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Brazosport Art League

Explore creativity and color by visiting the Brazosport Art League gallery and studio.

  • Get inspired with art created by local, regional and international artists in a calm, comfortable environment.
  • Feed your creativity by enrolling in art classes and workshops offered in the studio, custom designed for both beginners and established artists.
  • Enjoy a variety of artistic styles with new exhibits every few weeks.
  • Introduce the world of visual art to your family affordably and without big city traffic.

BAL 2022/2023 Season

Current Exhibit: My Perspective

Featuring art by Houston based artist Brenda J. Bunten-Schloesser.

The show runs Tuesday, February 14 through Sunday, March 19. A reception for the artist, her friends & family and the community is scheduled for Friday, February 17 from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM in the gallery. Come see the exhibit, meet the artist and enjoy food & drinks! This event is FREE and open to the public.

BAL 2022/2023 Exhibit Schedule

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Retrospective

July 5 – August 6

Featuring art by BAL member, Adalia Maudlin.

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Open Juried Show

August 9 – September 10

Includes juried art by BAL members and local artists. Judged by artist and art professor Lauren Luna.

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Women of the West

September 13 – October 15

Featuring art quilts, beadwork and sculpture dolls by five female artists. 

Images From Life, Our Views

October 18 – November 13

Featuring art by BAL members Ron White & Lil’ Anna Klein.

Members Show & Habitat Silent Auction

November 15 – December 30

Featuring art by BAL members and a silent auction to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Southern Brazoria County.

BISD 12th grade rodeo art

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo BISD Art Competition

January 5 – 14

Featuring art by BISD students, some of which will go on to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo art competition.

Moments in Time

January 17 – February 12, 2023

Featuring art by BAL member and longtime artist, Dana Moody Stevens.

My Perspective

February 14 – March 19

Featuring fiber art by Houston artist Brenda J. Bunten-Schloesser

 

People's Choice

March 21 – April 30
Take-In Sat. March 18
Voting ends April 28
Reception & Awards – Friday, April 28, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Bruce Good Memorial Scholarship Show

May 2 – May 7

Reception & Awards: Sunday, May 7,
2:00 – 4:00 PM

A Little Sketchy Collage copy

Teen Studio Time Show

May 9 – June 3

Featuring art in numerous mediums by Teen Studio Time artists.

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Women's Caucus for Art- Texas

June 6 – July 1

Our Programs

Events Calendar

Calendar of Events

S Sun

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

1 event,

1 event,

7 events,

- Recurring

Adult Art Class

2 events,

2 events,

- Recurring

Kidz Art Class

1 event,

3 events,

1 event,

0 events,

6 events,

- Recurring

Adult Art Class

1 event,

2 events,

- Recurring

Kidz Art Class

1 event,

2 events,

1 event,

0 events,

5 events,

- Recurring

Adult Art Class

3 events,

3 events,

2 events,

4 events,

-

Word Art Poetry Book Class

-

Spring Astronomy Day

1 event,

0 events,

6 events,

- Recurring

Adult Art Class

1 event,

2 events,

- Recurring

Kidz Art Class

2 events,

2 events,

1 event,

0 events,

6 events,

- Recurring

Adult Art Class

1 event,

3 events,

- Recurring

Kidz Art Class

1 event,

5 events,

-

Spring Astronomy Night

About Brazosport Art League

Brazosport Art League advances its mission to enrich the culture of the upper Texas gulf coast and seeks to enhance its community’s art awareness and appreciation by serving all residents and visitors in southern Brazoria County through exhibits, education programs and special events and emphasizing our competitive advantage of offering authentic, immediate experiences. We are sustainable by members, workshop fees, donors and The Center for the Arts & Sciences.

Gallery Hours

Tuesday – Saturday,
11:00 AM– 3:00 PM

Sunday & Monday,
Closed

Admission to the gallery is free however a ticket is required. 

Click here to reserve a tour time!

