Deborah Fullerton: From Waitress to Curator of Exhibitions

When Deborah Fullerton first arrived at the Art Museum of South Texas in 1994, she was taking the first steps into a career that would grow alongside the city’s cultural evolution. At the time, she was waiting tables at Water Street Seafood Company and teaching art through science and math in local classrooms, a creative blend that reflected what is now called STEAM.

“We all learn differently, and we all respond differently to art,” Deborah says. “I've always been interested in how people connect with what we do.”

Her first role at the museum was as Outreach Coordinator, a position that took her across the Coastal Bend. From Odem to Refugio, Deborah brought art experiences directly to rural communities, helping people see the museum as something that belonged to them, too. That hands-on approach became the foundation for a career focused on access, engagement, and transformation.

Deborah quickly moved into new roles as Curator of Education, then adult education, and eventually Curator of Exhibitions with each step reflecting her deepening impact on the arts in the Coastal Bend. She’s helped shape not just programs, but the museum itself, playing a role in major transitions like the 2005 expansion and the restoration of its identity as the Art Museum of South Texas.

“When you're given an opportunity to stretch yourself,” she says, “you’re really given a chance to shine a light and bring attention to what matters.”

Deborah has made a career of expanding what’s possible within the museum and helping others see themselves in the stories it tells. Whether curating new exhibitions, mentoring educators, or working with local artists, her efforts have consistently focused on broadening access and deepening impact. She believes that art isn’t just something to admire; it’s something that invites participation, sparks curiosity, and reflects identity.

That philosophy was on full display during a major renovation in 2023, when parts of the museum were unusable. Instead of closing exhibits entirely, Deborah curated Blow Up, a collection of large-scale inflatable sculptures that brought a sense of surprise and delight. Featuring everything from a giant mouse to the Simpson family reimagined as Batman, the playful installation turned a limitation into a joyful moment of connection.

That same creative spirit is also present in exhibitions like Target Texas, a biannual show that highlights artists from across the state and brings their work, and their stories, to South Texas audiences. These exhibitions do more than showcase talent; they create moments of connection, especially for younger visitors who may be seeing contemporary art, or artists like them, for the first time.

That sense of connection extends beyond the museum’s walls. Deborah sees tourism as a powerful extension of the museum’s mission: not only enriching visitors’ experiences, but giving the community itself more to take pride in.

“What tourism does is bring a wider lens to the offerings of this place,” she says. “It helps people have a memorable, positive reflection of Corpus and want to come back.”

She believes the city is in the midst of a remarkable transformation. With new hotels, creative energy downtown, and a growing appreciation for the arts, Corpus Christi is shedding its reputation as a best-kept secret and becoming a destination all its own. Deborah’s work has helped make Corpus Christi not just a place to visit, but a place to belong. Through art, education, and experience, she’s brought the community closer one exhibition and one story at a time.