HOUSTON – Want to fill your Houston home with artwork that feels like home? It doesn’t have to be a daunting task or an overly expensive one if you know where to look for quality artwork.
Here are a few places to find great art at affordable prices. Of course, prices are all relative, but this isn’t mass-produced stuff you’d find at the big box stores, so go easy on us in the comments when you see things that might be a little more than you were perhaps expecting. Artists and aspiring ones are trying to make a living at this. Always be kind. (And, if you don’t see your favorite place listed, please drop a comment below and we could include it in an update on this piece. We love to represent you and your picks.)
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Archway Gallery
Voted Houston’s “Best Place to Buy Art,” Archway Gallery says on its website that it is owned and operated by 34 Houston-area artists.
“Since 1976, we have been dedicated to welcoming and supporting the arts in Houston through weekly live figure drawing sessions, our annual Juried Exhibition, hosting music, dance, writers’ events and much more,” according to its website.
Go to the artists page here to see artwork you can purchase and prices.
Bayou City Art Festival
The Bayou City Art Festival is held twice a year. The first of 2023 will be held the weekend of March 24-26. The festivals feature hometown artists, as well as those from around the world.
The festival, originally called the Westheimer Colony Art Festival, showcases the works of 300 artists in 19 different categories at Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park in the spring and Bayou City Art Festival Downtown in the fall.
The outdoor festival is big and there are a lot of vendors at a lot of price points, but it’s really worth your time to walk through the stalls and see what’s there -- all in one place.
Glassell School of Art Studio School Student Art Sale
The Studio School students at the Glassell School of Art offer original works of art for sale before the holidays each year.
This highly-anticipated sale happens once a year, usually in December, for three days and is open to the public. The website advises people to arrive early for the best selection. Admission is free and proceeds from the sale benefit the students.
Location: Glassell School of Art, 5101 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, TX 77006
Watercolor Art Society-Houston
Many of the paintings shared during its online exhibits are for sale, look at each painting for price and availability. Interested buyers can call artist liaison, Laura, at WAS-H 713-942-9966 or email her at admin@watercolorhouston.org.
First Saturday Arts Market
First Saturday Arts Market calls itself “Houston’s original monthly outdoor arts event.” Founded in 2004, the art market has featured dozens of visual artists every first Saturday. It’s open 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. September through May.
The free event’s website notes the artists themselves set this market apart from other Houston popups by participating in the application process for new artists. Much like the jury process for festivals, First Saturday Arts Market artists score new applicants based on originality, quality and appropriateness, according to its website.
Location: 540 W. 19th St.
The Market at Sawyer Yards
A curated artisan craft and food market, on second Saturday. The market coincides with 2nd Saturday Open Studios, when artists from The Silos at Sawyer Yards, Winter, Spring, Sabine, Summer and Silver Street Studios, open their studios to the public.
Location: 1502 Sawyer St., 77007
The Guild Shop
This is a favorite Houston thrift store. Its art section is extensive and you just never know what you’re going to find. Hung up on a massive book-like turner, positioned on walls and leaned up against the walkway, this thrift store has a lot of art to peruse, from originals to prints. It’s well worth your time if you’re looking for art on a budget.
Location: 2009 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006
RELATED: Addicted to thrifting? 15 Houston thrift stores worth your time, according to locals
Space Montrose
Space Montrose says it seeks to “highlight artists and creators that live and craft in the USA.” The store features more than 200 independent brands, according to its website. The prints for purchase here -- are for the budget-conscious -- and they’re pretty special, too -- many feature local landmarks like the River Oaks Theatre, Whataburger and The Heights.
Location: 1706 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
MFAH Shop
Have you been to the Museum Fine Arts Houston Shop? If you haven’t, you’re in for a real treat of curated glory. If you’re decorating and want a great print, check out this shop. We love the in-store experience, but if you’re shopping online, check out the exclusive art prints spot here first. Many of the prints start at $29. And, if you have a membership, there’s a discount when you shop here and log in on its website.
Chairish (in Houston)
Chairish has a Houston page of artwork you can peruse. Sort by price here. You can ask sellers questions on items that you find.
What’s your favorite place to find budget art in Houston? Let us know in the comments. We could include your picks in an update on this article.