Pebbles Wadsworth has let her own artistic voice take center stage. She came to Texas in 1993 to be the Director of UT Performing Arts Center. And for 15 years, she pursued her vision of developing and nurturing young creative minds, while fostering and expanding the creative hub of Austin to reflect its energy and passion for the arts .

Upon retirement, or her re-focusing as she prefers to call it, she first moved to Smithville, where she and her husband purchased a Victorian House and moved it to their ranch. With this “Art Cottage,” they invited world-class artists to perform and interact with the local community, and helped to launch what is now a driving artistic force in Smithville.

Now, in her home in Central Texas, she is devoting her time to creating pet portraits. Working in soft pastels on archival paper, she creates luminous portraits of people’s beloved pets — capturing not just a likeness, but each pet’s unique spirit. However, what amplifies

her work is the mission woven into every commission. Every portrait she completes helps fund veterinary care for pets whose families cannot afford treatment — from emergency interventions to basic medical attention that can mean the difference between life and loss.

She has transformed her studio practice into an act of compassion, ensuring families in need that their beloved animals receive the care they deserve.

What a life indeed! For her humanity, remarkable drive, generosity, and grace, Pebbles Wadsworth is the recipient of the 2026 Gloria Bond Creative Aging award.