Odessa Arts

Art Talk
2026-03-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
Spend some time enjoying a discussion of selected works from the Ellen Noël Art Museum. Learn visual thinking strategies to discuss artwork. Free!

Rene Vaca: 2026 Tour
2026-03-13 20:00 - 22:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
René Vaca is a 29-year-old stand-up comedian, writer, and actor from the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. After dropping out of college to pursue his passion for comedy, Vaca has made significant strides in the industry. His comedic talent and hard work earned him a spot as one of Netflix’s Introducing Comedians for the 2024 Netflix Is A Joke Festival. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EngpMt3ZPDQ.
With a substantial social media following of over 2,600,000 and millions of views across platforms, Vaca continues to expand his influence and reach. He is currently on tour, performing to sold-out audiences in clubs and theatres across North America and hosts his own monthly show LEG DAY at The Hollywood Laugh Factory. Additionally, he won the 16th annual Stand Up NBC competition!

Adult Coloring Group - CENTENNIAL
2026-03-16 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-23 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-30 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-06 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-13 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-20 15:00 - 16:00 | Midland County Library – Centennial Branch, 2503 Loop 250 Frontage Rd., Midland, TX, 79705, United States
Coloring reduces stress, improves focus, and stimulates creativity. Newcomers welcome. Adults.

District Wide Student Art Show Closing Reception
2026-03-16 17:30 - 19:00 | Phillips Goff Gallery at Odessa College, 201 W University Blvd, Odessa, TX, 79764, United States
District Wide Student Art Show Closing Reception and Awards on March 16th at 5:30 PM at Sedate Hall at Odessa College.
Our students have worked incredibly hard on their artwork, and this show is such a proud moment for them. Please go support them and all the young artists in our community!

Opening of ECISD High Schools Exhibition 2026
2026-03-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Phillips Goff Gallery at Odessa College, 201 W University Blvd, Odessa, TX, 79764, United States
Support our high school students across Odessa for this Art Exhibition!

Night at the Museum: Blooms and Brushes
2026-03-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
Introducing Night at the Museum, an exclusive Members-Only evening every third Thursday of the month! Each event has something different to offer for Museum Members, including art activities, lessons, exclusive tours, programs, family and friends nights, and more!
In March, celebrate the season by painting and embellishing a vase while crafting your own paper flowers to welcome spring!
To become a Member, click here.

Fast and Easy Mini Pastels with artist Nancy Kirk
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:00 | The Midland Palette Club Art Center, 907 W. Wadley Ave, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
Artist Nancy Kirk will lead you through creating two 4 x 6 mini pastel paintings with a watercolor underpainting. All supplies will be provided in a kit you take home. Kit includes, watercolors, pastels, blending tool, etc. Workshop will be at Midland Palette Club, 907 W Wadley Ave, Midland, TX on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 6 -8 pm

Little Joe Y La Familia
2026-03-20 20:00 - 22:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
The traditional Tex-Mex style of norteño was fused by Little Joe (born Jose Maria DeLeon Hernandez) with influences of country music, blues, and rock to create the up tempo hybrid known as “Tejano.” Together with his band, Little Joe Y La Familia, his music has reached far beyond the Texas and Mexico borders and has been one of the most popular Tex-Mex bands in the music industry. Little Joe has been entertaining more than 50 years and has been described as the “KING OF THE BROWN SOUND”.
Jose Maria DeLeon Hernandez “Little Joe” was born to Salvador “La Cotorra” Hernandez and Amelia DeLeon Hernandez in a three wall dirt floor car garage in Temple, Texas on a cold stormy night on October 17,1940. The seventh of 13 children, Little Joe began playing music in 1953 with his cousin David Coronado’s band, David Coronado & the Latinaires. Two years later, he performed his first paid gig with the band at a high-school sock hop in Cameron, Texas. In 1958, Little Joe made his recording debut with the song “Safari,” released by Torrero Records in Corpus Christi, Texas. The following year, Little Joe’s brother Jesse joined the band on bass and vocals. When Coronado left shortly afterwards, Little Joe assumed leadership of the group. Throughout the early ’60s, Little Joe led the band through a series of recordings on small independent labels. He underwent a personal transformation after Jesse died in an automobile accident in 1964. Determined to achieve commercial success, he altered his musical approach to include more rock and blues influences.
Songs of the Polka King, Vol. 1 In 1968, Little Joe formed two labels of his own: Buena Suerte for recordings in Spanish, and Good Luck for recordings in English. He later added a third label, Leona Records. His musical approach shifted again in 1970. After performing in the San Francisco Bay Area, he became enchanted by “Latinismo” and changed the name of his band again. In 1985, Little Joe y la Familia signed their first major-label recording deal with WEA International. Two years later, Little Joe formed his fourth label — Redneck — and released the double live album 25th Silver Anniversary. After releasing two albums for WEA, Little Joe switched to Sony International, where he remained until 1983, when he launched his fifth label, Tejano Discos. His first release on the label, “Que Paso,” earned him his third Grammy nomination. In 1996, Little Joe performed on the Frankie Yankovic album Songs of the Polka King, Vol.1, singing a duet with Yankovic of “Just Because/Si Porque.” Little Joe has appeared in two films: Proposition 187, a Deadly Law and Down for the Barrio.
Fifty Years…and over 50 albums later, Joe continues to tour the world, trailblazing, looking forward to new challenges, breaking down cultural and musical barriers and innovating his musical style. As always, Joe strives to bring many people together to make a more peaceful and harmonious world.

