What is Art Square Studios?

Art Square Studios is a place for artists. It’s that simple. We love being a part of the Houston art community and so do our residents. We also enjoy promoting our artists with yearly events in and out of house.

• We host Art Square Studios’ Open Studios every November.

• When we opened our doors in 1999, we organized a community wide event Midtown Visions, which is held every April, and was expanded three years ago to include Art In The Park hosted by the Midtown District.

• We are also the only studio with our own supply store, Art Supply, which hosts the Art Supply Art Expo every March.

How it all began

But Ben and Vicki wanted to do more than simply provide supplies. They wanted to add studios for artists. Artists tend to work in isolation and they wanted to build a community. In 1997 Ben and Vikki bought a rundown abandoned structure in Midtown. The building was once an insurance company, City of Houston offices, Alcoholics Anonymous meeting space and a haunted house, of all things.

In the early 1980s owners Ben Russell and Vikki Trammell had a great art store. Well respected and involved in the art community, they stocked thousands of art materials and had a great staff of working artists.

Ben and Vicki saw the potential of this New Orleans-style building, originally erected in the 1940s, so they began renovation from the roof down. The dream was realized in 1999 and the proud owners have enjoyed watching it grow with the city around it. Within but a few blocks of the studios you’ll find two chefs who have won the Beard award, one of the hottest live music clubs, a fabulous live theater, and Metro rail running in front of the building. It has gone from “no man’s land” of urban blight to “every man wants to be in this urban spotlight.”

The building is located on the corner of Main and Dennis with immediate access to the Metro rail. We also provide an attached parking lot for our residents and customers. After 6pm the lot is locked and is only accessed by remote so our artists can create with some peace of mind.

Art. Community. Inspiration. Space.

If you’re interested in taking a tour of our studios please contact us!