Beachcombers Art Show An Island Tradition
Every year about this time the South Padre Island Convention Center transforms into a huge art gallery. Now, in its 55th year, the Beachcombers Art Show is the longest running art show in Texas, and one of the largest.
Artists from throughout the Rio Grande Valley and Texas will gather at the South Padre Island Convention Centre on Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27 for the 2014 edition.
As usual, a stroll through the show will provide art lovers with a visual buffet of unique and creative works to satisfy almost any artistic appetite. Hosted by the Harlingen Art Forum, the Beachcombers Art Show will feature more than 100 artists that include longtime favorites and new artists featuring paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, pastels, glass and precious metals.
The art show’s origins date back to the late 1950s when a group of Valley artists held what was called the On The Beach Art Show at Isla Blanca Park. That first summer show was put together by a small group of artist friends
It soon became an annual tradition that grew into a major art event now housed at the convention center.
As in past years, local artists will be featured in the convention center lobby, where members of the Harlingen Art Forum, the Laguna Madre Art League and the Willacy County Art League will present their works.
Once inside the main hall, rows upon rows of booths will feature other Valley artists as well as visiting artists from throughout the state and beyond.
Although the art show is held on the Island, it benefits the whole Valley and enables the organization to continue its gallery at D’Arte Centre at 115 E. Jackson Ave., as well as continue art classes for adults and children, scholarships and other activities.
Saturday the show will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A $3 donation is requested at the door, and proceeds are used to fund college scholarships for high school seniors throughout the Rio Grande Valley.