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Studio 49 Fashion Show
2026-03-21 18:00 - 22:00 | Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
Join us for a special, limited-ticket event marking the closing of Halston: Inventing American Fashion! Enjoy a curated fashion show by Steven Porterfield highlighting styles from the 1970s and 1980s, followed by a themed dance party inspired by the era. Costumes are strongly encouraged, and prizes will be awarded for the best outfit(s). Bring your best dancing shoes! Be sure to stop by The Cat’s Meow pop-up vintage clothing store during the event!
For tickets, click here.
Sponsored in part by the MCM Elegante Hotel.

Styx LIVE in Concert
2026-03-21 20:00 - 22:00 | Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 FM 1788, Midland, Texas
Creating and recording new music is often considered the lifeblood of any band—an ethos AOR torchbearers Styx continue to embody with the release of Circling From Above, the 18th studio album in their formidable catalog. Spanning 13 tracks, the album navigates the complexities of the human experience through the intersecting lenses of technology and nature.
The album, the band’s third in eight years, delivers a 41-minute, end-to-end listening experience that is both thought-provoking and exhilarating. A masterclass in storytelling, it blends signature Styx hallmarks with bold steps forward—building on the creative momentum of recent releases The Mission(2017) and Crash of the Crown(2021).

3-Day Workshop-Landscapes in Watercolor with Award Winning Artist Tim Oliver
2026-03-23 09:00 - 2026-03-25 16:00 | The Midland Palette Club Art Center, 907 W. Wadley Ave, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
Lubbock Artist, Tim Oliver, will guide you in exploring the amazing medium of watercolor in landscapes. The workshop will be geared toward the beginning to intermediate painter. Advanced painters will also enjoy the workshop and be excited to see new and different approaches. Earlybird price of $275 through January 31. February 1 price goes to $325. This Premier 3 day Workshop will be held March 23-25, 2026, approximately 9am- 4pm each day at the Midland Palette Club, 907 W Wadley Ave, Midland, TX 79705

Midland Arts Association 2026 Spring Juried Exhibition
2026-03-26 08:00 - 2026-06-07 17:00 | Museum of the Southwest, 1705 W. Missouri Ave, Midland, 79701, United States
The Midland Arts Association proudly presents the 2026 Spring Juried Exhibition, hosted in partnership with the Museum of the Southwest. This annual exhibition celebrates exceptional contemporary artwork by artists from Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Exhibition Dates
March 26 – June 7, 2026
Opening Reception & Awards
Thursday, March 26, 20265:30 – 7:00 PMOpen to the public
Location
Museum of the Southwest1705 W. Missouri Ave.Midland, TX 79701
About the Exhibition
Since 1978, the Midland Arts Association’s Spring Juried Exhibition has been a cornerstone of the region’s arts calendar. Juried by a respected professional in the field, the exhibition highlights a wide range of media and artistic perspectives, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience outstanding regional talent in a museum setting.
Juror
Laura Romer HuckabyCurator of Collections & ExhibitionsSan Angelo Museum of Fine Arts
Awards
The exhibition features $2,500 in cash awards, including Best of Show, recognizing artistic excellence across multiple disciplines.
Plan Your Visit
The exhibition is on view during regular museum hours from March 26 through June 7, 2026. Admission policies follow those of the Museum of the Southwest.

Opening Reception of Midland Arts Association 2026 Spring Juried Exhibition
2026-03-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Museum of the Southwest, 1705 W. Missouri Ave, Midland, 79701, United States

Closing Reception for ECISD High Schools Exhibition 2026
2026-03-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Phillips Goff Gallery at Odessa College, 201 W University Blvd, Odessa, TX, 79764, United States

26th Annual Empty Bowls Benefiting the West Texas Food Bank
2026-03-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Midland College, 3600 N. Garfield Street, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
Empty Bowls will be here before you know it.
Join us on March 28 at Midland College as we come together to fight hunger in our community.

Your $15 ticket provides a simple meal — and helps fill the bowls of neighbors facing food insecurity.

26th Annual Empty Bowls – Benefiting the West Texas Food Bank

26th Annual Empty Bowls – Benefiting the West Texas Food Bank
Join us for a cherished West Texas tradition as we celebrate the 26th Annual Empty Bowlsevent! This community-driven fundraiser brings together local artists, families, and neighbors to take a stand against hunger across our 19 counties.
Guests will enjoy delicious soups prepared and served with love, and have the opportunity to purchase beautiful, handmade bowls crafted by talented community members. Each bowl is a reminder of the empty plates we are working to fill — and every dollar raised directly supports the West Texas Food Bank and the families we serve.
Come make a difference, enjoy a warm meal, and take home a meaningful piece of art. Together, we can ensure no West Texan goes to bed hungry. 💚
Admission: $15
Table: $500-seats 8, pick of the kiln

Bring Your Own Craft Night
2026-03-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Grub Hub, 1314 E 7th Street, Odessa, TX, 79761, United States
Join us for Bring Your Own Craft Hours at Downtown Grub Hub!

