Lawndale Art Center, Houston

Lawndale Art Center is a dynamic non-profit space for contemporary art exhibitions located in Houston. Established in 1979 by artist James Surls, Lawndale started as an exhibition space within an abandoned 100,000-square-foot warehouse at the University of Houston. It offered studio spaces for graduate students in painting and sculpture, and soon became a hub for the Houston art community.

In 1989, Lawndale Art Center gained its independent non-profit status and moved to its current location in a 1930s Art Deco building designed by Joseph Finger in Houston’s Museum District. The new location offered 15,000 square feet of exhibition space to showcase the works of Houston area artists. Lawndale Art Center exhibits close to 500 artists annually in changing exhibitions, making it an important platform for emerging and established artists in the region.

In addition to exhibitions, Lawndale Art Center also offers over twenty annual events, including talks, workshops, and special events like the Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebration, Design Fair, and The Big Show. The organization is governed by a board of directors representing the community, with at least one-third of the board made up of artists.

Lawndale Art Center's exhibitions, special events, and benefits are carried out with the help of volunteers, interns, and in-kind contributors. This collaborative approach creates a welcoming environment for artists and visitors alike. The center is committed to nurturing Houston's diverse and vibrant art scene and is an essential part of the city's cultural fabric.