Central Texas Art Destinations

Central TX Texas art destinations

Are you ready for a journey through the unexpected art haven of Central Texas? Beyond the rodeos and BBQ, this region offers a stunning collection of museums, galleries, and public art installations that showcase the area’s diverse cultural heritage. From the city art centers of Waco to the murals in downtown Temple and Salado’s charming art galleries, Central Texas communities continue to impress with their diverse collections that reflect the state’s history and culture.

But the art scene doesn’t end there – venture out on the long, winding roads of Texas and discover some of the country’s most remarkable art installations. From standalone sculptures amidst the desert to unique public art installations along empty highways, hidden gems are waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re a Texan or just a tourist passing through, these Central Texas art destinations are definitely worth the drive for your next road or weekend trip. Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the Lone Star State through its vibrant art scene. So buckle up and let’s explore some of the top art destinations in the state – you never know what surprises await!

 

Art Museums in Central Texas

Central Texas boasts an impressive display of art museums, each offering an intriguing yet fascinating perspective into the region’s vibrant culture and history. With everything from contemporary installations to classic masterpieces, these museums showcase an eclectic range of artistic styles throughout history. Learn about the evolution of Central Texas’s artistic and cultural heritage through thought-provoking art exhibitions featuring works of art by local and regional artists.

Regardless of your level of expertise, these museums offer an inspiring and educational experience. So, let’s take a closer look at some of Central Texas’s most impressive art museums and explore the art, history, and culture that they preserve.

 

Martin Museum of Art

Located on the campus of Baylor University, the Martin Museum of Art is a Waco favorite. The museum features a collection of approximately 1,500 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Throughout the year, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and offers educational programs for visitors.

 

Blanton Museum of Art

As one of the largest university art museums in Central Texas, The Blanton Museum of Art boasts one of the most extensive collections of art in the region. With over 21,000 works of art on display, visitors can experience a diverse range of historical periods and styles all in the center of Austin, Texas. Additionally, the museum offers a rotating schedule of traveling exhibitions with different art forms.

    • Address: 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712
    • Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM | Sunday 1 – 5 PM | Closed Monday and Tuesday
    • Website: Blanton Museum of Art

 

The Contemporary Austin

With two separate and unique locations in Austin, this museum offers visitors the chance to explore both the downtown Jones Center with a sculpture park and the Mediterranean-styled villa Laguna Gloria. The museum showcases contemporary art in various forms including installations, paintings, sculptures, and performances.

    • Laguna Gloria Address: 3809 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
    • Jones Center Address: 700 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
    • Laguna Gloria Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 9 AM – 3 PM | Closed Monday and Tuesday
    • Jones Center Hours: Wednesday 12 PM – 9 PM | Thursday – Sunday 12 PM – 6 PM | Closed Monday and Tuesday
    • Website: The Contemporary Austin

 

The Grace Museum

Originally built as a hotel in 1909, the Grace Museum underwent a transformation in 1992 to become a museum to explore art, history, and creativity. Today, visitors can enjoy exhibitions that celebrate both the historic and contemporary aspects of American art and artists with Texas connections. The museum features three annual exhibitions of fine art photography, 10-12 diverse art exhibitions each year, and a permanent art collection from the 1930s and 1940s.

    • Address: 102 Cypress Street, Abilene, TX 79601
    • Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM | Closed Sunday and Monday
    • Website: The Grace Museum

 

Mexic-Arte Museum

The Mexic-Arte Museum is one of the few museums in the United States dedicated exclusively to the celebration of Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture. The museum offers engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and special events throughout the year, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. As the museum continues to expand its offerings, the Mexic-Arte Museum promises an even brighter future ahead.

 

Art Galleries in Central Texas

Art museums are undoubtedly a wonderful daytime activity for a leisurely visit, but for those with a tight schedule, art galleries offer a convenient and affordable alternative. Many galleries offer free admission or discounts, making it an accessible option for art lovers on the go. So, if you are in the Central Texas area and are looking for art galleries worth visiting, then we have just the list for you!

From the charming town of Salado to the vibrant city of Waco, and every community in between, Central Texas is filled with a rich artistic heritage and a growing art gallery scene. Within close proximity, visitors can encounter a diverse selection of galleries showcasing works from both local and national artists across a range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography. Let’s take a look at some of our top recommendations for art galleries in Central Texas that are definitely worth the drive!

 

Sirril Art Gallery

Sirril Art Gallery in Salado boasts an ever-changing and diverse collection of original artwork, including pieces by local artist Michael Pritchett as well as other talented artists from the Central Texas region. The art gallery not only offers original art pieces, but also available prints as well. Additionally, the gallery provides private art lessons for those interested in improving their artistic skills.

    • Address: 1 Royal Street, Salado, TX 76571
    • Hours: Monday – Wednesday 12 PM – 6:30 PM | Thursday 11 AM – 7 PM | Friday 12 PM – 9 PM | Saturday 11 AM – 9 PM | Sunday 12:30 PM – 5 PM
    • Website: Sirril Art Gallery | Salado TX | Facebook

 

Griffith Fine Art

Located in the art-filled town of Salado lies the studio and gallery of renowned artist Kay Griffith. Griffith is known for her exceptional abstract expressionism, which is widely regarded as some of the best in the world. In addition to Griffith’s art, the gallery also represents four other talented artists, including two landscape painters and two exceptional wildlife artists. If you’re an art enthusiast looking for unique and exceptional art, a visit to this gallery is a must.