Volunteer with Brazosport Art League

Brazosport Art League offers many opportunities for volunteering to help us fulfill our mission of enriching the culture of the upper Texas gulf coast through visual arts programs.

Volunteers are needed to help welcome guests to the gallery, organize and present special events, install gallery exhibits, teach art classes, serve in leadership positions and to host outreach events.

Please contact The Center’s volunteer coordinator at (979) 265-7661 or by clicking this link to a full list of volunteer opportunities.

Membership

Full Circle Sampler

Membership Benefits (beginning September 2022)

Enjoy an exciting season at The Center (and beyond) with memberships to each Partner Group with this “all in” membership!
Membership includes:
Brazosport Fine Arts Council Membership (voting level membership) + $50 donation to Center Operations
Brazosport Art League membership
5 adult Flex Tickets to Brazosport Center Stages
Brazosport Museum of Natural Science membership
Brazosport Planetarium season pass
4 adult Flex Tickets to Brazosport Symphony Orchestra

Brazosport Art League Membership

Membership Benefits (beginning September 2022)

Discounts for workshops
Participation in annual Art League gallery shows
Invitation to Christmas Dinner
Voting privileges at Brazosport Art League Membership meetings
Listing in the annual directory

History of Brazosport Art League

Brazosport Art League is the outgrowth of an idea which was formulated in the mind of Gladys Arrington. In 1955, she suggested to her daughter, Julia Crainer, and to Frances Beacroft Bass, that area artists should form an art league with the purposes of fostering an appreciation of visual arts in the community and providing a support organization for the local artists. They enlisted the aid of attorney Sam Bass, who set up a non-profit status charter October 8, 1959.

Julia Crainer served as the first president of the newly formed organization. Frances Bass, the co-organizer, served as president for two terms in 1961 and 1962.

The 1957-58 directory noted that membership doubled in the second year. Members of the new league traveled to exhibits beyond Brazosport and received encouragement from established Texas artists. In the early years, meetings were held wherever donated space could be found. Two of the earliest sponsors were Charles and Penny Wannall, who provided meeting and exhibit space as well as much needed encouragement. In the late 1960s, the league moved to the old bank building in downtown Freeport for which they paid a rental fee of $1.00 per year.

The life members in 1962 were:

Frances Bass

Sam Bass

Dr. & Mrs. A.P. Beutel

W.D. Gunnels

Mr. & Mrs. RC Findlay

Polly Beacroft

Julia Crainer

C.P. Wannall

 

From the beginning, monthly programs were scheduled from the fall through the spring. The programs, lectures and demonstrations presented by local and nationally known artists were, and are always, open to the public. As the league grew, adult workshops, children’s art classes, and student scholarships were added to extend the league’s community services.

To attract new members and to raise funds, special activities have been held through the years; these have included a Beach Homes Tour, Art Auctions, Studio Tours, a Plantation House Tea, a Gallery Silver Tea, and the Annual Art Fairs.

The Art Fairs were initiated in 1956 and were held in many places, including outdoors. In the early history of the league, the exhibits were limited to the work of member artists. Area businesses were generous with purchase awards and exhibit space. The Open Exhibition replaced the Art Fair in 1981.

In the early 1970s community leaders established the Brazosport Fine Arts Council to plan and finance a community cultural complex, which was to be named the Brazosport Center for the Arts and Sciences. Brazosport Art League’s representative on the Council Building Committee was Benita Heard. She and her committee were to formulate and present the league’s specific needs and to finalize the building plans and policies for that part of the center. With the financial support of the community and The Dow Chemical Company, the center was completed in 1976. The Art League’s section included a gallery and offices, a studio, storage areas and a fenced outdoor area.

The Art League finally moved into its permanent home in August 1976. Ed Greene guided the league into its expanded activities. Continuous new gallery exhibits were scheduled with volunteers keeping the gallery open to the public on a regular daytime schedule and during special center functions. In the years following the move, new equipment, furniture, and the Umland Memorial Display case were added to the gallery.

