Custom Text

Art & Culture

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival returns in April to celebrate its 20 Year Journey

By  | 

A beloved springtime event is set to return to Town Green Park and along The Woodlands Waterway® to commemorate its 20-year journey on April 11, 12, and 13, 2025. Organized by the local arts non-profit, The Woodlands Arts Council, the festival’s proceeds will directly support local microgrant initiatives and student art scholarship programs.

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is a premier event in Texas’s fine arts scene. For over ten years, Art Fair Source Book has ranked the festival among the top ten outdoor fine arts festivals in the country. For an impressive thirteen consecutive years, it has also earned the title of “Best Event in The Woodlands.”

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival returns April 11, 12 and 13 to celebrate its 20 Year Journey; Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC).

This dynamic outdoor art exhibition features original fine artworks across 12 different mediums, showcased by 200 jury-selected artists from local, national, and international backgrounds. Attendees can explore painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, and more. The festival also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including live performances on the Stella Artois Mainstage and two additional stages, Books On The Green focusing on literary arts, and children’s art activities at Artopoly in partnership with The Woodlands Children’s Museum. Guests can indulge in local food, craft beer, and fine wines.

Advertisement
2025 WWAF Featured Artist Thomas Wargin; Photo courtesy of TWAC

This year, the Featured Artist is Thomas Wargin, a sculptor from Wisconsin, chosen by a panel of local art experts. With over 25 years of experience, Wargin has collaborated with Fortune 500 companies and created intimate pieces in a small art studio, demonstrating his dedication to crafting impactful and visually stunning works. His sculptures, often inspired by childhood tales and subconscious exploration, encourage viewers to engage their minds and visual senses.

His featured piece, “Balancing Boundaries,” delves into the tension between freedom and constraint, harmony and discord, utilizing contrasting materials such as steel, stone, and bronze. This sculpture embodies Wargin’s talent for weaving metaphorical storytelling with exceptional craftsmanship, leaving the audience in a state of reflection and wonder.

“Balancing Boundaries” sculpture by 2025 WWAF Featured Artist Thomas Wargin; Photo courtesy of Thomas Wargin

“Our visitors have been enchanted by Wargin’s art at past festivals, and we eagerly anticipate their admiration and connection with the inspiration behind this piece,” shared Jenny Carattini-Wright, Executive Director & CEO of TWAC.

To kick off the weekend festivities, an exciting Art Dash Party, sponsored by The Woodlands Compounding Pharmacy, will take place on the evening of Friday, April 11, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival returns April 11, 12 and 13 to celebrate its 20 Year Journey; Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC).

The 20th Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival’s generous sponsors include Anchor Sponsors – Visit The Woodlands, The Woodlands Compounding Pharmacy, Woodforest National Bank, Howard Hughes, and Stella Artois; Official Sponsors – The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, The Woodlands Township, Garcia Real Estate Group, Grand Ranches and Ovintiv; and Festival Sponsors – The Woodlands Arts Gallery, The Madeley Fine Art Gallery, Moment Architects, and others.

Click here to buy tickets: https://www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/buytickets

2025 WWAF Event Dates/Hours

FESTIVAL

  • Friday, April 11, 2025 – 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday, April 12, 2025 – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, April 13, 2024 – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

ART DASH PARTY

  • Friday, April 11, 2025 – 6:30 PM-9:30 PM
Advertisement

The Woodlands Arts Council, a (501)c3 non-profit, is proud to celebrate 20 years of making art matter in Montgomery County, Texas. Our mission focuses on providing regional cultural and educational enrichment opportunities that encourage, support, and promote the visual, literary, and performing arts. We have sustained and fulfilled our mission through dynamic programming, including nationally recognized events for the community, student art scholarships, educational performances, microgrants, and public art. Established under the belief that “Art Matters,” The Woodlands Arts Council has made a remarkable impact, contributing over $1.5 million in charitable donations since its inception. This achievement is made possible by the incredible generosity of community volunteers, donors, and sponsors.

Source: The Woodlands Arts Council

Advertisement