About Arts!Longview

Explore the District

The Arts!Longview Cultural District covers more than 320 acres including downtown Longview and stretches south to LeTourneau University. The area is home to museums, restaurants, parks, live music, theater, and historic buildings. Explore the district with our interactive web map or brochure.

Mission and Vision

Our mission is to spark a love of the arts, history, and culture in order to celebrate and enhance our creative community. From our hometown charm to our urban spirit, we are the art and soul of Longview.

Arts!Longview’s vision is to spark a vibrant and successful creative community that works to inspire and promote a love of the arts, our history, and culture in Longview. We pursue innovative opportunities that enhance our quality of life, and benefit a thriving cultural arts community. With our collaborative efforts and vision, ARTS!Longview celebrates the art and soul of Longview – now and for future generations.

5-Year Plan

Longview’s cultural district was designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts September 5, 2019.  Arts!Longview is the non-profit organization charged with implementing the goals of the cultural district.  See the district's 5-year plan.

History of Arts!Longview Organization 

Arts!Longview is a 501(c)3 organization formed in 2019. The organization was created after an inspirational Longview Chamber of Commerce Inter-City visit to Waco in 2018, which included their cultural district. Following the trip, a local task force was created to pursue the possibility of a cultural district designation from the Texas Commission on the Arts. In 2019, the task force applied for and was granted acceptance as an official Texas Cultural District. The nonprofit was formed to oversee the ongoing effort to promote and develop the district.

Board of Directors 

Arts!Longview is governed by a volunteer board of directors including district stakeholders and representatives of cultural organizations from throughout the community.

Jon Cromer, President
TBT Securities 

Toni Erskine, President Elect
Owner, Noble Electronic Security 

Laura Hill, Secretary
Director of Community Services, City of Longview 

Jennifer Harris, Treasurer
Senior Vice President, Texas Bank and Trust 

Dietrich Johnson, At Large
Assistant Director Community Service Administration, City of Longview 

Nancy Murray, Past President
RBC Wealth Management 

Josh Black
President/attorney, U.S. Title 

LaDarian Brown
Longview PAR Officer and Sr. Pastor, Parkview Baptist Church 

Debbie Fontaine
Owner. Edible Art 

Holly Forbes
Owner, Forbes and Butler Visual Communications 

Leah Gorman
Sr. Director, Communications, LeTourneau University 

Darren Groce
General Counsel, Crain Foundation, R. Lacy Inc. 

Debbie Hancock
Secretary, Gregg County Historical Museum 

Amanda Hlozek
Marketing and Retail Development Director, LEDCO 

Michelle Holyfield
Team Leader, Eastman Chemical

Suma Jayakar
Director, South Asian Initiatives, LeTourneau University 

Hudson Johnson
EBH Partners 

Dr. Roger Johnson
Texas Office Leasing 

Joe Bob Joyce
President, Joyce Crane 

Dr. Brenda Kays
President, Kilgore College 

Jessica LaRue
Attorney, Harbour, Smith, Harris & Merritt 

Karen Maines
Dental Hygienist 

Carol Manley
Artist 

Melanie Northcutt
Owner/Broker, Sugar Magnolia Properties 

Natasha Raibon-Sheppard
Art Teacher, Pine Tree ISD 

Elizabeth Ross
Communication Specialist, Longview ISD 

Heather Sanders
CPA, Henry & Peters Accounting Firm

Chardee’ Snoddy
Voila Contemporary Catering, Longview ISD Child Nutrition 

Dan Sorey
Attorney, Sorey, Gilliland & Hull 

Cynthia Hellen
Executive Director, Arts!Longview (non-voting)