Since Pat Magee and Larry Laws pioneered South Texas surfing in the 1960s and ’70s, surfing has greatly shaped local beach culture. Today, surfing is celebrated through festivals, museums, year-round lessons and camps, competitions and local surfers chasing barrels during winter hurricane swells. To honor this vibrant culture, the Port Aransas Art Center is hosting the Surf the Soul art exhibition in May, celebrating the motion, energy and spirit of South Texas surfing.
The Port Aransas Art Center is a nonprofit and cultural hub boasting the largest collection of coastal-themed art in Texas. The Center features works from around 200 local and regional artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors and mixed-media artists.
“The Port Aransas Art Center is where creativity and community meet, and the Surf the Soul exhibit truly captures that spirit,” shared John Morris, president of the Art Center’s board of directors.
Curated by gallery Director Michelle Morris, the Surf the Soul theme seeks to inspire member artists to grow and experiment while drawing on the coastal community’s energy. The exhibition opens on May 2 during the First Friday event, and runs through the entire month.
To ensure authenticity and quality, the exhibit’s pieces will be judged by local surfers, who will have selected first, second and third place winners by opening day. “Surfers’ knowledge of the sport makes them the best fit to judge,” said John. “They can genuinely say ‘That touches me’ or ‘That’s how I feel when I surf.’”
The exhibit will feature a range of mediums, from photography capturing surf action to intimate pieces reflecting surf culture. “It may not just be a big wave—it could be moments like someone carrying a board or stacked surfboards on the sand,” John said. Attendees can also expect to see watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings, sculptures and mixed-media pieces.
The Center invites locals to attend the opening reception and visit the exhibit throughout the month. “All First Friday events are free and feature live music, snacks, beer, wine and live artist demonstrations. It’s a great chance to meet artists and see their art come to life.” Exhibit openings enable connections between local art lovers and encourage other communities to recognize and support each other’s talents rooted in the unique place we call home.
The coastal nature of South Texas unites tourists and locals, fostering a shared appreciation for the beach lifestyle and a strong sense of community pride. “This exhibit isn’t just about waves—it’s about the energy, culture and passion of surfing,” John said. “By bringing artists and surfers together, we’re celebrating the ocean’s impact on both art and life in South Texas.”
