included in the book. On Saturday, June 18, the Texas Maritime Museum will host a symposium featuring Texas art collectors, historians, and authors, William and Linda Reaves. Symposium sessions will cover topics such as traditions in early Texas art and artists’ roles as environmental activists.
Additionally, plein-air paintings, pop-up exhibitions, and artist demonstrations will take place throughout the weekend at various locations around Rockport. For up-to-date information about the event, follow The Rockport-Fulton Art Colony on social media.
1 comment
I hope Dalhart Windberg will be invited to attend. If you recall one of his paintings called Three for Lunch was donated by him after Hurricane Harvey. He’s very popular and probably would enjoy coming back to Rockport.