Bring your sewing, knitting, puzzles, laptop, or any project you’ve been meaning to finish, and enjoy a couple of relaxed hours creating in good company. Grab a bite from your favorite food truck, settle in under the West Texas sky, and work at your own pace.
Bring a friend and a project!

Shifting Subjects: Heroes of the West: Exhibition Opening
2026-04-02 10:00 - 2026-05-31 17:00 | Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
The first hero was nature herself; sweeping landscapes awed early audiences and are still prominent in modern pieces. Then, the people took their turn. Though early depictions of cowboys and Native Americans were often flawed in interpretation and depiction, it is the heroic moments of perseverance within a harsh landscape that made them worthy of immortalization through art. Finally, wildlife stole the focus.
The simple yet powerful balance animals create in nature harmonized the disruptiveness of people and the emptiness of a landscape. Each of these subjects has created visual lessons on what the West is, was, and how it has changed today.
Admission to the Museum and it’s exhibitions is always free. Shifting Subjects: Heroes of the West is on view April 2 through May 31.

Home, Love, and Loss: Exhibition Opening
2026-04-02 10:00 - 2026-07-26 17:00 | Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
This exhibition is the third in a series of American art exhibitions created through a multiyear, multi-institutional partnership formed by the Amon Carter Museum of American Art as part of the Art Bridges Cohort Program. Bringing together more than 66 works from the collection of Art Bridges, the Amarillo Museum of Art, Art Museum of South Texas, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and the Ellen Noël Art Museum, this exhibition features family lifecycles from aging to death. This collection of works, comprised of paintings, photographs, works on paper, and video, delves into the milestones and challenges of family and community life—from birth to aging, and from the bonds of joy to the fractures of loss. The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how we form families and communities; how those relationships are disrupted by adversity, such as illness, poverty, or immigration; and how they are fortified through love, celebration, and resilience.

First Friday ODTX!
2026-04-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Odessa, 79761, United States
First Friday ODTX is a monthly gathering every first Friday of the month for residents and visitors of downtown Odessa. Each month, the streets are lively and colorful with music, games, and delicious food. There are unbeatable deals from local businesses and exciting opportunities to collect amazing giveaways. The event is open to all ages and caters to everyone’s interests. For music lovers, there are live performances by local bands and artists, while foodies can indulge in a diverse range of street eats. Downtown shops and eateries will offer special promotions. First Friday ODTX event brings vibrancy and community spirit to downtown Odessa, making it the perfect place to spend a Friday evening.

Adventures in Art for Sensory Artists: 3D Design
2026-04-04 14:30 - 15:30 | Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
The Museum is excited to offer a Sensory Art class for students in a calm and relaxed environment. Class size is limited.
To register, click here.

LIVE Art Contest by The Fafa Gallery
2026-04-11 08:00 - 20:00 | The Fafa Gallery, 438 Andrews Highway, Midland, TX, 79701, United States

Adventures in Art: Sculpture
2026-04-12 14:30 - 16:30 | Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
Register for our monthly studio classes for students ages 6-12. Students can tour current exhibitions and create an art project. Advance registration only on our website. Class size is limited, and scholarships are available.
To register, click here.

Odessa College Student Art Show
2026-04-13 08:00 - 2026-05-01 17:00 | Phillips Goff Gallery at Odessa College, 201 W University Blvd, Odessa, TX, 79764, United States
Are you a student artist? Share your creativity with the campus community by submitting your artwork to the Student Art Show at the Phillips Goff Gallery at Odessa College.

Submit up to 3 artworks (high-resolution images, 4MB max each). Selected pieces will be displayed in the gallery for the duration of the show.

Online Entry Deadline: Sunday, March 29 at 11:59 PM

Accepted Works To Gallery : Friday, April 10 | 10 AM – 12 PM (Sedate Hall)

Artwork Pick-Up: Friday, May 1 | 10 AM – 12 PM

Don’t miss this chance to showcase your work and be part of the student exhibition!

Mixed Media 2-Day Workshop with Doylene Land
2026-04-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Ellen Noel Art Museum, 4909 E. University, Odessa, TX, 79762, United States
Create unique mixed media textile works using family photos and found objects, while beginning an art journal under the guidance of artist Doylene Land. This workshop will provide the instruction you need to start your piece and continue developing it beyond the session.
This is a 2-day workshop, starting on Friday, April 17 from 5:30-7:30 PM, and continues on Saturday, April 18, from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. To purchase a spot, click here.

Cosmetology Career Fair - Odessa College
2026-04-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Odessa College, 201 W. Univeristy Ave., Odessa, TX, 79764, United States
