November 2021 Meeting

The AAUW Corpus Christi Branch held a meeting on Saturday, November 7, 2021, via Zoom.  There were 26 members in attendance.  After President Shirley Selz gave a welcome to all members, Program Vice President Dr. Mary Sherwood introduced our speaker, Dianna Bluntzer, who is the Executive Director of the Art Center of Corpus Christi.  Dianna earned a BA in Art History at the University of Texas at Austin, and she completed an intensive training program at Sotheby’s in London.  She worked at the Gloria Luria Gallery in Miami and at Sotheby’s in New York City before opening her own digital graphic design studio in midtown Manhattan.  Dianna returned to Corpus Christi where she was selected as Director for the Art Center in 2011.

Dianna opened with remarks that the Art Center of Corpus Christi is NOT the same as the Art Museum of South Texas, which the general public tends to confuse.  Although both organizations were established in 1972, the Art Center of Corpus Christi was founded by artists to nurture and promote local and regional artists and art as a service to our diverse community.  This is a place devoted to the world of the artist, and it encourages community members to get involved in artistic pursuits.  This is a place to:

  • SEE ART – the community is welcomed to come view the gallery that typically features work from a single artist for a period of time.
  • SHOW ART – local and regional artists have the opportunity to exhibit their work.
  • SELL ART
  • TALK ART
  • LEARN ART – there is a studio available for anyone who wants to dabble in the arts.
  • MAKE ART
  • TRY ART – Free family art time is available, with supplies included.
  • EXPLORE ART
  • SUPPORT ART

Dianna emphasized how the Art Center of Corpus Christi provides a place where everyone can be active in the arts, which benefits the entire community and improves the quality of life for our region.  This is a space where artists can gather and share the joy, friendship, and creativity generated from their artistic works.

Branding and advertising the space – to differentiate it from other local organizations – has been a perpetual issue.  About six years ago, the Farmer’s Market was invited to use the parking lot on Wednesday evenings, which has resulted in a positive influence for both.

One AAUW member asked the speaker about what COVID precautions were being followed.  Dianna mentioned that they are using the empty dining space for classes since it is a large area and people can spread out more.  They also are encouraging masks to be worn, and they are keeping all classes small at this time.

At the end of the presentation, we learned that Dianna was speaking to us from Lake Tahoe where she was vacationing.  We thanked her for her excellent presentation and for making time for us during her vacation!