When construction began over a year ago on the newly opened 231-room Hilton Bella Harbor Hotel on Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall, local artist and art promoter Vicki Hoarty had an idea.

Anxious to promote the works of numerous highly talented but relatively unknown Rockwall area artists, she contacted the hotel’s management group, Gateway Hospitality, to ask whether area artists could provide the artwork which would be needed throughout the facility.

Numerous conversations and several meetings later, Gateway’s design director, Tari DeWille, decided they would at least like to see what the Rockwall area artists group could provide.

After Hoarty swung into action - creating an online portfolio representing 30 local artists – DeWille and hotel officials were so impressed with their work and hers that a select group of eight Rockwall area artists were commissioned to provide virtually all of the paintings, photography and sculptures for the brand new facility.

Hoarty not only was one of the artists commissioned but also agreed to act as liaison between the hotel and artists, plus serve in managing the project for what became about a one year long assignment.

According to the art promoter, a final total of 760 pieces of art were produced by the local artists and are now on display throughout the hotel in its lobby, hallways, Mistra restaurant, 231 guest rooms, 20 suites and 3 conference rooms. 760 are permanently mounted. 14 more are included in a rotating display area overlooking the lake.

The pieces include five paintings by Trish Biddle of Westlake, TX – who is also the official artist of the 2008 Kentucky Derby horse race – and two photographs by Mark Walden of Garland, which have been reproduced into the 720 floated and framed prints and 20 canvas giclees now mounted in the guest rooms and suites.

A bronze sculpture by Jim Bryant of Heath, titled “Discovery,” plus four of his intricate paper relief sculptures presented as a series of tiles are all displayed in the hotel lobby.

One nine-foot by five-foot oil painting by Betty Foster, also of Heath, hangs over the main fireplace in the lobby.

“Her husband built her a scaffolding to paint this large work,” Hoarty said. “To finish, she had to turn the canvas over and paint it upside down.”

One fine art acrylic painting, plus one watercolor painting, by Sueretta Todd of Rockwall are located above the fireplace in the Library and Catamaran Conference Room, respectively.

Four photographs of nature by Terrell artist Max Buller are mounted on the wall near the gift shop.

Three photographs by Dave Smithers of Rockwall, taken during a sailing regatta on Lake Ray Hubbard are displayed in the Bilander Conference Room which faces the lake.

Four oil paintings by Vicki Hoarty of Heath, are hung in the Mediterranean-themed Mistra restaurant. Two of her fine art giclees are presented in the Trimarran Conference Room.

Six more of her oil paintings and eight by other artists are hanging in the rotating gallery near the conference rooms overlooking the lake.

To accomplish such a major undertaking, Hoarty explained that she spent many hours working together with DeWille, who directed the design, as well as with Dieter Esch, owner of Wholesale Art & Frame in Forney, who was awarded the printing and framing bid.

“I can’t thank them both enough,” she said. “Tari is a true professional designer, and Dieter mentored me all the way through the process of framing the 720 pieces for the guestrooms.”

Following instructions from DeWille, regarding what she envisioned as part of the hotel’s overall design theme of “Old world architectural influence with a sophisticated, chic appeal,” Hoarty reviewed dozens of photos of framing possibilities with Esch, proposed several and then awaited the design director’s final decisions.

“Awarding the commissions to the chosen artists, Tari requested colors, content and overall finished dimensions, but she left the rest to the artists. She wanted the personalities of each artist to evolve through their art,” the art promoter said.

“You can see our interpretations are very unique to each artist. Each of the artists did a fabulous job.”

Additional rotating galleries are under negotiations for the future in other locations, she said.

“We expect to have several more rotating galleries featuring guest artists displayed soon in specific areas of the hotel.”

Hoarty admitted that it’s been a monumental task, but well worth it.

“It’s been so, so worth it,” Hoarty said jubilantly. “The whole experience has been so gratifying for me, the specific artists involved, plus all of the area artists, actually. And we have so many people to thank for this success – especially the hotel’s owners, designer, management and staff.”

“We’re increasing the visibility of our many talented Rockwall area artists and hope now to do even more of this.”

She explained, for example, that she is currently working with designers of a new project in the area, as well as with the President of the new RockwallPresbyterianHospital.

“We’ve already had at least one oil painting commissioned by Presbyterian’s President Ken Teel, which I will complete with the varnish and installation soon. We hope to have many, many more.”

Hoarty explained that she also offers an art liaison service for family dwellings, in addition to public and private projects, with which she matches these same highly-talented area artists with homeowners.

“I have found that many people love art, but shy away from working with artists personally because they believe a completed portfolio is the only art available. This is far from the truth. Many artists are very accommodating to work with on a commission basis for family dwellings, as well as public and private projects,” Hoarty said.

“In so doing, the client can commission artists to create art to compliment their color scheme, their content and style and their personality. It’s a matter of clear communication. As an Art Liaison and artist myself, I understand the client and the artist and can provide the right artist to work with the right client.”

For more information about Rockwall Area Artists, contact Vicki Hoarty at 972-771-1612 or email rockwallartists@aol.com She is also offering an online web gallery for artists and clients at www.rockwallareaartists.com.