“Selections from the Permanent Collection” serving as precursor to DMC Art Program’s 60th anniversary celebration of national art show next spring
Free opening reception scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5; fall show features 43 CAIN National Art Show purchases over past 59 years
Article by Melinda Eddleman
If you have ever viewed the artwork selected for Del Mar College’s CAIN National Art Show, you can expect a stellar exhibit encompassing pieces purchased by the college for its permanent collection. The variety of 2- and 3-D artwork is one to be envied.
Leading up to the 60th anniversary of the juried national show, which will open in February 2026, the Art Program with the DMC Art & Drama Department will offer an exhibit, “Selections from the Permanent Collection,” that features 43 pieces––20 drawings and 23 small sculptures–– purchased from each CAIN National Art Show for nearly six decades.
As we move closer to the college’s 60th year to showcase its CAIN National Art Show, now is the perfect time to honor the incredible impact this annual exhibit has had locally and across the state and nation. Many artworks in the collection have quietly lived in storage for years; but during our fall exhibit, it’s their time to shine.
You now have the chance to see these works.
A free opening reception is scheduled Friday, Sept. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. in CAIN Gallery, located on the first floor of the Fine Arts Center on the Heritage Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd., 78404). Get online directions and campus map. The event also features a cash bar and free hors d’ oeuvres.
“Selections from the Permanent Collection” runs through Friday, Oct. 31. Galery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon on Friday and viewing is free.
For more information about the opening reception and fall show, contact the DMC Art Office at 361-698-1216 or art@delmar.edu.
The CAIN National Art Show attracts annually artists from all over the country who submit their 2- and 3-D artwork for consideration by well-known jurors. Each spring, three pieces among the national show also are selected for Purchase Awards for the college’s Permanent Collection.
The fall 2025 show features some of these purchases, including works by renowned artists such as Ron Koehler, local artist Greg Reuter and Danville Chadbourne. Additionally, current DMC Assistant Professor of Art Nathan Ditzler is included among artists featured in the exhibit with work selected for the Permanent Collection before he was hired to teach at the college.
“Selections from the Permanent Collection” celebrates the legacy of the late Joseph A. Cain and the national art show that he founded. Don’t miss the exhibit as Cain Gallery lights shine on some of the best artwork available for viewing this fall.
Editor's note: Shown in the banner is artist Margit Iika’s painting titled” 1908’s No. 1.” Click on the other two artwork photos for cutlines and to download the JPEG.
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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