Recent commission for Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Public Library:  In late 2007, Beverly Wallace of the Corpus Christi La Retama Library Board came to Harte Research Institute with news of a marine science themed public and middle school library under construction at Kaffie Middle School and Webb Elementary. The education outreach opportunity was obvious and struck a chord with the mission of the institute and of Ed Harte’s charge to “make a difference.” In response to the board’s request for a donation of books relevant to the marine environment, the institute donated Dr. Sylvia Earle’s delightful collection of children’s books and tantalizing atlas of the oceans. Later, when Wallace again approached the institute with a need for an artistic rendering of South Texas and the Gulf of Mexico, HRI's Dixie Smith took on the task. "As she spoke of the setting where the map would be displayed, my creative juices began to flow and I could not resist the opportunity to create yet another map," Smith said, adding. "Since childhood I have always loved creating maps, appreciating their bird’s eye beauty and finding their intrigue a clear rival to any work of art. After all, nothing can be more gorgeous or compelling than Mother Nature’s display of her earthy palette juxtaposed against the black universal depth of field endlessly drifting through the incomprehensible timeless void. The mural is offered as a mere homage to that supreme magnificence. It is my hope that the mosaic might awaken the kindred spirit in others that leads us to love the splendor of our universe, to be drawn to learn all we can about it, and to do our best to be good stewards as we pass through it."


Artist can create the perfect piece for any purpose, including:

• Artistic pieces to decorate your home, office, or place of business
• Advertising
• Logos
• Portraits (Children, Pets, Homes, Cars, etc.)
• Children's picture books
• School text books
• Web Site Art