Rockport in Aransas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Simon Michael Gallery

Photographed by Dave W, November 9, 2025

1. Simon Michael Gallery Marker

Inscription. Born in Houtzdale, Pennsylvania, Simon Michael (1905-2002) showed artistic ability at an early age. He became an artist and itinerant art teacher. In 1948, Michael moved to Rockport and established the Fulton School of Painting. He visited neighboring towns including Bay City, Victoria, and later, Corpus Christi, Fredericksburg and other sites. In 1951, Michael purchased five acres in Rockport and established the Simon Michael School of Fine Art. Buildings included a home, gallery and studio, attracting thousands of students. The school established the Rockport-Fulton Art Colony and Rockport Art Association (later Rockport Center for the Arts), which cultivated the vibrant local arts community.

Erected 2023 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23864.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.

Location. 28° 0.87′ N, 97° 3.656′ W. Marker is in Rockport, Texas, in Aransas County. It is on East King Street 0.1 miles east of U.S. 35, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 510 E King St, Rockport TX 78382, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the American Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Hagar’s Rockport Cottages (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hynes-Balthrope House (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Cedars (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Old Beach Road (approx. half a mile away);

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Mathis House (approx. half a mile away); Moore House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Baylor-Norvell House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Site of Heldenfels Shipyard (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockport.

Photographed by Dave W, November 9, 2025

2. Simon Michael Gallery Marker

Photographed by Dave W, November 9, 2025

3. Simon Michael Gallery Marker

Simon Michael Gallery Marker - Closeup of the painting on the studio. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dave W, November 9, 2025

4. Simon Michael Gallery Marker - Closeup of the painting on the studio.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2025, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 10, 2025, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.