Our Mission

In 1996, Janey Rives helped bring HLCA to life, joining forces with local artists, philanthropists and entrepreneurs to empower the community of artists throughout the Texas Hill Country. Janey, along with her husband Bill, pulled together a group that envisioned a festival to not only celebrate the arts but also raise money to support arts education in the public school system. 

“We applied for and were granted 501c3 status with the State of Texas as a bona fide non-profit organization. In addition to Paint the Town and Sculpture on Main, HLCA tries to support the arts in a number of ways. One critical way is providing financial assistance for art instruction in the public schools. The HLCA is my way of sharing my love of art with the community,” Rives said.

As the Paint the Town/Sculpture on Main festival enters its 14th year, the original supporters remain intrinsically involved in the process and committed to the vision of bringing together a collaboration of communities, creative professionals, businesses, education entities and mentor programs to further the cultural arts. Together with Paint the Town co-chairs Erin Hinzmann and Lindsey Smith the annual events inspire nationally recognized artists to experience the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. The small towns in this region of Texas have long been a magnet for artists and performers and Janey is an integral part of Highland Lakes Creative Arts, serving as the board’s Vice President, she emphasizes how art brings people together and creates a sense of community among individuals.

Married to longtime administrator for Marble Falls ISD, Bill Rives, Janey is familiar with the life changing importance of arts in the grade school system. The trajectory of HLCA quickly came full circle, as Janey cites her appreciation for art began in grade school.

“I started painting in Junior High. My art teacher was very supportive, and art allowed me to put on paper the beauty I saw in the world. After a number of years as an interior designer in Marble Falls, I decided that I wanted to spend more time solely as an artist,” said Rives.

Paint the Town centers around a plein air painting competition where artists focus on painting a real-world scene in real time. A culmination of the arts amidst the naturally beautiful landscape of the Texas Hill Country, a prime backdrop for this French impressionism style of painting outdoors.

“There is tremendous natural beauty throughout the area, and I'd like to think HLCA helps others to see how wonderful it is. We especially want to encourage the younger members of our area in their appreciation. We want to support them as they find their "tribe" and tell their stories through art,” she said.