Rockport -Fulton Art Colony Documentary Release

The Rockport-Fulton Art Colony Documentary

Imagine reliving the creation of the Rockport Art Colony in 1948 through the eyes of its founder, Simon Michael, as he  paints with his students in Fulton Harbor and walks downtown to view developments like the Rockport Center for the Arts and the Rockport Cultural Arts District (RCAD).  Through animation and historical reenactments, a short documentary film recently released by the Cultural  District highlights how Michael impacted the history of Texas art, including Rockport’s being named one of the top ten coastal art colonies in the US.

RCAD worked with cinematographer and director Carla Tank to produce the film to help promote the artistic heritage of the area, and to attract other creatives, including visual and performing artists, authors and musicians to Rockport.   Executive Director Jennifer Day noted, “The documentary is stunning and takes viewers through several important chapters of the amazing story of the colony.  The contributions of Sporting and Wildlife Artists to the establishment of environmental causes like the Coastal Conservation Association is especially engaging.  Carla is on our Board and has filmed several stellar marketing commercials for us to use in our economic development initiatives.  Her imagination and skill set combine in the documentary to bring history alive.”

Tank, who moved to Rockport from Brazil, has a background in journalism; through Tank Videos, she currently works primarily in film production.   She interviewed key legacy artists and recorded their memories, as well as incorporating vintage photographs, artwork, and innovative techniques like animation within the documentary.  She added re-enactments with actor Grant Garrison portraying Michael on location at his original school in Fulton and leading his students in plein-air painting harbor and boat scenes with local artists Sue Bonnar, Denise Keith and Kell Knapp.

In the film Judy Tipton and Mary Ann Pahmiyer, students of Simon Michael, recounted his travels teaching around the state, including children, his philosophy and artistic vision.  Jayne Duryea, who taught with Michael for many years at Coastal Bend College in Beeville, also spoke of his Rockport gallery and school.  Steve Russell, who served as a board president of the art association, remembered early members working out of an empty building that once housed Bracht’s Grocery, as well as building the first booths for the Art Festival.  Lisa Baer and John Paul Frederick spoke of the important role of Estelle Stair and her Gallery in the Association’s growth.  Pam Heard, an early director of the art center, talked about artists working together to create a place of their own to exhibit, teach and learn, and the community of creativity and support they made.

The documentary covers the inspirational chapter of artists like Jack Cowan and Herb Booth, who painted hunting and fishing scenes, accompanied by stories from Susie Black, Dinah Bowman, and Kent Ullberg.  Current art center director Luis Puron mentioned the contributions of donors and patrons throughout the history of the art colony.  Maria Nesbit, photographer and gallery owner, recognized the support Rockport gives to its artists.   Finally, contemporary artists, Adrianna and Omar Gonzalez, mentioned their settling in Rockport and desire to help continue the legacy of the art colony.               .

The short documentary is being entered into film festivals around the state and will premiere at the Rockport Film Festival November 1-2.   Follow RCAD’s Facebook or Instagram pages to learn when other showings will be scheduled.

The documentary was made possible by The Margaret Sue Rust Foundation who provided the funding for the film.   The documentary film was inspired by “The Story of the Rockport-Fulton Art Colony:   How A Coastal Texas Town Became An Art Enclave,” published by Texas A&M University Press, and written by authors Kay Betz and Vickie Merchant, who were consultants for the film.