Matt Slocum/Caller-Times file ART VENUES: Michelle Smythe views art during a recent one-woman show at the South Texas Institute for the Arts’ Art Museum of South Texas.

Area's culture is embedded in its art
Free concert series, touring ballets, regional artwork are on display

By Venessa Santos-Garza, Caller-Times

Performing, Visual arts Exhibit highlights The following is a selection of upcoming exhibits that will be featured at area art centers and museums. Quilt Exhibit Where: Art Center of Corpus Christi, 100 Shoreline Blvd. When: Dec. 5-22, 2002 San Antonio artist Charles Fields. Landscape and other paintings. Where: Weil Gallery, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi When: Feb. 27 - April 3, 2003 "The Eyes of Texas: Texas from 1900-1950 as Seen by Her Artists" Where: Art Museum of South Texas, 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd. When: Feb. 28 - May 31, 2003 14th annual Del Mar College Student Art Association Student Exhibition Where: Del Mar College Fine Arts Center, Ayers Street at Kosar Street When: April 4 - May 2, 2003 "Navy Art with Scenes from Desert Storm and Desert Shield" Where: The John E. Conner Museum, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 905 W. Santa Gertrudis Ave. When: May 5 - July 31, 2003

   Seagulls and crashing waves aren't the only visual stimulation available in the Coastal Bend. View art made by your neighbor at the local art centers. Get a sense of Texas and the region at the Art Museum of South Texas. See a preview of tomorrow's visual arts at local colleges today.
   Dancing doesn't just go on at nightclubs. The area boasts two ballet companies, and local actors prance across the stage of the Harbor Playhouse.
   Selena's songs and Tejano music may be Corpus Christi's best-known tunes, but residents also know that there's a professional symphony orchestra and several concert series that bring in top-notch touring acts.
   Contact individual organizations for more information on special events.
   PERFORMING ARTS
   Cathedral Concert Series
   Operated through the Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi, the series presents musicians from around the world throughout the year. Past performances include the Vienna Boys Choir, the New York Ensemble for Early Music and the Brazilian Guitar Quartet - all free of charge.
   505 N. Upper Broadway
   888-7444
  
   Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra
   Hosts several concerts throughout the year and can sometimes be found at Cole Park for special outdoor performances. Residents spread out picnic dinners under the stars to enjoy the tunes.
   1901 N. Shoreline Blvd.
   883-6683
  
   Harbor Playhouse
   Showcases a variety of classic and modern works for both adults and children performed by local actors. The theater is adjacent to Corpus Christi's Water Garden, where patrons often lounge outside and enjoy the view before the show.
   No. 1 Bayfront Park
   882-5500
  
   Corpus Christi Ballet, Corpus Christi Concert Ballet
   Though they're not affiliated, both organizations offer top-notch ballet performances, some of which are touring acts supplemented by local dancers and others that are entirely local productions. Many shows take place in Selena Auditorium.
   Corpus Christi Ballet: 882-4588
   Corpus Christi Concert Ballet: 854-7969
   Admission prices vary
  
   VISUAL ARTS
   Art Museum of South Texas
   Part of the South Texas Institute for the Arts, which operates in cooperation with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, this is the premiere spot for visual arts in South Texas. Though it emphasizes local and regional artists, works by Luis Jimenez, Andy Warhol, Diego Rivera and other world-famous creators have also been shown.
   1902 N. Shoreline Blvd.
   825-3500
   Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
   $4 for nonmembers
  
   Wilhelmi-Holland Gallery
   A display of famed artist Bill Wilhelmi's permanent collection, along with various pieces for sale.
   300 S. Chaparral St.
   882-3523
   Monday-Thursday, 10-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10-4 p.m.
   Free admission
  
   Art Center of Corpus Christi
   Has a full range of mediums represented, from painting to photography, for patrons to enjoy while having lunch at the scenic Jezebelle's in downtown Corpus Christi.
   100 Shoreline Blvd.
   884-6406
  
   Antonio E. Garcia Arts Education Center
   Features works from artists from the Coastal Bend and beyond. The center often hosts lectures on Hispanic art and culture.
   2021 Agnes St.
   882-7837
  
   Rockport Center for the Arts
   Set in the scenic city of Rockport, the center features a variety of classes for adults and children. For the less artistic, there is the Sculpture Garden nearby where visitors can relax and enjoy the view.
   902 Navigation Circle, Rockport
   (361) 729-5519
   Tuesday-Saturday, 10-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
   Free admission
  
   Beeville Art Museum
   Features traditional art, equestrian objects from South Texas and Hispanic art from Mexico, including 19th-century tin and wood retablos, religious objects, textiles and murals.
   401 E. Fannin
   (361) 358-8615
   Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.