Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca J. Hopp
Hi Rebecca J., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Rebecca j. Hopp
Owner, Educator, Photographer, & Mixed-Media Artist
Rebecca j. Hopp is owner and lead artist at HoppArt, located in her home art studio about 15 minutes from Floresville and La Vernia, Texas and 30 mins south of San Antonio, Texas. She is passionate about arts-based education and integration at all levels of learning. Rebecca grew up in rural Minnesota. She began graphic design and advertising courses at South Dakota State University, earned a bachelor’s in advertising photography at the University of Memphis, served as a graphic designer at Baker Donelson (Memphis, TN) law firm, and completed a terminal Master of Fine Arts degree in studio art/photography from Texas Tech University.
At Texas Tech, Rebecca was Director of the SRO Gallery of Photography, a fine art photography Instructor of Record, and a Teaching Effectiveness and Career Advancement Fellow (TEACH). A graduate school summer internship with Ogallala Commons, led Rebecca to teach photography to rural Great Plains students, exploring the importance of community and agriculture. In 2014, Rebecca was named a Houston Holocaust Museum Warren Fellow for Future Teachers and in 2017 she traveled to Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya to teach photography in coordination with FotoFest and FilmAid.
For over 15 years, Rebecca has engaged in community art education and outreach at Houston Center for Photography, Literacy Through Photography FotoFest (Houston, TX), Theatre Under the Stars (Houston, TX), and San Antonio Museum of Art. In Rebecca’s roles as manager and teaching artist, she has collaborated with school administration, teachers and community organizations to bring visual literacy and arts integration to the classroom. Rebecca has designed and led teacher training workshops, developed curriculum, led gallery tours and activities, created exhibition guides for both educators and families, and served as an artist in residence in several schools.
Rebecca has taught all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, witnessing first-hand the power of the Arts to engage students in understanding themselves and the world around them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My experiences in non-profit organizations have been eye-opening and, at times, disheartening. While education programs are often staffed by passionate individuals deeply committed to their work, there’s frequently a disconnect with upper management. Directors and senior leadership often seem detached from the day-to-day realities of their staff and the communities they serve. Too often, education programs are treated as mere tools for grant applications rather than valuable community resources. This lack of genuine support and understanding from leadership can be demoralizing for dedicated staff members who pour their hearts into their work. It’s a systemic issue that underscores the need for more empathetic and engaged leadership in the non-profit sector.
Amidst these professional challenges, my personal life took an unexpected turn with the arrival of my medically complex child, Stolt. Suddenly, I found myself navigating a new world of hospital stays and heart surgeries, all while trying to maintain my work in the non-profit sector. Time and energy became precious commodities, often stretched to their limits. The constant medical appointments and worry created a stark contrast to the frustrations I was experiencing in my job. It was during one of Stolt’s hospital stays, when a friend gifted me a watercolor set and sketchbook, that I rediscovered the power of art as a coping mechanism. Painting in hospitals – capturing the clinical details of monitors and the intimate landscapes of scars – became my way of finding beauty and meaning in our challenging circumstances.
This confluence of professional dissatisfaction and personal challenges led me start HoppArt. Launching a new business while parenting a daughter and a medically complex son has been an intense journey filled with continuous learning and unexpected obstacles. Every day brings new lessons, from mastering web design to keeping up with the latest curriculum trends. Marketing a studio based in my home presents its own unique hurdles, as does striking a balance between entrepreneurial ambitions and family life. Yet, this transition has allowed me to create on my own terms, putting forward my passion for art to work with the local community. Through HoppArt, I’m able to share the importance of art education and experiences for all ages and abilities, while also maintaining the flexibility to care for Stolt. It’s a challenging path, but one that aligns my professional aspirations with my personal values and family needs.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My artwork is a multifaceted journey through personal history and sustainability, weaving together the threads of past and present. I explore the depths of my genealogy using photographs, text, and imagery, particularly drawn to old family photos and my grandfather’s 8mm videos from the 1950s-70s. These become the raw material for art objects that transcend simple imagery, serving as portals to reimagine the unknown figures who shaped my identity from afar.
I’m fascinated by the interplay between presence and absence, accumulating and subtracting elements to uncover often-overlooked connections. By layering and recomposing these decades-old snippets of life, I’m not just observing – I’m actively rewriting our shared history. I grapple with questions of identity, wondering about the stories behind the faces my grandfather captured. What traits do we share? What qualities am I projecting onto them? Through this process, I add vibrant hues to a monochrome past, breathing life into neglected narratives and forging a deeper self-awareness.
