The Bee Cave Arts Foundation is celebrating its fifteenth year of promoting the local arts community in and around Bee Cave.
The history
Initially put forward by former Bee Cave City Council member Chad Bockius in 2009, the foundation is led by director and local arts educator Deby Childress.
While the organization operated for its first 8 years without a permanent physical location, the foundation was eventually able to open in a small space in the Hill Country Galleria in 2018, with newfound opportunities to display local artwork aside from the organization’s sculpture park at 13333 Hwy. 71 W., Bee Cave.
“Once we had a space...It just has really blossomed, and the [rotating art] exhibitions are certainly the thing that people mostly see,” Childress said.
After six years of growth in the foundation and its membership, the Bee Cave Arts Foundation moved in 2024 to its current location at the western wing of the Hill Country Galleria—now known as The Hive.
What they do
The Hive operates as a hub for arts education and camps, rotating art exhibits, community events, and community service projects for the foundation, Childress said.
Art exhibits rotate at The Hive every six weeks, with submissions accepted from both members and non-members.
Aside from gallery work, the interior and exterior of The Hive are decorated by a number of creations put together by local artists, including Bee Cave-inspired paintings and sculptures by both children and adults. Outside, the organization keeps artwork on display, including mosaic benches and decorative hangings, to make the center more visible.
“We'd love to just fancy up the front of our space more, so people know it's us,” Childress said.
How it works
The organization is run by volunteers, Childress said. Funding for larger events often comes from hotel occupancy tax funds, or HOT funds, granted by the city of Bee Cave.
The foundation hosts the annual Texas Youth Music Festival, where young musicians from across Texas compete and participate in musical activities at the camp.
Other funding comes from classes hosted by the arts foundation.
“Pretty much any money we make just goes back into the next project we [are] doing,” Childress said. “Classes really [are] where we would make some money. And then we turn around and buy a ton of art supplies and pay teachers to come in and teach.”
The foundation also accepts donations both at The Hive and through its website.
What’s next?
The organization will host its 15th anniversary celebration on Aug. 30. The event will begin with a tour of the foundation’s sculpture park, followed by artist talks and awards at The Hive.
Music, craft stations, birthday cake and balloons will be featured at the event, as well as face painting, Childress said.
- www.beecavearts.foundation
- 12912 Hill Country Blvd, Ste. F160, Austin
