Local Art Organizations Form Hays County Arts Alliance to Strengthen Community Cultural Connections
- Clay De Stefano
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Representatives from five prominent Central Texas art organizations met today to formalize a groundbreaking Hays County Arts Alliance aimed at connecting events and enhancing communication across the region’s vibrant arts communities.
The San Marcos Art League (SMAL), Dripping Springs Art League (DSAL), Inspired Minds Art Center (Buda), Wimberley Valley Art League (WVAL), and the Price Center (San Marcos) have established a Collaborative Arts Initiative that will create new opportunities for artists and art enthusiasts throughout the region to engage with diverse cultural programming.
“This alliance represents an exciting step forward for our local arts communities,” said Gwendolyn Hustvedt, President of the San Marcos Art League. “By connecting some of our events and sharing our communications, we’re creating a stronger, more vibrant arts ecosystem that benefits artists and art lovers across Central Texas.”
The Hays County Arts Alliance will focus on two key areas of cooperation:
Collaborative Programming: The alliance will create shared events and joint exhibitions that bring together multiple organizations, increasing visibility and participation across communities through coordinated programming efforts.
Coordinated Communications: Through collective marketing efforts, a shared events calendar, and cross-promotion, the alliance will amplify the reach of local arts events, ensuring that artists, residents, and visitors alike can access diverse cultural experiences throughout the region.
The partnership builds on the natural synergy between these organizations, many of which share overlapping audiences and similar missions to support local artists and promote arts education.
“This collaboration allows us to amplify each other’s voices while maintaining our unique community identities,” noted Nancy Brown, director of the San Marcos Art League’s Art Center. “Together, we can offer our region’s residents an even richer tapestry of arts programming.”
“The partnership represents a natural evolution of our shared commitment to the arts,” said Steve Friedman, President of the Dripping Springs Art League. “We are excited to share and learn artistic perspectives and opportunities within this broader artistic community.”
“At Inspired Minds, we’re committed to making the arts accessible to everyone,” said Sinéad Whiteside, CEO of Inspired Minds Art Center. “This alliance is a meaningful way for us to celebrate creativity, connect communities, and ensure that everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, can be inspired through the arts.”
“We’re excited to be part of the alliance and look forward to creating new opportunities for artists, connecting our communities, and building relationships,” said Vicki Evans, President of the Wimberley Valley Art League.
“As a community center with a focus on the arts, the Price Center is thrilled to be part of this initiative,” said Clay DeStefano, executive director. “We love connecting with people of all ages, and this alliance opens up wonderful new opportunities to collaborate and bring more diverse arts programming to families and individuals throughout our region.”
The Hays County Arts Alliance plans to begin implementation immediately, with a coordinated Hays County event and shared communication strategies launching this fall. A collaborative plein air event series with joint exhibitions, launching in spring 2026, will serve as the first major public project.
For more information about the Hays County Arts Alliance or upcoming events from any of the participating leagues, contact:
San Marcos Art League: Email info@artleaguesmtx.org
Dripping Springs Art League: Jennifer Friedman: dsartleague.jennifer@gmail.com
Inspired Minds Art Center (Buda): Call 512-364-3630 or email info@inspiredminds.art
Wimberley Valley Art League: Email wimberleyvalleyartleague@gmail.com
Price Center (San Marcos): Call 512-392-2900 or email info@price-center.org
About the Hays County Arts Alliance: The Hays County Arts Alliance is a collaborative initiative between the San Marcos Art League, Dripping Springs Art League, Inspired Minds Art Center (Buda), Wimberley Valley Art League, and the Price Center (San Marcos), dedicated to connecting regional arts programming and expanding cultural opportunities for Central Texas communities.
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