On View Now
On view through September 8, 2026: Explore the captivating work of award-winning photographer Ali Khataw in an exhibition reflecting on the connection between the natural world and human experience. Through striking black-and-white images that reveal contour, texture, and sensation—alongside vibrant portraiture rich with color and expression—Khataw examines themes of identity, resilience, and the beauty shared between people and nature.
The exhibit, “Echoes of Nature and Humanity,” on view in the Round Rock City Council Chamber Gallery can be enjoyed weekdays during business hours. Please come to Round Rock City Hall and the receptionist will direct you to the exhibit space.
Learn more about the image depicted above, “Stilt Fisherman of Sri Lanka,” in the artist’s words, by heading to his website: click here.
About Ali Khataw Photography
Photography as Purpose. Art as Impact.
Ali Khataw is a photographer, curator, and global storyteller who believes that photography is more than an art form—it is a force for change.
An adventurer and world traveler, Ali’s work is shaped by firsthand experiences across diverse cultures, landscapes, and communities. His images explore the intersection of humanity, wildlife, and environment—revealing both the beauty of the natural world and the complex realities faced by those within it. Through his lens, fleeting moments become enduring narratives of resilience, dignity, and connection.
At the heart of his practice is Photo Philanthropy—a mission-driven model where art directly contributes to impact. Ali donates 100% of proceeds from his photography to nonprofits and organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation and underserved communities. His work has supported global initiatives through charity auctions, fundraising campaigns, and collaborative partnerships with organizations such as WildAid, UNICEF, the Red Cross, and numerous grassroots efforts.
Ali views the camera as a bridge—one that fosters trust, transcends borders, and gives voice to stories that might otherwise remain unseen. Each photograph is not simply captured, but earned through connection, patience, and respect.
In addition to his artistic work, Ali is deeply committed to education and mentorship. Through immersive photography workshops held across the globe—including Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan, Morocco, Indonesia and Cuba—he guides photographers in both craft and consciousness, emphasizing storytelling with purpose and ethical engagement.
He serves as Head Curator at 1x.com, one of the world’s leading fine art photography platforms, where he helps shape and elevate contemporary visual storytelling. His work has been featured by National Geographic, Leica Fotografie International (LFI), Outdoor Photographer, the International Photography Awards (IPA), and the Dallas Center for Photography.
Ali’s photography has received international recognition, including a Top 10 global ranking at the 35AWARDS for his work “The Stilt Fisherman,” selected from over 10,000 entries across 106 countries. He has also been recognized among the Top 50 wildlife photographers and Top 5% of street photographers worldwide.
His exhibitions, including “Echoes of Nature and Humanity,” serve as spaces where art meets advocacy—inviting viewers not only to observe, but to engage, reflect, and contribute.
For Khataw, photography is not only about what is seen – but about what is felt, and ultimately, what is done.
What is Photo Philanthropy?
MY MISSION:
ALI KHATAW WILL DONATE 100% OF THE PROFITS GENERATED FROM PHOTOGRAPHY TO NGOS AND NON-PROFITS.
My desire to help others and use art to make a difference has inspired me to delve into the world of photo philanthropy. Images have an undeniable power, and I want to harness that power and use it to better the conditions of living for those in the world who are not lucky enough to enjoy the luxuries many of us have been blessed with. By means of non-profit organizations and charities, all the profits generated through my photography will benefit those in need around our communities.
Learn more: https://www.khataw.com/p/what-is-photo-philan
Photography Workshops
GUIDED TOURS:
Ali Khataw teaches photography workshops through personally guided tours and instruction in places like Kenya, Morocco, Tanzania, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Cuba. Head to his website for details: https://www.khataw.com/
To purchase art, or to learn more about the artist:
https://www.facebook.com/alikhataw.photography
Recent Exhibition
Katherine’s works span multiple techniques, including cold wax, oil, watercolor, and typical appear in mixed media form. Her subject matter includes birds, nature, memories, and family, as well as abstract art too.