Exhibits have included area student shows, the open exhibition, membership shows, nationally known and local guest artists’ work, and the prestigious traveling exhibits of the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation. Each new exhibit has opened with a reception for the artists and sponsors.

Since 1976, the December membership meeting has been a Christmas Party, which has become the social event of the year. The new slates of officers were previously installed at this time. This installation of officers has been changed to September.

In the late 1970’s, the Art Odyssey was begun and continues today. Elementary children are given a week-long session of hands-on art of different media by various artists. It has since expanded to two sessions to accommodate the number of children interested in art

In 1981, major by-law revisions were made to lighten the duties performed by the league president. Through these revisions, the president appointed six coordinators with specific committees assigned to each, leaving the president as the liaison to the Brazosport Fine Arts Council and as the General Director of the league business.

In 1983, two past presidents, Joyce Van Westenburg and Joan Nelson, developed a Procedures Manual to describe the league and the duties of all the directors and committees.

The Gallery walls were re-carpeted and the floor carpeting replaced by ceramic tiles during the 80’s.

In 1992, Joanna Burch began the Satellite Gallery Program. It was not under that name at the time but has been continued to this day. Originally Dow’s AP Beutel building lobby and the Lake Jackson Library were included.

The Thelma Martin Members Gallery was established in 1995. Two walls in the reception area hold this designation. Members may display art for sale.

In 1996-1999, under the direction of President Laura Brandes, the By-Laws were totally rewritten and the Brazosport Artist Association was established as a vehicle for the sale of art works outside of the 501 C (3) organization of BAL.

The By-Laws were updated in 2006 to change the board make-up. Operating Procedures were also revised to supplement the By-Laws without expanding them.

The walls of the Gallery were rebuilt in the Spring of 2007. The main wall was insulated to avoid condensation from the NC ducts. All wall plywood was replaced and a short-nap carpet was glued to the walls. Light tracks were updated.

A high school scholarship program was begun, culminating in a short show for the participants in the Spring of 2007. An artist from each public school in Southern Brazoria County was selected by Art League member committees for a cash award. Sweeny, Angleton, Brazoswood and Columbia participated the first year, 2007. The show was expanded in 2010 to include the Brazosport Christian School.

In 2008, the Board decided the overall High School Artist scholarship winner, selected by a vote of the membership, will be the Bruce Good Scholarship recipient. This was a modification of the original Bruce Good Scholarship designation.

The Brazosport College graduate Art Scholarships were also consolidated to accommodate or assist with the cost of college.

Brazosport Art League, together with the Brazosport Woodworkers’ Guild and the Brazoria County Woodcarving Club, join together in November of each year in an exhibit and silent auction of handmade art to aid Habitat for Humanity of Southern Brazoria County. So far, the sales have helped to finance the building of one home.

Education

Education is at the heart of Brazosport Art League. Exhibits are chosen and curated with the goal of growing an appreciation of art and local artists. Workshops and classes are designed to appeal to the beginner and experienced artist, from all age ranges.

Art Workshops & Classes

Open Studio • Mondays & Wednesdays • 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Evening Open Studio • Mondays • 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Life Drawing • 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month • 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (See the upcoming schedule.)

Weekly Watercolor Painting Class with instructor Robert Ruhmann • Tuesdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM REGISTER HERE

Weekly Adult Art Class with instructor Mark Cameron • Tuesdays, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM • REGISTER HERE

Watercolor Paint-N-Sip with instructor Linda Strickland • Friday, April 21, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM • REGISTER HERE

Spring Paint-N-Sip dates: January 13, February 10, April 21, May 19 & June 23

Word Art Poetry Book Class with instructor Inga Kervin • Saturday, March 18, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM • REGISTER HERE

Children’s Art Workshops & Classes

Teen Studio Time

Teen Studio Spring 2023 Semester

January 10 – May 9, 2023

$80 class fee, (includes $10 BAL junior membership, which is valid for one year)

Class limit: 20 students per session

Teens ages 13-18 are invited to join instructors Linda Strickland and Mark Cameron in Brazosport Art League studio for Teen Studio Time.  We offer two class times for your scheduling convenience.  Both classes are the same.

