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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 2023/2024 Season

Current Exhibit: Big Buds, Half-open Blooms and Coastal Castings

Featuring art by Art League members Linda Strickland and Barry Bradley. 

BAL 2023/2024 Exhibit Schedule

BAL peoples choice

Open Juried Show

August 8 – September 10

Includes juried art by BAL members and state-wide artists. Judged by artist Carolyn Hancock.

shelton gallery

Illusions of Reality

September 12 – October 15

Featuring art by BAL artist Sherry Hall Shelton. 

wild at art 3 gallery

Wild @ Art 3

October 17 – November 12

Featuring art by Texas Association of Original Doll Artists and Bee Wild Fiber Artists.

members show 2023

Members Show & Habitat Silent Auction

November 14 – December 31

Featuring art by BAL members and a silent auction to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Southern Brazoria County. Habitat auction closes Saturday, December 9. 

BISD rodeo web banner

Brazosport ISD Rodeo Art Exhibit

January 4 – 14, 2024

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

Crazy quilt web banner

Victorian Crazy Quilting

January 16 – February 18

Featuring original pieces from members of the Bee Crazy Quilting Bee. 

big buds gallery2

Big Buds, Half-Open Blooms & Coastal Castings

February 20 – March 24

Featuring art by BAL members Linda Strickland & Barry Bradley. Opening reception on Friday, Feb. 23 from 6:30 – 8 PM.

People's Choice cropped

People's Choice

March 26 – April 28

Featuring art by Brazosport Art League members. Voting is open to the public through April 25.

Show reception and awards presentation scheduled for Friday, April 26 from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.

BAL Bruce Good Scholarship Show

Bruce Good Memorial Scholarship Show

April 30 – May 5

Featuring art by local high school seniors.

Teen Studio Art Show

Teen Studio Time Exhibit

May 7 – June 2

Featuring art by Teen Studio Time artists.

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Carolyn Hancock

June 4 – July 7

Featuring pastel seascapes by artist Carolyn Hancock.

BAL - Animalia gallery

Ken Ness

July 9 – August 11

Featuring wall art and bronzes. 

Our Programs

Events Calendar

Calendar of Events

S Sun

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

1 event,

2 events,

4 events,

2 events,

3 events,

2 events,

5 events,

-

Volunteer Open House

3 events,

3 events,

7 events,

3 events,

3 events,

2 events,

5 events,

1 event,

3 events,

5 events,

3 events,

2 events,

4 events,

6 events,

Spring Astronomy Night

2 events,

2 events,

6 events,

3 events,

4 events,

Networking Under the Stars

4 events,

4 events,

2 events,

2 events,

6 events,

2 events,

2 events,

0 events,

2 events,

0 events,

2 events,

3 events,

4 events,

3 events,

1 event,

3 events,

“Legends” concert

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 2023)

Enjoy an exciting season at The Center (and beyond) with memberships to each Partner Group with this “sampler” package! 

  • Brazosport Fine Arts Council membership (voting level membership) + $50 donation to Center Operations
  • Brazosport Art League Single Artist membership (valid through Sept. 30, 2024)
  • 5 adult Flex Tickets to Brazosport Center Stages*  (to be used in any combination to 2023/2024 regular season shows)
  • Brazosport Museum of Natural Science Individual membership (valid Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024)
  • BASF Planetarium individual membership
  • 4 adult Flex Tickets to Brazosport Symphony Orchestra* (to be used in any combination to 2023/2024 regular season concerts)

*Reservations required to redeem BCS & BSO Flex Tickets

Brazosport Art League Membership

Membership Benefits (beginning September 2023)

Members are eligible to exhibit their art in various shows and BAL galleries, receive discounts and have voting rights for BAL leadership/governance. BAL memberships are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. 

Limited participation with Junior memberships

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

Figure 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 • Tuesdays, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM • REGISTER HERE

Watercolor Paint-N-Sip with instructor Linda Strickland

Friday, March 22: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM • SOLD OUT

Friday, April 19: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM REGISTER HERE

Spring Dates: March 22, April 19 & May 24

Children’s Art Workshops & Classes

Teen Studio Time

Spring 2024 Teen Studio Time Class!

$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 instructor Linda Strickland in Brazosport Art League studio for Teen Studio Time.  We offer two class times for your scheduling convenience.  Both classes are the same. 

Spring 2024 semester begins Tuesday, January 9 through May 7. Class will not meet on March 12.

Teen Studio 1 meets Tuesdays, 1:30 – 3:30 PM and Teen Studio 2 meets Tuesdays, 4:00 – 6:00 PM.  All art supplies are included in class fee.

Working individually as well as in groups, class will work in multiple mediums including: oil and acrylic paint, watercolor, pastels, stained glass mosaic, ink, pencil and charcoal drawing, clay, printmaking.  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 May 7 – June 2. An artists reception will be held on May 10. 

To register: Click the “BAL Membership” button and purchase the $10 junior level membership. Once completed, log in with that account number and register for Teen Studio 1 or 

Kids Studio

Spring 2024: Kids Studio

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Kids Studio meets Thursdays from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, beginning January 11 through May 9. Class will not meet March 14 or March 28. 

Ages: 7-12

Class limit: 16 students 

Children, ages 7 to 12, are invited to join Dorothy Dean, Art Teacher for this class. In Kids Studio, we will be covering a variety of pieces focused on everything from the seven elements of art to Aboriginal dot painting. Every week your student will bring home with them a completed art piece, inspired by a set project but combined with their own personal style and flair. Mediums used in class will include but are not limited to pastels, acrylic, water color, pen and ink, collage, and colored pencils. All supplies are included.

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

Kidz Art Class

Spring 2024: Kidz Art

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

Kidz Art meets Thursdays from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, beginning January 11 through May 9. Class will not meet March 14 and March 28. 

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. 

Summer Art Camps

STAY TUNED FOR INFORMATION FOR 2024 SUMMER AT THE CENTER ART CAMPS!

 

Brazosport Art Gallery Tours

School field trips are scheduled Tuesday – Thursdays. Approximately two hours is needed plus travel time for your visit. To request a school field trip, please complete this form.

IF you are NOT a school requesting a field trip, please complete the form here to request a tour. A Center representative will contact you soon.

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
Mary Beth Blankenship
Budget Manager
Tina Bjune
Marketing & Public Relations
Larry Taylor
Facilities
Vacant
Policies
Harry Sargent
Directors
Director of Activities
Linda Strickland
Director of Education
Margarita Prinz
Director of Exhibitions & Gallery Installations
Harry Sargent
Director of Art Gallery Docents
Ron White
Director of Members’ Gallery
Phil Partridge
Director of Satellite Galleries
Vacant
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
Dorothy Dean

Our Programs

Events Calendar

Calendar of Events

S Sun

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

1 event,

2 events,

4 events,

2 events,

3 events,

2 events,

5 events,

-

Volunteer Open House

3 events,

3 events,

7 events,

3 events,

3 events,

2 events,

5 events,

1 event,

3 events,

5 events,

3 events,

2 events,

4 events,

6 events,

Spring Astronomy Night

2 events,

2 events,

6 events,

3 events,

4 events,

Networking Under the Stars

4 events,

4 events,

2 events,

2 events,

6 events,

2 events,

2 events,

0 events,

2 events,

0 events,

2 events,

3 events,

4 events,

3 events,

1 event,

3 events,

“Legends” concert