Monday evening's recital, featuring harpist Juan Riveros, was wonderful! Around 70 people attended the event!
Juan Riveros is one of a new generation of harpists bridging a variety of styles and artistic avenues, building audiences and fostering fresh appreciation for an instrument with ancient and diverse traditions. Riveros was appointed as the Instructor of Harp at Michigan State University in August 2024, serving as a member of the String Area faculty and teaching the College of Music’s harp students. A seasoned soloist, Riveros’ experience includes performances at the Rio Harp Festival (2023 - 2025), São Paulo Harp Festival, solo recitals through the American Harp Society’s Winner’s Outreach Program, and the 2019 and 2022 USA International Harp Competitions. Accolades include Award Winner in the 2022 Lyon & Healy Awards, Outstanding Instrumentalist in Harp at the 2022 and 2023 Sphinx SOPA Competitions, Award Winner in the 2020 Anne Adams Awards Competition, and Third Prize in the Young Professional Division of the 2019 American Harp Society National Competition.

Groupe Acorde's signature collaborative and improvisational work between contemporary dance and experimental live music filled the gallery space and its art with live, original music and dance drawing from classical to avant-garde. The performers created in the moment shapes, sounds and space on site, while the audience experienced dance, music and visual art in an intimate and up-close setting. Continuing with our “pay what you can” programming, these performances are a unique way to experience the artists up close and will conclude with an intimate talk back between performers and all in attendance.www.groupacorde.org/
​
Performers drew inspiration from Poetics of the Mundane-New Paintings, Collages, Ceramic Works, and Sculptures by Silvia PintoSouza and Jeff Forster. Group Acorde's artists Roberta Paixao Cortes, Thomas Helton and Lindsey McGill will be joined by guest artist Andrew Baker (musician).

Archway Gallery artist, Silvia PintoSouza, and Department Head-Ceramics at The Glassell School of Art, Jeff Forster, are focusing their dual exhibit on the transitory nature of life and of the scenes and objects that fire their imagination, capturing both a sense of permanence and of transition through their artistic media.  Work can be seen for purchase on the online store.

There was a stellar music event at Archway Sunday evening, April 26 : Opus 4 String Quartet performed three pieces, including the World Premiere of a work by composer Ken Booker--String Quartet No. 2--"A Salute to Archway Gallery's 50th Anniversary." An enthusiastic crowd of around 30 listened in rapt attention and responded with long rounds of applause.  

The Archway Readers honor each of the gallery's current artists by responding to individual artworks, resulting in a book that was made with the artwork and their written responses.

Founded in 1977 by Sandra Sherrod and donne e perkins, the readers have gathered monthly for nearly three decades sharing poetry, prose and drama surrounded by the art at Archway Gallery.

Today The Archway Readers remain a welcoming community of writers and listeners. With untiring support from artist John Slaby and devoted helper Dean Luttrell, we celebrate creativity, connection and the enduring power of the human voice.
~ donna e perkins

The next 50 years start now. Congratulations Archway Gallery on five decades of artist-led creativity. Special thanks to Mister McKinney's Historic Houston for handling emcee duties like a star. And thanks Catherine Anspon for your lovely remarks.

Archway Gallery, Texas’ longest-running artist-owned and operated gallery, proudly marks its 50th anniversary with a landmark exhibition titled Fifty Forward, which opened April 4. The reception and celebration was on April 11, 2026. The exhibition runs until April 30, 2026. This milestone year celebrates half a century of artistic innovation, community connection, and unwavering commitment to elevating Houston’s creative spirit. 

​​For fifty years, the artists at Archway Gallery have shaped their own creative path, establishing the gallery as a cornerstone of Houston’s vibrant arts community. Founded in 1976 by twelve local artists determined to market and sell their own work, the gallery first opened its doors in the The Jung Center, drawing its name from the distinctive arches in that space.   Over time and several locations later, Archway Gallery has evolved into a cherished arts district institution—an enduring symbol of artistic collaboration and community spirit. While many galleries have come and gone, the success of Archway Gallery is rooted in a shared passion and purpose—a truth affirmed by the over 200 artists who have been a part of Archway’s story. ​

Archway member artists John Slaby and Cookie Wells had a great time being interviewed on the podcast Hello Houston on March 18.  We are grateful for the chance to talk about Archway's history, fifty-year anniversary, and community impact with hosts Celeste Diaz Schurman and Frank Billingsley.           Listen to the full podcast here.

On March 11, Archway member artist Carol Berger talked with Mister McKinney and Heidi Vaughan on the KPFT Houston Hour about her joint exhibition with Isabelle Perreau "Nature - Refuge".  The exhibition is in the front gallery at Archway, running through April 2 .  Listen to the interview here.

For fifty years, the artists at Archway Gallery have shaped their own creative path, establishing the gallery as a cornerstone of Houston’s vibrant arts community. Founded in 1976 by twelve local artists determined to market and sell their own work, the gallery first opened its doors in the The Jung Center, drawing its name from the distinctive arches in that space.   Over time and several locations later, Archway Gallery has evolved into a cherished arts district institution—an enduring symbol of artistic collaboration and community spirit. While many galleries have come and gone, the success of Archway Gallery is rooted in a shared passion and purpose—a truth affirmed by the over 200 artists who have been a part of Archway’s story. ​

Archway has two exhibitions planned to celebrate its 50th anniversary; first is Homecoming, a group show at The Jung Center celebrating where it all began, which featuring works from former and current Archway Gallery artists, running from March 4 through April 14.  And second is Fifty Forward, a show paying tribute to the artists who are carrying the gallery into the next half century. The exhibition opens with a public reception on Saturday, April 11, inviting Houstonians to celebrate the artists, their work, and the community that has supported Archway for 50 years. Guests can meet the artists and reflect on the gallery’s extraordinary journey. A champagne toast, and remarks will take place at 6:30 p.m.

​Take a look at interviews with past members below and join us in the festivities!

Paint Your Own Coffee Mug!
Join Archway's ceramic artist Gözde Kaya for a beginner-friendly pottery painting workshop at Archway Gallery, on Friday, January 16th, 2025, from 6–8 PM. Gözde will guide you step by step as you paint and decorate two bisque-fired coffee mugs—no experience needed. All materials are included, and after the workshop your pieces will be glazed and kiln-fired, ready for pickup in about two weeks. Click here to reserve your spot now.

Archway artist Kay Sarver was recently interviewed by VoyageHouston about her current exhibition, "Sleepwalking", and about her motivations as an artist.  Sarver says; "When I am in my studio creating art I would compare it to meditation. It’s a process that allows my inner child to come out and play, which feels deeply primal, a necessary connection that needs to be made in order to create something true to who I am."  Read more here.

On December 3, Archway member artist Kay Sarver talked with Mister McKinney and Heidi Vaughan on the KPFT Houston Hour about her new exhibition "Sleepwalking".  Kay Sarver and Trudy Askew are sharing the current exhibition in the front gallery at Archway, running from December 6, 2025 to January 1, 2026.  Listen to the interview here.