Teen Studio 1 meets Tuesdays, 1:30 – 3:30 PM and Teen Studio 2 meets Tuesdays, 4:00 – 6:00 PM.  The Spring 2023 semester meets January 10 through May 9 (no class on March 14 due to Spring Break). All art supplies are included in class fee.

Working individually as well as in group projects, we’ll put the Elements and Principles of Art into practice using the following mediums: ink, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, textile art, clay, print-making, glass mosaic, copper & metal work and found object sculpture.  We also have an impressive line-up of guest instructors with expertise in varying techniques and mediums.

We finish our year with the Teen Studio exhibit in the BAL gallery in May 2023.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!

Kidz Art Lessons

***THIS CLASS IS FULL.***

For the 2023 spring semester, Kidz Art will meet Thursdays from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, beginning January 12. 

Ages: 8-13

Class limit: 16 students 

ART is FUN! This class teaches the 7 Elements of Art (line, color, shape, space, texture, value & form), creative expression with a variety of drawing and painting techniques (pencil, colored pencils, pen and ink, acrylic, watercolor, etc).

Lessons include a sketchbook assignment, featured artist or art history, focus and discovery. Instruction by art educator Linda Matheson.

The tuition is $75 per semester, which includes all supplies.

CLASS DATES:

January 12, 19, 26

February 2, 9, 16, 23

March 2, 9, 23, 30 (No class on 3/16 due to Spring Break.)

April 13, 20, 27 (No class on 4/6 due to Easter.)

May 4, 11

Summer Art Camp

THANK YOU to our kid artists, instructors and classroom helpers for making this an AMAZING summer! Stay tuned for information on 2023 Summer at The Center programs and art workshops!

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2022 Summer Art Camp

Session I • June 13 – 17

1st – 3rd grade • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

4th – 6th grade • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Session II • July 11 – 15

1st – 3rd grade • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

4th – 6th grade • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

*Students must be entering the grades listed in the fall.

*Attendees may only register for one session.

CAMP FEE:

$45 • BAL members

$50 • Non-BAL members

Registration begins Monday, May 2 at 9:00 AM 

*During business hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday)

Brazosport Art Gallery Tours

Please complete the form here to request a tour. An art league representative will contact you soon.

Brazosport ISD school tours are coordinated with Brazosport Planetarium and Brazosport Museum of Natural Science. Please call (979) 265-7661 for more information.

Brazosport Art League Special Events

Gallery Exhibit Openings

Exhibit openings are festive occasions to celebrate and learn more about the art exhibited in the current show. Most opening week receptions are held from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM on the first Friday that a new show opens.

Exhibit openings are always free and open to the public. Children should be accompanied by an adult guardian.


Members’ Christmas Party

The Christmas party serves as an annual meeting and is one of the most highly anticipated events among members. All members are invited to share in the holiday spirit. 

Brazosport Art League Board of Directors

Officers
Chair
Ron White
Secretary
Judy Bernard
Budget Manager
Tina Bjune
Vice Chair of Publicity
Larry Taylor
Vice Chair of Membership
Norma Robuck
Directors
Director of Public Relations
Vacant
Director of Education
Margarita Prinz
Director of Exhibitions & Gallery Installations
Harry Sargent
Director of Art Gallery Docents
Ron White
Director of Members’ Gallery
Elaine McFarlane
Director of Satellite Galleries
Mark Cameron
Director of Hospitality
Vacant
Committee Chairs
Open Studio Committee
Tina Bjune
BISD Students in Art Gallery Committee
Mary Beth Blankenship
Summer Art Camp Committee
Mary Beth Blankenship
Kidz Art Committee
Linda Matheson
Teen Studio Committee
Linda Strickland
Kids’ Studio Committee
Vacant

Our Programs

Events Calendar

Calendar of Events

S Sun

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

1 event,

1 event,

7 events,