Staff Report
In 2025, representatives from four prominent Central Texas arts organizations formalized a groundbreaking Hays County Arts Alliance aimed at connecting events and enhancing communication across the region’s vibrant arts communities.
Introducing the Hays County Arts Alliance
The San Marcos Art League (SMAL), Dripping Springs Art League (DSAL), Inspired Minds Art Center-Buda (IMAC) and Wimberley Valley Art League (WVAL) established a collaborative arts initiative that is creating new opportunities for artists and art enthusiasts throughout the region to engage with diverse cultural programming.
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 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 partnership represents a natural evolution of our shared commitment to the arts,” said Steve Friedman, executive director 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.
The Purpose of the HCAA
The Hays County Arts Alliance is focused 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 Hays County Arts Alliance kicked off our collaboration with a countywide plein air (outdoor art) program during the spring of 2026, culminating in a HCAA Plein Air Reception during the summer. HCAA representatives meet quarterly to share learnings, cross-promote and develop more countywide arts initiatives for our communities.
Welcome to the ‘Art Beat’
This article represents the first of our weekly ‘Art Beat’ columns in both the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch. Each article is written by a member of one of our participating HCAA arts organizations, sharing artist stories, techniques and inspirations, as well as upcoming art events throughout Hays County:
• Theatre in Buda (IMAC)- 9/24
• Arts in Wimberley (WVAL)- 10/1
• I Hear Colors (DSAL)- 10/8
• Hays County Festivals (HCAA)- 10/15
• Art Scared and Spooky Markets (SMAL)- 10/22
To find out more about each Hays County Arts Alliance organization, their programs, memberships and how to get involved check out their website or email their contact:
• San Marcos Art League: artleaguesmtx.org or Email [email protected]
• Dripping Springs Art League: www.artindripping.org or email [email protected]
• Inspired Minds Art Center (Buda): www.inspiredminds.art or email [email protected]
• Wimberley Valley Art League: www.wimberleyvalleyartleague.org or Email [email protected]
