I spent two days in Austin last week at the Texas Commission of the Arts and Texas Cultural Trust's conference on "Leading the Creative Economy." I don't need to tell you it's a challenging time economically-speaking. While the realities are very demanding, it was also apparent that the arts benefit those communities the most that recognize its potential for making a difference. By attracting tourism and jobs to the areas, art and cultural centers can be a major influence on the financial health of local communities. Eye-opening sessions ranged from building a fundraising board of directors to supporting arts in rural Texas towns.
I walked away more determined than ever to support our local art centers, especially in Aransas Pass. We have so much creative potential with the Rialto Theater downtown and other galleries coming in to that area. It's key for us to encourage and take advantage of that - not just to bring tourist dollars in but also to draw people to purchase homes and businesses here. I know one couple who chose Aransas Pass over other towns in the area because we have a theater downtown. I bet more families made that choice as well. It gives us an edge even over Rockport, which was one of five towns in Texas recognized at the conference for making the arts community a focal point in their economic growth. We just need to leverage the art along with the saltwater heaven we have here.
So, get out there, folks - support your local artists and local businesses. Stop assuming you have to drive to Corpus Christi for shopping and entertainment. Make an effort this week to take another look right out your back door; you may be surprised at what you find!
Upcoming Artisan Events:
- Daily through February 26 - "Hearts for the Arts" Exhibit. Annual Fundraiser for the Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
- Daily through February 26 - Steve Maness & Hooshang Khorasani exhibits. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
- Fridays-Saturdays, February 11-20, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:00 p.m. - "Hairspray" Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $6-16.
- Tuesday, February 15, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
- Fridays-Saturdays, February 18 - March 5, 7:30 p.m. - "The Vagina Monologues" by Eve Ensler. The Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
- Sunday, March 20 - 2:00 p.m. - Fashion Show & Matinee for "The Vagina Monologues" by Eve Ensler. The Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
- Fridays-Saturdays through February 27, 7:00 p.m. - "Footloose" Live on Stage in January. Aurora Arts Center. Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Admission: $14.
- Fridays-Saturdays, March 11-26, 7:00 p.m. - "Rumors" by Neil Simon. Rockport Little Theatre. Admission: $10.
Jen Rubinowitz is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Kuper Sotheby's International Realty. If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com.
