Visual Arts in the Upper East Side of Texas

World renowned sculptor and Texas Medal of Arts honoree James Surls told County Line a few years ago that growing up among the forests of East Texas near Malakoff was where he learned to spend his time “making things.”

“I didn’t call it art when I was a kid. I just loved to make little carts, wagons, tree houses, and other things. My dad was a builder. My older brother could build things that worked. He could take automobiles and watches apart and put them together and they worked. He built things that had a working reality. The things I built never did, but people always loved what I did, so I gravitated toward art. Over a period of my early 20s, I just kinda became more and more focused and it was apparent that there was a name for what I did, and it was called art. I would say I got into it by osmosis.”

Many artists found inspiration among the natural beauty of the Upper East Side of Texas and numerous galleries in the region feature their works on a regular basis. Others also bring in collections from around the world, all provding great resources for art lovers who live and visit the region.

Here’s a list of notable galleries who feature art exhibitions and/or art for sale, including local artists’ online stores, and outdoor “galleries.” Also included are arts organizations that hold shows, classes, and other arts-related events on a regular basis throughout the year. Follow the links to get details.

See ANNUAL EVENTS for several arts-focused festivals.

211 Gallery, Athens
Angelina Arts Alliance, Lufkin
Anthony Bruce Art
ARTS QUEST, Arts Quest for the Upper East Side of Texas
Art Tracks, Palestine
Ava Arnold Art
Bart Soutendijk Welded Wire Wall Art, Mineola
Becker Art Studios, Lufkin
Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, Alto
Charlie Bullock Art Studio and School, Athens