Houston boasts a thriving community of more than 60 art galleries that together comprise one of the most dynamic art markets in the country. These significant art spaces, many fueled by the metropolis' large pool of painters, sculptors, photographers and conceptual talents are distinguished both by the quality of their exhibitions and the diversity of space their staples.
Where to begin? Follow our gallery-by-gallery guide--organized geographically--for where you need to go to get your art on. Don't forget to check out exclusive savings on unique Houston experiences.
For more than two decades Gallery Row--at the intersection of Colquitt and Lake Streets in the Upper Kirby area--has been home to an exciting enclave of galleries housed door-to-door in a handsome, Arquitectonica-designed postmodern structure. Among Colquitt's powerhouse dealers are:
Hooks-Epstein Galleries: In business for more than three decades, with a penchant for contemporary surrealists
Moody Gallery: Opened 1975, which emphasizes Texas talents such as Whitney Biennial-exhibited, 2006 Texas Artist of the Year Al Souza, known for his Pop jigsaw puzzle paintings
Dean Day Gallery: Presents work by American contemporary artisans specializing in abstract expressionism, realism, impressionism & sculpture
Thornwood Gallery: Diverse painting and sculpture focus
Eat + Drink
Sonoma Wine Bar (one block): Sonoma serves over 100 wines and beers in every price range with taste varietals for every palate.
Little Pappasito's Cantina (two blocks): Find all your Tex-Mex favorites cooked to perfection including enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, and seafood dishes.
Five minutes north of Colquitt lies the Upper Kirby District, galleries include:
Texas Gallery: Features a stellar stable, representing heavy-hitters such as New York-based abstract painters Elizabeth Murray and Jeff Elrod, as well as Ellen Phelan's lyrical landscapes
Eat + Drink
La Griglia (two blocks from Texas Gallery): A popular Italian restaurant with inventive cuisine, attentive service and a casual atmosphere.
East of Colquitt and south of River Oaks and the Upper Kirby District is the Richmond Avenue Corridor, a burgeoning area boasting some of Houston's most powerful art players. Three major dealers with Richmond Avenue addresses are:
McClain Gallery: A sophisticated temple to international talents, exhibiting painters Julian Schnabel, Christian Eckart and Andy Moses
Sicardi Gallery: Esteemed contemporary and historical Latin American stable and an annual exhibitor at Art Basel Miami Beach
Eat + Drink
Hobbit Cafe (across the street from McClain Gallery): Open for brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks, Hobbit Café is a cozy eatery and rustic hangout.
Continuing down Richmond Avenue, you'll quickly reach the Museum District, a new nexus for gallery action. The must-see stop is 4411 Montrose Gallery Building, home to five galleries. The soaring, two-storing minimalist structure (designed by internationally known Houston architect Peter Zweig) was unveiled in 2005, featuring top-tier tenants Barbara Davis Gallery, Anya Tish Gallery, Joan Wich & Co. Gallery and Wade Wilson Art.
Barbara Davis Gallery: Recognized for having her pulse on the international scene as well as a keen eye for emerging talent.
Anya Tish Gallery: Recently expanded her eye from Eastern European to intriguing Texans such as Neva Mikulicz's multi-media realism.
Heading south is Nolan-Rankin Galleries, exhibiting canvases by the vibrant School of Paris painters and Houston Center for Photography, showcasing works of 20th century and emerging photographers.
Eat + Drink
Nippon Japanese Restaurant (across the street from 4411 Montrose): Owned and operated by a Japanese family, Nippon is as close to authentic Japanese food as you can get.
Just south of the Museum District, discover a selection of galleries near Rice University.
Gremillion & Co. Fine Art: Represents notables from Philip Guston protégé Gary Komarin's adroit painted abstractions to Houston collage master John Pavlicek, while the gallery's Annex specializes in art furniture and has exhibited American master Wendell Castle.
Jack Meier Gallery: Excels as the representational, showing favorites such as Vietnamese-born realist Quong Ho.
Deborah Colton Gallery: Combines Texas and New York avant-gardists that often share a similar spiritual sensibility.
Moody Center for The Arts: Presents transdisciplinary works of collaboration in arts, sciences and humanities.
Eat + Drink
Under the Volcano (one block from Jack Meier Gallery): A laid-back vibe and a highly praised jukebox headline a long list of reasons to go with the flow.
The booming Midtown area, between downtown and the Museum District, boasts three significant spaces:
Gallery Sonja Roesch: Mixes a European and Texas stable characterized by a shared minimalist aesthetic.
Inman Gallery: Exports smart Texas talent to the hip, young art fairs.
Gite Gallery: Represents more than 70 contemporary painters from the African continent.
Eat + Drink
13 Celsius (5 blocks from Gallery Sonja Roesch): Named after the optimal temperature for storing wine, 13 Celsius offers locals a charming, European-inspired retreat in the heart of Midtown.
the breakfast klub (1 block from the Inman and Finesilver Gallery): Catfish and grits, wings and waffles top a tempting array of breakfast favorites from around the country at this cozy comfort food zone.
Tacos A Go Go (1 block from the Inman and Finesilver Gallery): Good food and good prices define this casual, yet funky Midtown restaurant.