Katherine Purnell
Artist Statement and Bio
Art is my happiest place.
I have studied at The Art Students League of New York, spent years of private lessons with New York City artist McTavish Kaplun. and have taken in-person and online courses with experts in the medium of oil and cold wax.
I paint on wood panel, canvas and paper. The excavation and layering process of cold wax painting allows for fascinating textures and abstract effects. I love collage making and the exploration of art on paper.
Since my move from New Jersey to Texas 15 years ago I have been active with art groups and have exhibited my art locally.
Art has made me happy.
Sharing the Love, Joy, Creativity and Happiness that Art can bring, is my greatest aspiration.
Connect with the artist to purchase her works: purneka@gmail.com
How to Purchase Art From This Exhibit
Connect with the artist directly to purchase her works: purneka@gmail.com
Artist Spotlights
Learn more about how local artists create their works, what they use for inspiration, and how their careers in the arts or separate of the arts brought them to where they are today. These video spotlights feature artists whose works were in past exhibits in the Round Rock City Council Chamber Gallery.
Recent Exhibits
The City Council Chamber Gallery has featured the following artists:
- Rae Andrews
- Maria C Appelzoller
- Charlotte Barbini
- Judi Beauford
- Vicki Brevell
- Brad Boyett
- Nan Brown
- Jeri Campbell
- Judy Copeland
- Anita de la Cruz
- Michelle Dickens
- Marsha Eaves
- Dan Edmonds
- Thomas J. Eminson
- Char Eppright
- Melissa Fontenette-Mitchell
- Hailey Gearo
- Go There Do That
- Tim Lowke
- Nhasala Mandahar
- Jean Mason
- Sonia Mathis
- Kathleen McElwaine
- Ruben Miranda
- Bob Monroe
- Lily Ramphal Naley
- Steven Ng
- Patrick O’Brien
- Wes Odell
- Jan Frazier
- Janet Fulk
- Betty Gerald
- Amie Gonser
- Charlie Gunn
- Ann Harpel
- Jean Hestand
- Henry Huey
- Simone Houlihan
- Darrell Hutchinson
- Amy Jasek
- Jeff Jones
- Beryl Kerwick
- Kristin Sue Kim
- Angelica Lopez
- Samantha Melvin
- Dorothy Mouser
- Linda Murray
- Patrick O’Brian
- Janet Oh
- Violet Nicklen
- Carlie Pearson
- Jennifer Polnaszek
- Katherine Purnell
- Tiffany Rankin
- Heather Michel Riddle
- Ricardo Robles
- Marcia Schorer
- Katherine L. Snyder
- RRISD Students
- Nelda Sheets
- Marinda Stewart
- Nick Sziklai
- Alexis Templeton
- Joy Tringo
- Erin Vander Leest
- NJ Weaver
About Round Rock City Council Chamber Gallery
The Round Rock City Council Chamber Gallery is a municipal art gallery in the heart of Downtown Round Rock, and it is managed by the City of Round Rock Arts and Culture. The gallery is located in the Round Rock City Council Chambers at City Hall, 221 East Main Street. It is free and open to the public for access during regular business hours. The gallery walls serve as a focus on highlighting local and regional talent including individual artists, student art, curators and artisans.
Round Rock’s vision is to add to the quality of life, strengthening our community, inspiring more investment, and creating a greater sense of place.
The mission of the arts and culture is to enrich the quality of life, support and foster the enjoyment, understanding, and development of the arts through diverse and engaging experiences. They contribute to the economy and tourism in the community. The arts and culture also provide resources, education, and artistic initiatives to support and serve individual artists and arts organizations in our community.
The art exhibit in the Council Chambers is changed quarterly. If interested in being in the City Council Chamber gallery or more information on the current exhibit, you can send your information to artsandculture@roundrocktexas.gov.
