About Art Connection of East Texas
Our Passion
We want to serve as a catalyst for the exposure and growth of the Art Culture in the East Texas Region. With Tyler, Longview and the Greater East Texas area becoming more and more interconnected, the Art Culture in the area has expanded exponentially in the last few years.
Our Mission
ACET strives to educate and teach children and adults to advocate for artists and the arts, and to engage the community in a range of cultural experiences and opportunities. Our Mission is to give all artists within the area a hub for information regarding other artists and art related events. We want to educate, inspire, and extend an opportunity for local artists to have a voice. Everyone has a story to tell!
The Value of Artistic Expression
Art is a result of the creativity of man resulting from the gifts bestowed by our Ultimate Creator, God. The arts and artistic expression are key elements of our region’s image and proud heritage. In addition, they are quite valuable as social and economic contributors. Expression and appreciation of art should be available to everyone and this is critical to a well-rounded legacy for future generations.
Our Team


Neita Fran Ward
Executive Producer and Host

Sandra Newton
Co-Host
Sandra Newton is the Director of Visual and Performing Art for Tyler ISD. She earned her B.A. and M.A. in multi-disciplinary fine arts from the University of Texas at Tyler. She was awarded the Marcus Fellowship from the University of North Texas for post graduate study in the arts advocacy and educational leadership. Sandra has been an Arts Educator for 20 plus years on all levels, from elementary to higher education. She is very active with the Texas Art Education Association. She currently serves at the TAEA Region 7 representative, Jr V.A.S.E. Director, and 2019 Conference Chair. Sandra thoroughly enjoys being an Educator, Artist, and Mommy.