Art League Houston

They have Great supplies for artist and enthusiasts. Totally recommended. Go and visit them.

You know how they say Houston's the biggest small town you'll ever experience - that's how Art League is. I run into someone I know every time I go. In jeans. Drinking beer. Talking to the artist I just ran into. Preface: I don't know jack about art. I went to my first art opening 2 years ago at DiverseWorks as apart of my job. Then someone invited me to an Art League opening. I've missed very few shows - like 2 - since then. It's a step up from your friend's friend's 'gallery' that you really don't get - but it isn't someplace you're going to go and talk art theory and your favourite artists from the 18th century. Or event 21st century. It's local. It's fun. It's free.

I graduated from college in May and I've been trying to do things I've always wanted to do but never got a chance to since I was so busy. I've been wanting to learn how to draw so I researched online where I could do this in Houston. I chose the Art League of Houston and signed my sister and I up for Learning to See, Seeing to Draw with Whitney Riley on Wednesday nights so we could go after work. I filled out a form online and went to the Art League before they closed at 5 one day to pay for the class. It's $25 off if you sign up during the early registration period. The only downside to these classes is that they are expensive! It's around $300 per student for 10 classes and you have to purchase your own supplies. The cost of supplies depends on the class so they were relatively cheap for the drawing class. I took a beginner art class in high school though so I'm used to not paying anything. It's located next to Texas Art Supply which is super convenient. It's also connected to and shares the same bathroom as Inversion. Golden Grill is also usually parked outside on Wednesday nights so we would grab dinner and coffee before and during class. The class was so much fun! My sister and I always looked forward to Wednesday nights. The teacher was really nice and the class was small so she was able to go around and help everyone. The lessons included contouring where we drew an apple, perspective where we drew pictures out of architecture magazines, figure drawing where we drew the teacher, and grid drawing where we brought in our own pictures to draw. We also took little field trips to Dirk's coffee and Bar Boheme for free drawing. One of the coolest classes was when we did a class group grid drawing. She cut a picture of a person taking a picture into little squares and we each drew a part of the grid. We didn't know what we were drawing and when she taped them together it turned out really cool! We want to sign up for another class in the Fall because we aren't able to in the Spring. I would highly recommend Whitney's class if you're a beginner like me and want to learn how to draw.

This update is for bringing in one of the coolest installation pieces in Houston. They helped bring in the Funnel Tunnel! It's along the street and a giant piece of art along Montrose. If you have ever driven past this area, I'm sure you've stopped to look at it. Be careful, because today someone literally slammed into the back of my truck, hopefully it was because he was an idiot and on his cell phone than due to this amazing piece of art.

Who knew there was an art gallery attached to Inversions? I went here this past week for an artist reception. The front space was displaying local high schools students' work and an art class was in session. In the back, the special exhibit room was bustling with activity. At first, I wondered why everyone was standing and not sitting on the benches. Then, I realized that was the art, part of the "Black Box" exhibit. The artist, Phi Phi Oanh, is an American-born Vietnamese who used her Fulbright grant to study the old, but fading art of lacquer in Hanoi. Depending on what she mixes into the tree sap and weather conditions, the lacquer dries differently and each work takes several layers and a lot of time. The place was cool, only drawback was the parking. The lot was full so I parked down the street in the neighborhood and stumbled down the sidewalk in my heels.

My first interaction with the Art League was as a nanny taking my "charge" to her art classes. I had her younger sister and my son in tow, but the staff was very understanding and let us use a small office as a waiting room during the class. The girl always enjoyed the class and her products showed it! She wasn't just doodling or randomly painting. Her drawings and painting were impressive and improving throughout the course. Her instructor even managed to teach a little art history and appreciation through his classes without boring a rooom full of pre-teens. I plan on putting my own children in their classes once they are a little bit older. Excellent reputation, gallery, and courses!! CURRENT EXHIBITIONS October 25 - December 14 Blind Philosophy, Wayne Gilbert Curated by Gus Kopriva, 2007 Texas Patron of the Year UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS Friday, November 2, 6-8pm The Buffalo Hunters, Eric Michael Jones On view through December 21 "Art League Houston is one of Houston's longest operating non-profit visual arts organizations and was the first alternative art space in Texas. During the past 57 years, Art League of Houston has provided over 750 exhibitions to the Houston community, showcasing the work of nearly 22,000 artists and over 29,000 students have received instruction at the Art League School. Free art classes are offered year round through the HIV+ and Cancer Related Illnesses Healing Art Group, MS Healing Art Group and Physically Challenged Healing Art Group."

