You’re Invited

to participate in The Big Wave!

November 27, 2026 - January 9, 2027

H-E-B Gallery, Jeanie & Bill Wyatt Gallery, and The Mendez Family Gallery (Members’ Gallery)

Reception Saturday, December 12th 5-7PM

The annual all-member exhibition highlights our family of artists and provides a chance to stand out as a Merit Artist the following year. All members in good standing can submit ONE piece of original art to the Big Wave!: Annual All Members Exhibition. Work for this exhibition may be delivered Sunday, November 15 - Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at the gallery at 204 S. Austin Street. If you need to make drop-off arrangements outside of this time, please call 361.729.5519.

Requirements for artwork in Big Wave!: Annual All Members Exhibition:

  1. Paintings, sculptures, photographs, etc. are all accepted; however, giclée prints of original art are not allowed.

  2. All media are accepted.

  3. Artwork cannot be larger than 50” x 50” and cannot be smaller than 10” x 10”.

  4. Artwork cannot be priced higher than $7,000 or lower than $100. Artwork does not have to be for sale, but the value cannot exceed $7,000.

There is no theme to this exhibition

Important Dates:

  • Monday, September 21, 2026, Applications to be a 2027 Merit Artist are open.

  • Sunday, November 15 - Wednesday, November 18, 2026, Artwork for The Big Wave! must arrive at the RCA Galleries at 204 S. Austin Street. No late entries allowed. Must be ready to hang with hardware.

  • Friday, November 20, 2026, Deadline to submit application to be a 2027 Merit Artist. Late applications will not be considered.

  • Friday, November 27, 2026, The Big Wave! 2026 opens to the public.

  • Saturday, December 12, 2026, Opening Reception for The Big Wave! - Standing Out: 2027 Merit Artists Announced

  • Saturday, January 9, 2027 Exhibition closes.

 
Submit Artwork Label for The Big Wave!

Standing Out 2027

During The Big Wave! exhibition, a guest juror will choose three artists to be part of a special group exhibition in December 2027-January 2028. Artists MUST HAVE artwork in The Big Wave! exhibition to be considered for the Merit Artist Award.

The esteemed 2027 juror TBA. The deadline for to apply to be a Merit Artist is Friday, November 20, 2026.

We are also asking artists who wish to be considered for 2027 Merit Artists to submit an artist statement and (optional) 1-3 images of other work they make. This will help the juror in making their decision.

Each of the three selected Merit Artists will be awarded a studio visit by a member of the Rockport Center for the Arts Exhibition Committee. They will help guide the Merit Artist in the creation of their body of work.

Apply to be a 2027 Merit Artist