If you’ve ever been to the Frio River, chances are you’ve had a meal at Neal’s Dining Room. It’s a Texas tradition. An icon woven into the story of Concan itself.

This year marks 100 years of Neal’s Lodges. One hundred years of welcoming families to the Frio River. To celebrate this milestone, TerraTx Art Fest is creating a public artwork inspired by the history of tourism in Concan and the stories of the Neal’s family. Artist Matt Tumlinson will spend time with members of the Neal’s family, listening to their memories and experiences, then transforming those stories into a permanent piece of public art.

It’s oral history made visible.

Now the community has a chance to help bring it to life. Just like our butterfly fundraiser, you can purchase a spot on the coloring page to support the project. Every square helps fund an artwork that honors the people, stories, and traditions that helped shape the Frio Canyon into the special place we know today.

Help us celebrate 100 years of Neal’s and leave your mark on the canyon.

Terra Tx Art Fest is a three-day art festival in the Frio Canyon that brings artists, historians, and ecologists together to create permanent public artworks inspired by the land, culture, and history of the region.

Programming takes place throughout the canyon and centers on the theme “Legends of the Land,” with a focus on ecological and historical storytelling, hands-on learning, and community engagement.

The festival culminates in a growing, mapped art trail that invites visitors to explore the installations year-round, expanding cultural tourism in the Texas Hill Country beyond the river.

TerraTX Art Festival: Neal's 100 Year Legacy Artwork

Artwork by Matt Tumlinson

Team Members