ROCKPORT, Texas — Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA) is pleased to announce a dynamic spring exhibition season opening in late February and continuing through mid-May. The season begins with the annual juried student exhibition Rising Eyes of Texas, followed by Lone Star Glow: Texas Icons in Neon by Todd Sanders, and concludes with Menagerie, a ceramic sculpture exhibition by Jennifer Phillips. Together, these exhibitions highlight Statewide collegiate talent, celebrated Texas sculptors, and the creative journeys that connect them.
Catey Arnold, Barrow Foundation Curator of Exhibitions at Rockport Center for the Arts says, “This exhibition cycle reflects the full arc of an artist’s journey — from emerging student voices to established Texas makers. We’re proud to showcase work that honors creative growth while connecting our community to artists at every stage of their practice.”
Annual Juried Texas Student Exhibition: Rising Eyes of Texas
February 27 – March 29, 2026
McKelvey Charitable Fund Gallery
Reception: Saturday, March 14 | 5–7 PM
The spring season opens with Rising Eyes of Texas, Rockport Center for the Arts’ annual statewide juried exhibition showcasing the work of undergraduate and graduate visual arts students from across Texas. This highly anticipated exhibition highlights the creativity, skill, and promise of emerging artists and awards cash prizes for first, second, and third place. Submission fees are just $5 for up to three artworks.
Todd Sanders: Lone Star Glow: Texas Icons in Neon
March 7 – April 12, 2026
H-E-B Gallery
Reception: Saturday, March 14th; Saturday, April 11th | 5–7 PM
Presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Lone Star Glow: Texas Icons in Neon features the vibrant work of renowned Texas neon artist Todd Sanders. Known for his handcrafted neon signs and fine art sculptures, Sanders blends traditional mid-20th-century sign-making techniques with contemporary themes rooted in Texas culture. His work has earned national recognition and is included in prominent public and private collections, celebrating neon as both art form and storytelling medium.
Jennifer Phillips: Menagerie
March 25 – May 3, 2026
Jeanie and Bill Wyatt Gallery
Reception: Saturday, April 11 | 5–7 PM
In Menagerie, artist Jennifer Phillips presents a thoughtful collection of ceramic sculptures inspired by the natural world. Phillips began her artistic journey with a pottery class at RCA in 2023 and has since developed a sculptural practice rooted in careful observation, texture, and quiet whimsy. Her work invites viewers to slow down and engage with intimate moments between plants, animals, and their environments, rendered through finely detailed clay forms.
About Rockport Center for the Arts
The 1.2-acre Rockport Center for the Arts campus is located in the Rockport Cultural Arts District and features multiple galleries, classrooms, a sculpture garden, and The ROCC conference center. RCA is dedicated to supporting the arts through exhibitions, education, outreach, and community engagement. Admission to the galleries is always free. For more information, visit rockportartcenter.com or call (361) 729-5519.
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