But my creative process extends beyond visual art. At HoppArt, I’ve expanded into jewelry-making, transforming recycled paintings and discarded materials into wearable art. This commitment to sustainability is core to my practice. We breathe new life into everyday items and cast-offs, sourcing much of our material from secondhand objects. This approach not only reduces waste but also sparks fresh artistic expression.
Our dedication to sustainability goes beyond the artwork itself. We reuse packaging materials whenever possible and encourage our students to embrace repurposing in their own projects. It’s a philosophy that recognizes the inherent sustainability in art – the power to make the old new again through creativity and innovation.
Whether I’m recomposing old family videos, crafting jewelry from recycled paintings, or teaching others to see the artistic potential in discarded objects, my work is about connection. It’s a search for links across generations, an exploration of identity, and a commitment to creating beauty while minimizing environmental impact. I also take on commissions, applying this transformative approach to others’ family photos and beloved pets.
At its core, my art remains a deeply personal journey – a search for connection across generations, an attempt to know those I’ve never met but who are inexplicably ingrained in my being. Through this multifaceted approach, I’m not just exploring my personal history, but also shaping a more sustainable future through art.
HoppArt is a unique, home-based art studio that offers a wide range of creative experiences for people of all ages and skill levels. Guided by a deep passion for art education and a belief in the transformative power of creativity, HoppArt’s classes and workshops cater to everyone from toddlers to adults, from beginners to experienced artists. The studio’s diverse curriculum covers painting, photography, mixed media, and sustainable art practices. A standout feature of HoppArt’s approach is its focus on sustainability, encouraging the use of recycled materials to create art while promoting environmental consciousness.
Beyond regular classes, HoppArt offers a variety of specialized services to meet different needs. Clients can commission personalized artworks, turning cherished family photos or pet portraits into custom art pieces. The studio also provides team-building art workshops for businesses, relaxing art sessions, and provides a creative twist to special events like birthday parties. HoppArt’s dedication to inclusivity ensures that everyone can access and enjoy the benefits of art-making, regardless of background or experience level.
HoppArt’s philosophy centers around accessibility, making art education available to as many people as possible. Flexible scheduling, tailored instruction for individuals with unique needs, such as homeschool groups, and occasional community outreach programs are all part of its mission to foster creativity. Whether someone is looking to develop new artistic skills, explore their imagination, or experience the therapeutic aspects of art, HoppArt provides a nurturing and inspiring environment for growth and discovery.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
When starting out on your entrepreneurial journey, one of the most valuable steps you can take is to immerse yourself in a supportive community. Join networking groups related to your field – these can be local business associations, online forums, or industry-specific organizations. These groups not only provide opportunities for collaboration and learning but also offer a sense of camaraderie with others who understand the unique challenges of running a business. Equally important is cultivating a circle of like-minded friends who will stand by you through the inevitable ups and downs of your venture. These individuals can offer emotional support, serve as sounding boards for your ideas, and sometimes even become collaborators or clients. Remember, entrepreneurship can be a rollercoaster ride, and having a strong support system can make all the difference in maintaining your motivation and resilience.
As you embark on this new path, it’s crucial to value your time and set boundaries. Learn to say no to opportunities that don’t align with your goals or values, and don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth. Create without the pressure of perfection – remember that done is often better than perfect, especially when you’re just starting out. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of flawlessness, but this can lead to paralysis and missed opportunities. Instead, focus on progress and continuous improvement. Finally, always stand up for your morals, beliefs, and co-workers. Do what you know is right, even when it’s difficult. Your voice and impact can make a massive difference, not just in your own business but in your industry and community as a whole. By staying true to your values and advocating for what’s right, you’ll build a reputation for integrity that will serve you well in the long run.
Pricing:
- Art Classes $26+ single or semester classes available
- Handmade Jewelry $18+
- Kids’ Night Out $45 / Crafternoons $35
- Lil’ Hopps Toddler Art Class $26+ single or semester classes available
- Artwork & Commissions prices vary
Contact Info:
- Website: https://HoppArtTX.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/HoppArtTX
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/HoppArtTX
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hoppart-floresville-3
Image Credits
HoppArt / Rebecca j. Hopp HoppArtTX.com
Blue Marie Photography https://www.bluemariephoto.
Melanie Swan https://www.facebook.com/
Trevor Cummings https://www.facebook.
