A Celebration of Art, Music, and Community
The 20th anniversary of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival was marked with great success, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of 20,000 attendees over the weekend. This event, produced by The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC), has become a staple of the community, with perfect weather and a vibrant spirit of celebration adding to the excitement. The festival’s continued growth in both prestige and impact is a testament to its importance in the community. A Voted Success
- Number 1 Voted Best Event in The Woodlands, 14 years in a row, by Woodlands Online
- Number 4 Voted Best Art Festival in the Nation, by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice
- Ranked number 6 in Art Sales, by Art Fair Sourcebook
The festival’s success can be attributed to its ability to bring the community together, providing a unique and enjoyable experience for all attendees. With over 200 juried, talented artists showcasing their work, live performances, and hands-on activities for all ages, there was something for everyone to enjoy. A Shout-out to the Talent
- More than 500 dedicated volunteers came together to support the event
- Over 40 live performances took place throughout the festival
- Artists from over 200 juried artists showcased their work
The volunteers’ hard work and commitment were evident in the smooth and enjoyable event that attendees experienced. The festival’s success also highlights the talent and dedication of the artists who showcased their work. A Message from the Executive Director
“_We’re grateful for the artists, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees who made this special anniversary one to remember. An event of this scale and impact would not be possible without their participation and support,” said Jenny Carattini-Wright, TWAC’s Executive Director & CEO. “This year was a true reflection of our mission to Make Art Matter in our community, and we look forward to many more successful events in the future._
Looking Ahead
The Woodlands Arts Council is already planning for next year’s festival, set for April 10–12, 2026. The 2026 Featured Artist is Taman VanScoy, a California-based painter whose dreamlike landscapes evoke a desired sense of peaceful contemplation and serenity. The Artist
Taman VanScoy, a California-based painter, has over two decades of experience on the national art show circuit
His award-winning paintings have captivated collectors nationwide, and his work is sure to engage the festival’s attendees. With his dreamlike landscapes, VanScoy invites viewers to step into a world of peaceful contemplation and serenity. Supporting the Community
Proceeds from the festival directly support The Woodlands Arts Council’s year-round programming, including the Student Art Scholarship and Microgrants Programs, as well as Public Art Initiatives that enrich the cultural landscape of The Woodlands and Montgomery County. A Look at the Sponsors
Year-Round Sponsors The Woodlands Compounding Pharmacy and Woodforest National Bank Anchor Sponsors Howard Hughes, Stella Artois, and Visit The Woodlands Official Festival Sponsors The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, Haley Garcia Real Estate Group, Republic Grand Ranch, and Ovintiv Festival Sponsors The Madeley Fine Art Gallery, The Woodlands Mall, The Woodlands Art Gallery & Studios, Power Home Remodeling, SCAN Health Plan, Fitness Project, Statewide Remodeling, Scott Vann + Mari Graham, and Waste Connections Program Sponsors evamor, Market Street, PODS Moving & Storage, Alpha & Omega, Moment Architects, Judith K. Wren Memorial Fund, and Next Level Urgent Care Media Sponsors The Woodlands & Conroe City Lifestyle, Woodlands Online, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, Hello Woodlands, Houston Public Media, iHeart, Mauricio Ramirez Photography, and Silver Rock Productions A Message of Appreciation
“We’re grateful for the artists, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees who made this special anniversary one to remember. “This year was a true reflection of our mission to Make Art Matter in our community, and we look forward to many more successful events in the future._
Celebrating a Milestone
In 20 years, TWAC has awarded over $1.7 million to students, teachers, schools, and organizations. The festival’s success is a testament to the community’s support and dedication to the arts. As the festival looks ahead to its 21st anniversary, it continues to grow and evolve, providing a unique and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The Woodlands Arts Council’s mission to Make Art Matter in the community will continue to inspire and uplift the community for years to come.About the Author