Programs Descriptions

The Center for Contemporary Arts, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, was founded in 1989 with the support of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council to provide enriching and educational experiences for the region’s communities through the promotion and support of artists.  The Center serves the community through thee major programs:

Exhibits
During 2006-07 the Center will present 26 exhibits in four galleries:

The Jane Adams Breed Gallery, our main gallery, will feature solo artists selected from our 70+ artist members including: painter, Linda Scarborough, print-maker and collage artist Sarabeth Clevenger, and potter George Holland.

Gallery II, the Center’s photography gallery, will feature Aftermath: Bosnia’s Long Road to Peace by Sara Terry, Expectations of Adolescence by Boston photographer and curator Blake Fitch, and Oman: Land of Diversity, an exhibit by Middle Eastern photographers of the Omani Society for Fine Arts. 

Gallery III provides group exhibition opportunities for Center artists, the Texas Art Education Association V.A.S.E. competition, and groups like the West Texas Photographic Society and Creative Arts Club. 

Gallery IV, our newest space, offers flexible scheduling for small solo and visiting exhibits, from non-traditional photography to three-dimensional installations. 

ArtWalk
ArtWalk, the Center-coordinated monthly celebration of visual and performing arts in Abilene’s downtown cultural district involves more than 100 businesses and organizations annually.  Each month, 800-1400 individuals from a broad cross-section of the community enjoy free offerings of art and entertainment at this family-friendly event. 

ArtWalk promotes cultural tourism and offers performance opportunities for community groups and area orchestra and band students.  Mainstay ArtWalk themes include: “Dog Days of Summer,” flooding downtown Abilene with animal lovers and their companions, and “Military Salute,” involving Dyess Air Force Base, the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum, and other local armed forces affiliates.  New additions to the schedule include “CarWalk,” which drew a record attendance of more than 2,500 in 2006 and “Chalk it Up!” which gave professional, amateur and students artists a chance to leave their marks on Abilene’s sidewalks.

ArtReach
ArtReach, the Center’s arts education and outreach program serves the special needs community including the elderly, mentally/physically challenged and at-risk youth.  Paid artist members and instructors will serve more than 1,500 individuals from social agencies and area schools with the following ArtReach programs:

ArtViews
Video documentaries of exhibiting artists now accompany all Breed Gallery exhibits.  “ArtViews: Bridging the Gap” is accessible in the gallery providing visitors insight into the processes, techniques and biographical/geographical factors that influence the creation of art.