The Stars of Texas Juried Art Exhibit was conceived in 1999 in order to showcase the newly restored Santa Fe Depot. A "ground-breaking" committee undertook the task of developing a one-week show, in which mostly local artists participated. Chaired by Ann Jones for its first five years, it developed into a two-week exhibit, and under Roger Levesque's chairmanship, the exhibit continued to grow from a local show to a truly regional competition. Ruth Wheelis, Chair for the next two years, was able to increase the number of visitors to the exhibit, such that attendance was over 2400 visitors, including 1100 students from the surrounding schools. Donna Lewis, Chair for the next two years, has set some very high goals both for artist participation and visitor attendance. Ruth Wheelis has again stepped up to Chair the Thirteenth Exhibit and now the Fourteenth Exhibit.

Over the years the Arts Council of Brownwood has been a the key driving force in promoting Arts in our community. As a leading sponsor of the Stars of Texas Juried Art Exhibit throughout the years, the Arts Council has played a major role in the success and growth of the Exhibit.