Annual All-Members Exhibition and 2026 Merit Artist Showcase Celebrate the Creativity and Talent of RCA's Artistic Community
ROCKPORT, TX — Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA) is pleased to announce the return of The Big Wave! Annual All-Members Exhibition, on view November 27, 2026, through January 10, 2027, across the H-E-B Gallery, Mendez Family Gallery, and Jeanie and Bill Wyatt Gallery.
Running concurrently, Standing Out: 2026 Merit Artist Exhibition, presented by FieldGuide Financial, will feature the work of Barbara Sparkman, Cindy Debold, and Mitch Oviatt in the McKelvey Charitable Fund Gallery, November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
The exhibitions celebrate the extraordinary creativity of RCA's artist members while recognizing exceptional artistic achievement through the annual Merit Artist program.
“Our All Members Exhibition is one of my favorite celebrations of the year because it truly reflects the heart and soul of our art colony. I am continually moved by the remarkable talent, creativity, and dedication of our member artists, each bringing their own unique perspective and artistic spirit to our galleries. With nearly 200 artists participating, this exhibition is a wonderful reminder of the vibrant arts community we are so fortunate to be part of.
Happening concurrently, we are especially proud to showcase three artists selected from last year’s All Members Exhibition, giving us an opportunity to celebrate their individual artistic achievements alongside the collective creativity of our membership in the Merit Artist Exhibition, Standing Out. It is an honor to celebrate our members and the extraordinary artistic legacy they continue to build here in Rockport.”
The Big Wave! Annual All-Members Exhibition
Exhibition Dates: November 27, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Location: H-E-B Gallery, Mendez Family Gallery, and Jeanie and Bill Wyatt Gallery
Opening Reception: Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 5–7 PM
Admission: FREE and Open to the Public
One of RCA's most anticipated annual traditions, The Big Wave! brings together artwork created by members of Rockport Center for the Arts, showcasing the diversity of artistic expression within the organization's creative community.
With no prescribed theme and artwork representing a broad range of media, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to experience the unique perspectives, techniques, and talents of RCA's artist members.
Beyond celebrating its membership, The Big Wave! also provides participating artists with an opportunity to be recognized through RCA's Merit Artist program.
During the exhibition, guest juror Jayne Duryea will select three artists to receive the 2027 Merit Artist distinction. The recipients will be announced at the December 12 opening reception and will be featured in a special Standing Out exhibition in December 2027–January 2028.
Standing Out: 2026 Merit Artist Exhibition
Presented by FieldGuide Financial
Exhibition Dates: November 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Location: McKelvey Charitable Fund Gallery
Artist Reception: Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 5–7 PM
Admission: FREE and Open to the Public
Running alongside The Big Wave!, Standing Out recognizes three artists selected for their exceptional work and artistic merit.
The 2026 Merit Artists are:
BARBARA SPARKMAN – Oil and Cold Wax | Rockport, TX
CINDY DEBOLD – Mixed-Media | Austin, TX
MITCH OVIATT – Painting | Rockport, TX
Each artist brings a distinctive artistic approach to the exhibition, reflecting the range of creativity and talent found throughout RCA's membership.
The Standing Out exhibition provides these artists with an opportunity to present their work in a focused gallery setting, highlighting their individual artistic voices and contributions to the regional arts community.
Standing Out 2027: Merit Artist Opportunity
As part of The Big Wave!, three participating artists will be selected by guest juror Jayne Duryea to receive the 2027 Merit Artist distinction.
An accomplished artist and longtime South Texas arts educator, Duryea is a former Professor of Art, Division Chair of Fine Arts, and Director of the Simon Michael Gallery at Coastal Bend College. She brings decades of artistic and educational experience to the selection process. Her work is represented in collections nationally and internationally, and she continues to support the regional arts community through Duryea Gallery/Duryea Studios in Beeville, Texas.
Artists wishing to be considered must be RCA members exhibiting artwork in The Big Wave! and must submit their Merit Artist application by Friday, November 20, 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to provide an artist statement and may submit one to three additional images of their work to assist the juror in the selection process.
The three selected Merit Artists will also receive studio visits from members of RCA's Exhibition Committee, providing guidance as they develop the body of work for their future Standing Out exhibition.
For complete exhibition information and Merit Artist application details, visit: https://www.rockportartcenter.com/bigwave
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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