THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC) is pleased to announce Phyllis Love, a member of The Woodlands Art League, as the Best of Show winner of The Art of Belonging, a juried exhibition celebrating the talent and creativity of artists from The Woodlands Art League and Conroe Art League.

Love received the exhibition's top honor for Relics Hidden Beneath, a mixed-media landscape that captivated juror René Wiley with its sense of history, mystery, and the stories held within the natural world. The award was presented during the exhibition's Opening Reception and Awards Presentation on November 12 at the TWAC gallery.

Of 71 submitted works, only 30 were chosen for the exhibition. Wiley, an acclaimed Texas oil painter and owner of the René Wiley Gallery in Galveston, served as the exhibition's juror.

“There was something about this piece that kept drawing me back. Each time I returned, I discovered something new,” said Wiley. “A landscape is never just what we see in the present moment. It holds the stories of everything that came before—the passage of time, the layers of history, and the mystery of what remains unseen. This artist captured that beautifully.”

As the Best of Show recipient, Love will receive a three-day Featured Artist Pop-Up Exhibition at the TWAC gallery, complete with curatorial assistance, social media promotion, and an opportunity to welcome collectors and guests.

Beyond recognizing individual artistic achievement, The Art of Belonging celebrates the important role local art leagues play in building a thriving creative community. Through shared experiences, mentorship, education, and opportunities to exhibit their work, these organizations provide artists with a place to grow, connect, and belong.

The exhibition remains open through January 14, 2027, and visitors are invited to help select the People's Choice Award winner. Guests may cast their votes during gallery hours, and the winner will be announced on January 15.

Exhibit Dates & Hours:

October 20, 2026 – January 14, 2027
Tuesdays – Thursdays, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM*

The gallery will be closed November 25–26 and December 22–31 in observance of the holidays.

Location:

The Woodlands Arts Council Gallery
9450 Grogan's Mill Rd., Ste. 160
The Woodlands, TX 77380

More Information:

https://www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/events/2026/the-art-of-belonging-exhibition

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