A brief history - By Bernice Coleman

The dominating influences of art were the impetus, which drew half a dozen artistic people together in the early spring of 1959. Discussions, more meetings and the small band of artists grew and formed the Harlingen Art Forum. Thus began the dream of artists in the Harlingen area to promote fine art and public awareness of the talent in the Valley.

In the summer of 1960, the concept of "Day Rentals" on South Padre Island opened. These structures became known as cabanas. Success was theirs when people passing by, or on their way to and from the beach, stopped to see the paintings and another dream was realized. An art show to exhibit and sell their works, which officially became known in 1961 as the Beachcombers Art Show. As South Padre Island grew, more cabanas were built, along with a Civic Center, and the Beachcombers blossomed into a statewide show.

Meanwhile, back in Harlingen, Art Forum members were painting, hosting workshops and spreading art throughout the downtown area of the city, in storefronts and bank lobbies. The dreams of more fine art exposure for Harlingen flourished as the Art Forum sponsored the first all-valley high school art competition in 1970. That year there were more than 300 contestants and the winner was awarded a scholarship.

There have been many citywide projects in which the Harlingen Art Forum assisted. With the renovation of Paso Real at its new location on Raintree Street, the Forum opened and operated an art gallery on the second floor. The gallery enjoyed mild success, but the remoteness of the location made it difficult to keep running. As with many dreams there are sometimes glitches. Wall space for hanging paintings was then found at the Country Playhouse, but everyone needed new quarters, so the Harlingen Cultural Arts Center was built with the Forum taking an active role in donating funds for the building and keeping the walls hung with all sorts of paintings.

From the time RioFest first came on the scene right up to the present, the Forum has been a major supporter of this festival of the arts. They have also supported the Playhouse in the Park, and have continued to offer scholarships to Harlingen high school students each year.

Members have come and gone, but the dream of a space of their own never died. Annually, moneys were set aside for this purpose, locations were inspected, and many possibilities were discussed as the search continued, but the dream seemed elusive.

At long last a benefactor, Mr. Bill De Brooke, came to us with a most generous offer of a location, which was readily accepted, and now the members of the Harlingen Art Forum are anxious to share with the citizens of Harlingen and the Valley the first full time art gallery in many years.

The Harlingen Art Forum Gallery opened September 16, 2000. Since that time the Forum has hosted special events featuring various artists, as well as student art each year. The Harlingen Art Forum also holds a wonderful opportunity for area children called Summer Art For Kids. We will feature this program more fully in the future.

The Harlingen Art Forum Gallery moved to 115 E. Jackson Street in November 2004. The new location is in the heart of the Harlingen Downtown District. The name was changed to D'Arte Centre - Home of the Harlingen Art Forum. This new location promises to serve the Harlingen Art Forum well, giving us more space and visibility to the public. D'Arte Centre hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Harlingen Art Forum is a 501(c3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is :

Encourage and support interest and appreciation of the Visual Arts in the community.
Enhance the knowledge and activities of local artists.
Encourage people to develop their artistic abilities.
Provide art education opportunities for members through demonstrations, lectures, and other programs at regular meeting of the Forum; through sponsorship of workshops and exhibits in various art media; and through dissemination of information regarding art educational opportunities in the area and region.
Encourage and facilitate exhibition of artistic works of its membership.

We depend on donations and our presenting of The Beachcombers Fine Art Show to fund all of our activities.

Each year we present three educational scholarships to young artists, present Summer Art for Kids classes, provide exhibit space for members, host art exhibits and perform other community outreach art related programs.