Kris Whitfield, president of the Round Rock Area Arts Council, said when she first moved to Round Rock, Austin served as the city's artistic amenity package. Although Whitfield, who also sits on City Council, said she enjoyed living in Round Rock, she said she would typically drive to Austin to enjoy the arts. But Whitfield said now that Round Rocks population exceeds 100,000 and boasts a vibrant downtown, the city no longer relies on Austin's culture. And, due in part to the work of the Round Rock Area Arts Council, an organization aimed at transforming the area to a thriving arts and culture scene, she said Round Rock residents especially do not need to drive to Austin to enjoy the arts. "We shouldn't have to go to Austin for everything,"  she said. "We have plenty of artists right here. I just think we have so much talent, and we see it here every day." Whitfield helped form the Round Rock Area Arts Council, which is also known as Round Rock Arts. Although several other prominent community members had previously tried to start similarly minded organizations, Whitfield said none of those groups built much momentum. Round Rock Arts started as a committee of the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce. A trip to Abilene, where the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council helped transform the citys downtown through the arts, by Whitfield and fellow committee members provided a big inspiration to the group, she said. Shortly after returning from the trip, Round Rock Arts received a momentum boost when the city leased a prime downtown brick and mortar location to the group for $1 per year. Dubbed ArtSpace, it hosts exhibitions during the First Thursday Artist Reception. "We couldn't ask for better exposure on Main Street, being across from the library and next to City Hall," Whitfield said. Round Rock Arts aims to foster the arts in a variety of ways, including through the issuance of grants to local art nonprofits. The group's downtown headquarters and art gallery, which is called ArtSpace, gives artists an opportunity to show their work to the public. "We showcase artists that have never shown their artwork anywhere," Whitfield said. "It's so exciting to see their faces at the reception when they have invited their families and friends." Round Rock Arts also hosts major events, such as the annual Chalk Walk and Imagine, and puts on workshops for painting and drawing. Round Rock Arts has grown every year and now has two full-time employees: Scot Wilkinson, whose job as the city of Round Rock executive director for the arts aligns with Round Rock Arts, and Christina Rudofsky, whose job is fully dedicated to the group. For her part, Rudofsky said her previous life experiences motivated her to work for Round Rock Arts. "I was in New York, and I was inundated with gorgeous art," she said. "I wanted the same thing here."

Imagine

On Feb. 28 at 7 p.m., an exhibit hosted by Round Rock Arts will bring together art and music at the Texas State University Round Rock campus. Imagine will span the Avery Buildings three floors and include what Round Rock Arts President Kris Whitfield described as a huge juried art show. The event will also feature live music and dessert stations throughout the building. Each attendee age 21 or older will receive a ticket for a free glass of wine. Imagine will also have a separate VIP room with catered food and its own live music. A general admission ticket to Imagine costs $10, and VIP tickets for a couple cost $250. Tickets can be purchased at https://roundrockarts.org/events/imagine.

Other special events

In addition to Imagine, Round Rock Arts helps put on a number of notable events. These events include: Chalk Walk: The highest-attended event hosted by the Round Rock Area Arts Council brought in approximately 36,000 visitors in 2014, Whitfield said. As the groups website states, the chalk walk is the Round Rock Arts version of Italian street painting. The Chalk Walk is Oct. 23. First Thursdays: The event highlights the visual artists displaying their work in ArtSpace for the month. First Thursdays, which are held on the first Thursday of a month, also typically features live music and a reception hosted by a local business. Empty Bowls Festival: Each child in a certain grade within Round Rock ISD makes a ceramic bowl that is then sold at a soup and bread luncheon. All of the money made during the event goes to the Round Rock Area Serving Center, 1099 E. Main St. The event this year is being held April 11. Fish fry: Attendees can eat fried fish made by the husband of a local artist and Round Rock Arts board member. The event also features an art auction and will be held in late 2015. Take a Seat and Have a Ball contests: These contests, respectively, invite people to decorate a seat and a baseball however they want. The entry period for Have a Ball is March 15 - April 15, and the entry period for Take a Seat is to be determined. Information on all these events and more can be found at www.roundrockarts.org

Volunteer and donate

Although Round Rock Arts now has a dedicated full-time employee, Whitfield said the group still heavily relies on help from volunteers. "It takes a lot of volunteers to run this place," she said. Whitfield said the volunteers range from artists to new Round Rock residents looking for a way to meet people. Volunteers at ArtSpace only work two-hour shifts, Whitfield said. Volunteers are also needed to sit on committees and help manage events. Furthermore, donations are tax deductible and can be made at roundrockarts.org/opportunities Anyone interested in volunteering can call Christina Rudofsky at 512-218-7099. 231 E. Main St., Round Rock, 512-689-2450,www.roundrockarts.org