 

Sterle Fine Art Studio

As one of the few art studios and galleries in Temple, the Sterle Fine Art Studio, displays art from artist Susan Sterle who specializes in oil paintings, art classes, and photography. Susan not only has paintings on display for sale, but also offers commissioned paintings. In addition, the studio provides painting and drawing instruction for individuals who want to improve their skills. The Sterle Fine Art Studio is an excellent destination for art lovers to discover stunning artworks and develop their own artistic skills.

 

Susan L. Sistrunk Fine Art Gallery

Discover the newest addition to the art scene in ‘Uptown’ Waco – the Susan L. Sistrunk Fine Art Gallery. Located in a charming historic home built in 1910, this gallery is curated by artists Mark Kieran and Susan Sistrunk, who incorporate a variety of textures and media into their works. Drawing inspiration from symbolism, cultural traditions, and ancient architecture, their artworks offer a unique perspective and a captivating visual experience.

 

Cultivate 7Twelve

Cultivate 7Twelve is a community-focused art space that celebrates the beauty of fine arts, culture, and events. At the heart of the gallery is the main exhibition space, where the works of Waco’s talented artists are showcased on a monthly rotating basis. All exhibited artwork is available for sale, and 65% of the proceeds are returned to the artists. For those who are looking to improve their artistic abilities, Cultivate 7Twelve hosts weekly figure drawing sessions, as well as occasional workshops.

 

Art Installations in Central Texas

With Texas being as large as it is, finding art destinations make for the perfect way to break up a cross-state road trip. Aside from art museums and galleries, Texas has an impressive number of art installations dispersed throughout the state. Many of these installations are in the middle of nowhere, making them even more intriguing to stumble upon. These sculptures are not only visually breathtaking in size, but they also require viewers to think abstractly about what the sculpture is conveying to them.

At first glance, some of these works may seem random and even a bit odd, but by adopting an abstract perspective, these sculptures can take on a deeper significance. Explore the transformative power of art as it assumes new forms and how it can convert a remote space into its own captivating art museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art Exhibitions and Events at Community Centers

Central Texas is an unexpected center for creativity and culture, with vibrant and growing communities throughout the region. While there may not be many museums in the smaller towns of the area, the value placed on art and cultural preservation by these communities is visible in the many art exhibitions and events hosted at local community centers. These events offer a unique opportunity to experience the work of both established and up-and-coming artists from the region, with a focus on local artists.

From painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media, these exhibitions showcase a diverse range of artistic styles and perspectives. For those who are passionate about art or anyone looking for a new experience in the area, Central Texas community centers offer a variety of exciting events and opportunities to engage with the local arts scene.

 

Temple College Visual Arts Complex

The Temple College Visual Arts Complex is a state-of-the-art facility managed by the Temple College Visual Arts Department. Every year, the complex will organize gallery exhibitions aimed at showcasing student artists from the Central Texas region. The shows provide a platform for the creative works of student artists to be admired by the public. The Visual Arts Complex is open to students from six area colleges and universities, as well as 34 area high schools, and features separate divisions for high school and college students.

 

Art Center of Waco

The Art Center of Waco provides an array of exceptional art resources to the local community, featuring rotating exhibits, classes, camps, and events throughout the year. Each of these resources highlights a diverse range of mediums. With a focus on the community, the gallery frequently showcases the extraordinary talent of local and regional artists. Committed to promoting education and fostering understanding through active engagement, the center strives to reach individuals of all ages.

    • Address: 701 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706
    • Hours: Tuesday – Friday 11 AM – 5 PM | Saturday 10 AM – 2 PM | Sunday – Monday Closed
    • Website: Art Center Waco

 

Georgetown Art Center

Located in the heart of Georgetown, lies the Georgetown Art Center featuring several contemporary exhibits that are routinely updated. With a blend of solo and group shows, the art center aims to enhance the arts and culture of the Georgetown community. Beyond showcasing diverse artists, the center provides an array of workshops, lectures, and special events that are open to the public at no cost.

 

Cultural Activities Center

The Cultural Activities Center in Temple showcases artwork from local and regional artists across various mediums. The galleries are open to the public, allowing for a cost-free viewing experience. The exhibits are thoughtfully refreshed every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain an ever-evolving perspective. For more insight into upcoming exhibits, be sure to check out their website.

 

Armstrong Browning Library

The Armstrong Browning Library, located at Baylor University, is primarily a research library. However, it houses an impressive collection of Victorian art that includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The library frequently hosts exhibitions of its art collection throughout the year. Additionally, it is home to the world’s largest collection of Browning material and other rare 19th-century books, manuscripts, and works of art.

 

Map of Art Destinations in Central TX

 

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For almost two decades, Amy’s Attic Self Storage has faithfully served the community of Central Texas through its world-class storage unit solutions. With five locations throughout Central TX, Amy’s Attic is a pioneer in the community for both commercial and personal storage solutions. Our modern facilities are accessible, clean, and secure. If you have artwork or art supplies that you would like to store, then please contact us. Check out our hundreds of five-star reviews on Google to better understand the quality of service that we provide. If you are interested in leasing a storage unit in Central TX, then please call 855-426-9728 to discuss your storage situation / needs.

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