The ArtCentre of Plano brings together 70 Texas artists for a powerful new juried showcase in the heart of Downtown Plano
Downtown Plano has its own rhythm — quiet, historic, familiar and then every so often, something arrives that shifts the energy in the best possible way. Right now, that something is Art With Impact, a new exhibition at the ArtCentre of Plano that fills the Saigling House with color, emotion and the vibrant voices of 70 Texas artists.
If you’re someone who enjoys discovering local talent, wandering thoughtfully through a gallery, or simply finding a moment of inspiration close to home, this exhibition belongs on your calendar.
The works on display were selected from more than 200 submissions, making this one of the ArtCentre’s most ambitious exhibitions to date. Executive Director Suzy Jones says the show reflects the momentum she feels growing in Plano’s arts community. “Plano has an incredibly creative community,” Jones says. “Art With Impact lets us celebrate the artists who live here while also welcoming new perspectives from across the state. When people visit, they’re experiencing the very best of what the arts can bring to a community.”
Photo courtesy of The ArtCentre of Plano
Inside the gallery, you’ll find an impressive mix of perspectives. Plano is well represented. Gene Dillard’s Sundown radiates warmth and identity, while David Downs’ metalwork, Ten Million Years Between Them, draws you in with its sculptural textures and sense of geological time. The abstract work of Radha Chatterjee, the photography of Sveta Butko and the layered mixed-media of Maureen Cole each add different emotional notes, creating a rhythm that moves you from room to room.
Collin County’s artistic talent continues with pieces from McKinney, Allen and Murphy, each one bringing its own story, palette and point of view. And beyond Collin County, the statewide representation adds another layer of richness — from textured, chaotic compositions by Dallas artist Sheilagh Cooper to the luminous cyanotype work of Lubbock’s David Clayton. The diversity of medium and style makes the exhibition unpredictable in the most rewarding way.
A highlight this year is the Best in Show recognition, awarded by juror Kristin Rivas, Director of Samuel Lynne Galleries in Dallas. The honor went to Plano artist Jennifer Gillen for her watercolor A Burst of Tulip, a delicate yet striking piece that captures both emotion and technical mastery. For Plano, it’s a moment of well-deserved local pride.
Photo courtesy of The ArtCentre of Plano
Art With Impact is open through November 22 at the ArtCentre of Plano, located at 902 E. 16th Street in the heart of Downtown. The galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and visitors are encouraged to check the schedule in advance for private events. More information is available at artcentreofplano.org.
Ultimately, this exhibition is about more than the art on the walls. It’s about the people creating it, the community supporting it and the shared experience of stepping into a space that leaves you more inspired than when you arrived. If you love local art — or simply want to reconnect with the creative side of our city — this is the perfect place to begin.
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