J. Travis Capps, Jr. Elected Chair of Artpace Board of Directors

02.02.09

Media Contact: Celina Emery
t 210 212 4900 x323
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cemery@artpace.org
www.artpace.org

SAN ANTONIO, Texas-Artpace San Antonio is pleased to announce a new Chair of its Board of Directors: J. Travis Capps, Jr. He accepted the nomination at the Board's January 16, 2009 meeting, succeeding Austin-based philanthropist Jeanne Klein who had served as Chair of the non-profit contemporary art organization for more than four years. Klein will continue to support Artpace on the Board of Directors as Past Chair.

Since joining Artpace's Board in 2006, Capps has been dedicated to promoting Artpace's mission to "serve as a laboratory for the creation and advancement of international contemporary art." In addition to his participation on the Board Executive and Finance committees, he has served on Artpace's Chalk It Up Committee, organizing the non-profit's largest one-day community outreach event on downtown's Houston Street, which in 2008 attracted more than 12,500 participants. He has helped map Artpace's future as a member of the Planning Task Force which guided the completion of its landmark 2008-13 Strategic Plan. And this year, along with his partner Lee Anthony, Capps is co-chair of Artpace's April 4, 2009 fundraising gala, Je Ne Regrette Rien.

Capps moved to San Antonio in 2000 to join Valero where he is currently the Vice President of Energy and Gases. After working for ExxonMobil in California for seven years, he began his career with Valero as their first Technology Director and was responsible for evaluating and selecting Clean Fuel refining technologies to meet current and future regulations, benchmarking current production technologies, and implementing best practice networking.

As Artpace's Board Chair, Capps hopes to continue to expand support from corporate, foundation, government, and individual stakeholders who recognize the caliber of Artpace's innovative programs and sustain its residencies, exhibitions, and education programs. A resident San Antonian, he hopes to continue to raise awareness for Artpace's programs, which he credits with providing "unparalleled access to international contemporary art" in his hometown. "From its signature International Artist-in-Residence program to its exhibitions and educational programs, Artpace brings some of the most exceptional artists, curators, and scholars of our time to San Antonio. Artpace's role in enhancing the international landscape of contemporary art and our city's cultural fabric is undeniable." Capps credits Artpace's late founder, Linda Pace, with inspiring his own interest in contemporary art which paved the way for his Board involvement, "I came to Artpace through Linda. And as Board Chair, I intend to build on her incredible, inspiring vision for Artpace."

Past Chair Jeanne Klein was delighted with the Board's approval of her successor, "From his tenure on our Board and outstanding investment in Artpace's programs to his corporate leadership at Valero, Travis will undoubtedly lead Artpace in bold new directions." Echoing Klein's endorsement, Executive Director Matthew Drutt looks forward to capitalizing on Capps' strong local business and civic involvement, in addition to his regular participation in Artpace's programs: "Travis is a valuable advocate for Artpace. He recognizes the important role our programming plays in plays in the lives of artists and students in San Antonio, as well as the international art community."

ABOUT ARTPACE
Artpace is located downtown at 445 North Main Avenue, between Savings and Martin streets, San Antonio, Texas. Free parking is available at 513 North Flores Street. Artpace is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 12-5 PM, and by appointment. Admission is free.

© 2009 Artpace San Antonio

445 North Main Avenue San Antonio TX 78205 t 210 212 4900 f 210 212 4990 www.artpace.org