902 Navigation Circle Rockport, Texas 78382 (see map)
In 1969 local artists, including Jan Wendell and Estelle Stair, formed the Rockport Art Association. Members of the association wanted a place to exhibit their work and offer art classes. The beginnings of the building fund came from the first Rockport Art Festival in July 1969. In 1978 Estelle Stair opened her gallery on Austin Street, and the Rockport Art Association found a home. Membership in the Rockport Art Association continued to grow and by 1981 the building fund had reached $80,000, which qualified it for a matching grant. On April 18, 1983 Tom O’Connor notified Art Association President Cam Leonard that the O’Connor family would donate their family home for the art center. The building (also known as the historic Bruhl-O’Connor House) was moved to its current site on Navigation Circle. On May 20, 1984 the Rockport Art Center opened its doors. Now known as The Rockport Center for the Arts, this institution provides exhibit space, art classes for adults and children, and still hosts the Rockport Art Festival in July of each year.
This building was rendered unusable by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Some elements of the Sculpture Garden are still in place.
