In 1972, a small group of citizens realized that nurturing local artists was an investment in the community that would benefit everyone.  They created The Art Center of Corpus Christi. Service to the community has been a guiding principal for 50 years and it can be felt in the friendly atmosphere. The Art Center is a place to see art, try art, buy art and learn art. Each year nearly 200,000 people visit The Art Center's 25,000 sf facility. Admission is always free for everyone, every day.

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Several different art groups gathered to form the Art Community Center, now known as The Art Center of Corpus Christi. Its first home was the old Centennial Museum building on Park Avenue. Here artists and community members convened and held meetings, exhibitions, and workshops with local and visiting artists.

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In the 1980’s, negotiations were undertaken with the City of Corpus Christi to take over a building slated for demolition at 100 North Shoreline Boulevard.  The building was built in 1941 as a USO and later served as a County Tax office and annex for City Hall.  Through the persistent efforts of The Art Center and numerous residents, funds were raised and agreements reached with city leaders. The result was a beautifully located new home for The Art Community Center.

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In 2000, a major remodel and expansion of the old building transformed the “shoebox” building into the beautiful multi-purpose facility it is today.

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Over the past 50 years, The Art Center has evolved into a thriving intersection of creativity and community located in the heart of Corpus Christi’s bay front district. It is a unique organization in the Coastal Bend that provides all levels of art making education along with a venue to exhibit and sell art.

 

The Art Center is a destination for artists, school groups, visitors, tourists, and community members to view rotating exhibitions of original artwork and engage in art making experiences.

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Art Center programs are vital to the development and survival of the unique creative culture of our South Texas.  Education and exhibition programs  help advance artists (of all ages and stages) career and the audience for their art.

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The Art Center of Corpus Christi is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and relies on individual donations, dues, along with  foundation grants to support the "free admission for everyone every day" policy, outreach programs and affordable art education programs open to all.  Donations are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.