​The Creative Arts Society, established in 1999, is an Austin based, non-profit 501(c)(3) thriving arts organization actively promoting the development of the “Artist in Everyone” for the expanding growth and diversity of our community. Our vision is to be a vital presence in the community inspiring: Cultural enrichment, Community participation, and respect for diversity. Our goal is to increase awareness and appreciation for and through the Arts. CAS welcomes artists from all backgrounds and supports diversity of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability and age.
WELCOME TO CAS!
Not an artist but love art? Sign up for our Art Patron Distribution list and you will be notified of new exhibit events. Contact info will be used for notification of CAS events only and will not be sold or shared outside of CAS. Check out our inaugural edition.
FEATURED ARTIST Kara Manza
Artist Statement
Kara Manza is passionate about creating joyful art. Her 13 years living overseas and in various U.S. states have deeply influenced her vibrant use of color and her evolving impressionistic style. Working primarily with acrylic paint, Kara often enhances her pieces with stencils, oil pastels, and collage. Having begun painting after retirement, Kara is currently studying with Robin Cheers and creates impressionistic works from personal photos. She has studied under artists like Sarah Sedgwick, Melanie Morris, Kara Bullock, and through The Contemporary ATX. Kara’s most influential mentor and advocate is her father, Terry Henline, a graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA, and a retired automotive designer for General Motors. As a Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society, he provides Kara with invaluable critiques for each of her paintings. Kara’s work has been featured in “Tarrytown Stroll” and “Artist Talk Magazine,” and she has created custom paintings for Jo Malone London. She regularly participates in art shows throughout Austin, Texas. Through her art, Kara strives to bring positivity to a challenging world. She volunteers at Helping Hand Home and donates her artwork to causes such as Mainspring School, Hillside Early Childhood Center, the National Kidney Foundation, the Kamukmu Learning Foundation in Uganda, and JDRF for Type 1 diabetes research. Kara is also a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, and her favorite quote is, “Do small things with great love” — Mother Teresa
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2025 MEMBER MEETINGS
Next Meeting!
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Date: Sunday, August 10th, 2025
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm (Networking from 1:30 - 2 pm)
Location: Westbank Library (Tentative)
1309 Westbank Dr, Austin, TX 78746
Gathering Room (2nd floor, take an immediate right up
the stairs/elevator)
Speaker: Janet Fulk "Neurographic Art Workshop"
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Please Save the Date for these member meetings: ​
August 10th
December 7th​​
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear CAS members,
Spring is in full swing, a time of renewal, art festivals, and pollen inundation. I hope you've had a chance to stop and smell the wildflowers before the heat starts ramping up. CAS has openings in four of our Curated exhibits though the end of the year, including one slot on May 30 at Hampton Library -- so please check out the open calls that are linked on our website at the bottom of the main page. Whether you’re exhibiting, volunteering, or simply staying connected, thank you for being part of our creative community! Hope to see you at our next Members’ Meeting on Sunday, May 18.
Best,
Ratha Grimes
2025 President
Featured Open Calls for Art for our Curated Exhibits
Artists hang their own art and prepare their own labels, typically one to two artists per exhibit