Art in Houston

May 19, 2008 7:14 PM

Places to buy art in Houston?

I'm looking to buy some original art in the next day or two in Houston. Specifically, I would like either a drawing or painting (although maybe a nice photograph), probably figurative. I'd like it to be a nice piece, but not looking for an "investment piece" (read: not super expensive). Where are the best places to look at art to purchase in Houston?

Thanks!

posted by LittleMissCranky to media & arts (5 comments total)

I can't help you with a specific gallery or shop but I would suggest driving or walking around the area around Rice University, down University Blvd... Sunset Blvd, Montrose and Westheimer Rd... those streets and the surrounding areas are very "artsy" and there is probably all kinds of interesting places to buy original art. There are some art museums in that area too (Houston Museum of Fine Art and the Museum of Modern Art are there) so if nothing else you could probably go inside and ask someone. :)
posted by fogonlittlecatfeet at 4:45 AM on May 20

The Heights area also has several galleries and co-ops. It's too bad you didn't ask this a few weeks ago, you just missed the Bayou Arts Festival.
posted by beowulf573 at 5:31 AM on May 20

In the Heights, Gallery 19 always has some interesting, well-done stuff in many different styles/media.
posted by fiercecupcake at 6:27 AM on May 20

Sometimes the Menil Bookstore has some nice small pieces on the wall from locals that are quite good. The folks that work there are also very knowledgeable about the community and how to find local artist art for sale.

Check out the Watercolor Society too. Any community art collective occasionally has shows where you can buy pieces from participants.

The Community Artist' Collective almost always has some pretty excellent figurative work.

The Art League has a student sale coming up in June.

Check out the First Saturday Arts Market on 19th Street (every first Saturday of the month).

If you end up waiting a few months the Art Crawl in October or November is a good way to get amongst it and see a wide range of local stuff and places to find art.

The Glassell School student shows can be a great place to find work too.

Antidote Coffee on the 700 block of Studewood has some nice art work for sale. Sometimes Brazil on Westheimer @ Dunlavy has interesting stuff too. There's a new place on Dunlavy near Welch - coffee shop/ art bar that I haven't been to yet - but it may be worth a try too.

I imagine poking around all the places in this whole thread and asking the people there questions you'll find what you're looking for. Have fun!
posted by dog food sugar at 5:50 AM on May 21

Thanks so much, everyone!
posted by LittleMissCranky at 8:19 AM on May 21