Where to Find Affordable Local Art

Tracey Meyer creates an original work of art.

Archway gallery

 by Tracey Meyer
(this article was originally featured in 365 Things To Do In Houston)

Houston has long been known as a great art city—literally and figuratively. Not only are there the big-name art galleries on Colquitt and Montrose, but there are lots of other places to find truly spectacular and au courant art. And of course, Archway Gallery is at the top of that list in my opinion.
If you haven’t heard of Archway Gallery, it is the longest-running artist-owned and operated gallery in Texas. It is special because it showcases 34 varied artists who work in all sorts of media. These gallery artists come from all over the world—Australia, Bolivia, Colombia, France, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Scotland, as well as the USA. Additionally, many of these artists have lived and worked all over the world. What gives Archway an advantage in terms of affordability to the buyer is that overheads are low in comparison to the big-name galleries, allowing the artists to pass that advantage on to you! It also means you are buying directly from the artist. The other thing to note is that each month there is an opening reception for the current featured exhibition usually taking place on the first Saturday of the month; newly installed paintings and sculptures each month means that there’s constantly something new to see.

Bayou City Art Festival

Art Markets, Shows & More Events Around Houston
​In addition to art galleries, Houston provides lots of events for art lovers to buy local art. For example, there are great outdoor festivals like the twice-a-year Bayou City Art Festival which showcases a wide variety of artists displaying their work. Also, once a month or so, there are various studio complexes all over the greater-Houston area which host Open Studio events; artists open their doors and welcome the public into their individual studios. These events are great because you not only meet the artists, but you learn about their art and what inspires their creativity. You can buy directly from the artist, which is special. There’s nothing like forming a bond with the artist whose work adorns your walls! White Linen Night in the Heights is another art event which is fun; this street festival takes place in August each year. At this event everyone wears white and comes to see all sorts of things including artists showing their work, live music, and street performers.

In addition to the art festivals and special events, there are various exhibitions sponsored by local Houston art associations such as Visual Arts Alliance, which hold juried shows once or twice a year. The art in these exhibitions is high quality and usually for sale. Sometimes you may even see artwork displayed in cafes and bars; these works of art are also reasonably priced. One more place to find affordable art is the Glassell School of Art’s student show which takes place in December. Student participation is approved by professors to ensure quality and the variety of work is astounding. The variety of work is plentiful —something for everybody’s taste.

While there are a multitude of options to find that special piece of artwork, you don’t have to wait for a specific event to see and experience good quality art at reasonable prices; consider visiting Archway Gallery. The gallery is open six days a week, as well as by appointment; so, call today or go online to immerse yourself in the painting, photography, prints, ceramics, fiber, found objects, glass, metal work, and more you will find awaiting you. In addition, you will meet one of the artists each time you visit… who knows, perhaps, I’ll see you there!

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