H.E.ART Program
The HEART Program at the Art Center of Corpus Christi is a vital initiative aimed at supporting veterans and their families through the transformative power of art. Drawing on the understanding that creative expression can significantly benefit individuals grappling with trauma and mental health issues, the program seeks to address the urgent need for arts-based interventions within the veteran community.
Discover healing through creativity at the Art Center of Corpus Christi. The HEART Program offers FREE annual memberships to veterans and their families, providing access to art classes, workshops, and a supportive community of fellow veterans.
Why Art Matters for Veterans Creative expression provides powerful pathways for processing experiences, reducing stress, and building meaningful connections. Our program addresses the urgent need for arts-based healing interventions within the veteran community.
Ready to Start Your Journey? Join a community where your service is honored and your creativity is celebrated.
Generously supported by the Puente de Maravillas Foundation
Your Free Membership Includes:
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Annual membership for veteran + spouse/ one family member
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Veteran-specific art classes and workshops
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Scholarship opportunities for specialized programs
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Priority registration for exhibitions and events
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Professional art instruction in a welcoming environment
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Access to our annual November Veterans Art Exhibit
Meet Your Veteran Liaison
Lloyd Niederriter
Vietnam veteran & 3-time Purple Heart recipient. Lloyd connects veterans to creative opportunities and understands the veteran experience.
Recent Programming
Honoring Jammie Fisher: A Commendation from the City of Corpus Christi
On April 28, 2026, the City of Corpus Christi proudly recognized ceramic artist and U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Jammie Fisher with an official commendation in honor of her award-winning achievements and outstanding contributions to the arts.
Jammie is a Clay Studio Artist whose talent and dedication have taken her all the way to the national stage. At the 2025 VA National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, a prestigious competition celebrating the healing power of art within the veteran community, Jammie claimed the Gold medal, a testament to her extraordinary skill and creative vision.
Her journey from serving our country in the U.S. Coast Guard to creating breathtaking ceramic work at the Art Center is an inspiration to veterans and artists alike. Jammie embodies the transformative power of art, and her accomplishments reflect the heart of a true community treasure.
This remarkable achievement was made possible in part through the H.E.Art Program, generously funded by the Puentes de Maravillas Foundation, a program dedicated to empowering veterans through artistic expression.
Corpus Christi is proud to call Jammie Fisher one of our own. Congratulations, Jammie. Your service, resilience, and artistry continue to inspire our entire community.
A Lifetime of Art: The Works of Hector Homero Rubio
The Art Center of Corpus Christi proudly presented a landmark exhibition celebrating the artistic legacy of Hector Homero Rubio, Vietnam veteran, longtime educator, and dedicated visual artist. The exhibition was on display in the Lockett Gallery from March 6 through April 18, 2026, and was free and open to the public.
The exhibition featured a collection of works spanning Rubio's lifetime, offering a powerful and intimate look at the artistry of a man whose life was defined by service to his country, his community, and his students. An Opening Reception was held on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, coinciding with the First Friday ArtWalk in downtown Corpus Christi, with opening remarks beginning at 6:00 PM.
About the Artist: Hector Homero Rubio was born on February 1, 1948, in Realitos, Texas, and moved to Corpus Christi at age five. Inspired by dedicated teachers during his years at South Park Junior High, he pursued a career in education, graduating from Mary Carroll High School in 1966 before earning an Associate's Degree from Del Mar College and a Bachelor of Science in All-Level Art Education from Texas A&I Kingsville in 1970. Rubio began his teaching career at Travis Elementary before being drafted into the United States Army. After completing Basic Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he earned recognition as the highest weapons qualifying trainee in his company, he trained as a Personnel Record Specialist at Fort Lee, Virginia. In 1972, he was deployed to Vietnam, serving with the 1st Signal Brigade, 69th Signal Battalion. For his exemplary service, Rubio was awarded the Bronze Star and was honorably discharged in March 1973. Returning to Corpus Christi, Rubio resumed his career with Corpus Christi ISD, teaching art at Baker Junior High School for 29 years. He earned a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from Corpus Christi State University in 1978. After retiring in 2003, he continued to serve the community through education, returning to the classroom at Incarnate Word Academy until 2010. Throughout his career, his students earned numerous honors, including national recognition in a Veteran Poster Contest. Rubio remains proud of his service as a Vietnam veteran and continues to contribute to his community. He and his wife Patricia have three children: Greg, Erica, and Jenni.
Community Mural Project Honors Vietnam Veteran Artist
Summer 2025 marked a special collaboration between K Space Contemporary and the Art Center, bringing together 36 young artists (ages 13-17) to create a stunning large-scale mural based on original artwork by Josemaria Lopez, a Vietnam veteran and longtime Art Center contributor.
Project Highlights:
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3-week intensive mural camp led by teaching artists Emily Quintanilla and Amera Saenz
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26th mural completed through K Space Contemporary's acclaimed Mural Arts Program
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Prime location on Shoreline Blvd arches, transforming one of the city's most visible public spaces
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Meaningful partnership showcasing veteran artistry and youth talent
Why This Project Matters
The Art Center suggested Josemaria Lopez as the featured artist due to his deep community connections and artistic contributions over many years. This project represents the intersection of veteran recognition, youth mentorship, and public art beautification.
Community Partnership
This project was made possible through generous support from HEB, Fox Pest Control, El Camino, AEP Texas, and Axis Tattoo and Electra Art.
About Our Partner: K Space Contemporary K Space Contemporary, housed in a historic Kress Five & Dime building in downtown Corpus Christi, has been creating community murals since 2001. The nonprofit organization hosts exhibitions, workshops, and signature events including the Dia de los Muertos Festival and First Friday ArtWalk. Visit K Space Contemporary: Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-5pm | Sunday: 12-4pm First Fridays: Until 9pm for ArtWalk Always free admission Learn more: www.kspacecontemporary.org
Community Outreach: Poppy Pin Project with Scout Pack 65
Art Center Partners with Local Scouts to Honor Veterans
The Art Center of Corpus Christi recently collaborated with Scout Pack 65 to create handmade poppy pins for donation to the local VFW Hall. Karen and Jeff Turner from the Art Center led the hands-on clay workshop, teaching scouts the art of ceramic poppy making while honoring military service members.
Project Highlights:
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Scouts created ceramic poppy pins using red clay and specialized molds
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Each clay brick produces approximately 50 poppies for veteran organizations
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Arrows of Light (5th grade scouts) led educational program about poppy symbolism
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Reading of "In Flanders Fields" poem connected art-making to remembrance
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Discussion of military sacrifice across American wars provided historical context
Educational Impact
The workshop combined artistic skill-building with meaningful civic education. Older scouts took leadership roles, explaining the significance of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and reading the classic WWI poem that inspired the tradition.
Community Connection
This collaborative project demonstrates the Art Center's commitment to veteran support through both direct programming and community partnerships. The handmade poppies will be distributed by the VFW Hall to honor local veterans and fallen service members.
Ongoing Partnership
Materials and molds have been organized for future poppy-making sessions at the Art Center's clay studio, establishing this as a recurring community service project.
More photos and project documentation available through Scout Pack 65