Austin Art Galleries

painting sculpture


Austin is known for unique, creative artistic displays and for developing and nurturing local artistic talent. Everyone knows about Austin's nationally famous music scene. But Austin also is host to many outstanding art galleries and displays. On nearly any day of the year, you can listen to live music in town, and you can also view works by painters, sculptors, photographers, and filmmakers from around the local area and around the world.

Austin holds several annual studio tours, some of which are listed on the events page. Additionally, there are art festivals and street exhibits, and smaller studio tours and exhibits held throughout the year.

In addition to its art museums, which are described on the Museums page, Austin is known for its many art galleries that exhibit works by local, regional, national, and international artists. Here are descriptions of some of Austin's most well-known art galleries and displays.

Art in Public Places. Along with its boom in construction, Austin is also committed to distributing artworks around town. A percentage of the budget of each new construction project is devoted to procuring art for display on the site. You'll find public display art in parks and around buildings all over the city. The website has a directory of public artworks.

Art On 5th. Art on 5th is a relatively large (over 6,000 square feet) gallery that features contemporary artworks by local, state, national, and international artists. From Andy Warhol to Dr. Seuss, the gallery prides itself on featuring a diverse collection of paintings, drawings, and other works that match the city and region's changing views.

The gallery has a rotating staff of over 40 resident artists, and has also hosted touring exhibitions from other cities including Washington, Chicago, and Montreal. The gallery recently added artisan jewelry to its exhibits and features unique work by noted designers from across the country.
3005 S. Lamar Blvd., (512) 481-1111 map website

View a tour of Art On 5th:



View an exhibition of the secret art of Dr. Seuss at Art On 5th:




Artworks. Artworks Gallery exhibits original wall art (paintings, photographs, and wall sculptures) by various local, national, and international artisans. It also has a collection of glass art, woodworking, jewelry, and fabrics by noted craftspeople around the world.
1214 W. 6th St. Ste. 105, (512) 472-1550 map website

Austin Art Space. The nonprofit Austin Visual Arts Association runs Austin Art Space, which serves as an exhibition and show space for local Austin artists to display their work. The gallery shows artwork by resident artists and guest artists from around the city. The gallery also hosts AVAA members shows and is available for rent for art shows by individual artists.
7739 Northcross Dr. Ste. Q, (512) 771-2868 map website

View an art show at Austin Art Space:




Authenticity. Located in the Hill Country Galleria in west Austin is a commercial art gallery where local artists from diverse backgrounds and in different media can display their work. The gallery provides an inviting atmosphere for buyers to browse and purchase locally-created artwork. The gallery also has a line of gifts and home decorations.
12912 Hill Country Blvd. Suite F-157, (512) 478-2787 map website

Austin Art Garage. The Art Garage brings together new artists and art collectors in one place. Emerging, talented local artists get to display and sell their work, and buyers see some works by new local artists in an affordable price range. As its name suggests, Art Garage is an unassuming place forcollectors to view and purchase artwork by Austin artists who have just emerged onto the Austin art scene. The gallery has inventory in a wide range of prices, that appeals to both younger buyers such as college students, and also collectors who are more experienced, but still budget-conscious.
2200 S. Lamar Blvd. Suite J, (512) 351-5934 map website

Watch an interview with the owner of Austin Art Garage:




Yard Dog Art Gallery. Yard Dog fits with the vibe in the the SoCo district. Originally a folk and southern art gallery, Yard Dog has expanded and now displays artwork by contemporary artists in all styles and a wide range of artistic backgrounds.
1510 S. Congress Ave., (512) 912-1613 map website

View a short video about Yard Dog:




grayDUCK Gallery. grayDUCK moved from South First Street to east Austin. Like its original residence, grayDUCK's current building gives you an airy feel as it features a large, open display space with high ceilings, natural lighting, and modern decor. The gallery hosts small shows by several artists but also offers larger shows by individual, established artists.
2213 E. Cesar Chavez St., (512) 826.5334 map website



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