Very small gallery with a nice showcasing of art when I went there. Also have an art studio where I saw people taking a painting class; looked interesting. It's free and a fun weekend of art with a coffee shop steps away.

I have been taking painting classes at Art League for the past 2 years. I really enjoy it. The classes last 8-10 weeks and are offered with a variety of themes, times, and teachers. The first year, I had two classes with a teacher that had a more relaxed approach and more of a focus on fun. Now that I have gotten more serious about honing my skills, I have been attending a more structured class that has a specific goal each class and a homework assignment. Don't worry, you're not getting graded! Some weeks, homework just doesn't happen. *glances at the stack of 4 finished and 3 unfinished pieces from this semester* :) Classes run around $30/class, which is perfect. It may seem a little rough when the full price hits the card + that expensive trip for supplies, but remember that you are getting 3 hours/week with an accomplished artist in a studio. Being an ALH student also gets you a discount at the art supply store on Main St. Don't forget to show them your supply list when checking out for this discount. Zac organizes the classes and is very helpful. He's the person to contact with any questions. Friendly guy. As for the actual art displays, I am not always a fan. I always check out the latest exhibition and it's a mix. Right now there is a wooden beehive-type thing. I'm just not feeling it. There have been some very cool pieces that came through in the past. Mix bag. They also do separate shows with the artwork of the individuals that participate in Healing Art, the students in the classes (like me), and the teachers. Healing Art is an art program for people with severe illnesses that is paid for by the donations and membership fees (being a member gets you discounted classes and is annual). The openings of new shows are a lot of fun. Even if you don't paint/draw/make jewelry/collage, just come check out a show.

I love this hidden find! I had been looking for art classes for a bit (Leisure Learning, etc.), then my running buddy told me about the Art League. Now I'm taking painting classes with them on weekday nights, and I love my instructor and class! Most of the girls in my class liked the 10-class course so much, we all signed up for the next one. The Art League is also right next to the Inversion Coffee house, so it's convenient when you need a break from class to grab hot chocolate or a smoothie. Both are definitely nice little tucked-away finds.

This is another nice venue for art in Houston. Shows here used to be fairly strong, but lately I seem to keep catching duds. Mixed in there, however, is usually something interesting. It's hard to give a gallery a negative review. A venue has to work really hard to get negative remarks. I think all art has its merit--even if you don't like or agree with it. The space is really nice and it makes for a good spot to stop during a night of gallery hopping. If it's your only stop, however, you might be gambling!

Art League of Houston was one of my favorite places from the two years I lived in Houston. I took watercolor painting classes with Caroline Graham for the entire two years, and I can say that she is the best watercolor instructor I have had to date. Caroline's class is great for all levels -- and it seems like every course had students of all levels studying. As an intermediate student, I appreciated that Caroline was able to help me fix the little messes I got myself into while painting. She definitely saved a couple of my paintings. And the atmosphere is very fun. The art openings are great, and a good way to buy art for your home.

I am currently taking a "Graffiti/Street Art" class. It is once a week for 8 weeks. The instructor is super awesome and knowledgeable. The class is really small and ranges from late 30's to high school peeps. I have learned a lot in just a couple weeks! Students also get a discount at the coffee shop next door. The gallery has a really interesting show right now that incorporates different media.

I take classes at the League. Very good classes for experienced or beginners - great instructors. The facility is really nice! They also have very good art exhibits.

You just have to experience the funnel tunnel. In the day you can appreciate the colorful pieces of wood it is made from and at night check out the illuminated tunnel.

I wanted to learn old master techniques and found that Polly Liu in one of the only teachers in the country who knows how to teach this subject. She's strict but I learned lots! It's helpful to already know how to draw before taking her classes. Hard work, but well worth it!

I have been taking classes here for five years off and on. The instructors are helpful and knowledgable. Expect to purchase some supplies. You'll enjoy it! I have been able to develop my work thanks to the Art League and the instructors who teach there.

This was one of my least favorite art places Boring and predictable exhibits. I do like the coffee house next to the building though. Plenty of parking.