Where does an artist live in Houston? (Beaumont, Cool: sale, to rent)

[justvee]

Hello, I am an artist who now lives and works in Beaumont, TX. I will remain working in Beaumont two days a week, but now would like to move to Houston. Where would you recommend an artist to live with fairly cheap rent for space in which you can draw/paint, and have some culture. Is there anything like this on the East side of Houston or just outside of the city that is better for the commute to Beaumont? Any ideas are welcome. Thanks!

[likeeveryoneelse]

wherever his home is.


im pretty sure you can draw and paint anywhere in the world


east end is going to be the cheapest at this point, as far as getting space to do art. There are artsy places in the warehouse district, and you can get "culture", though it sounds like you just want something similar to what you already like, which isnt necessarily culture.
There are performance and gallery spaces like el rincon social, super happy fun land, vinyl junkie, bohemeos, box 13 and more on the west part of the 2nd ward. Lots of artist spaces and collective warehouse spaces just east of 59.

however, the "hip" arty area is going to be either in montrose, or the heights, where you will find a higher concentration of artists and people similar to yourself, but you will pay significantly more for it.

[justvee]

That is convenient that the cheapest places will be on the east end. Yes, the main point is affordable space and access to the art scene, but I don't need to be on Montrose because I'm sure the prices are high.
The warehouse district is where to look then? Are there any other "hoods" to research or places just out side of the city?
Thanks alot!

[likeeveryoneelse]

most of the "hoods" that will be cheap, are not going to provide you with much of an art scene, or similar culture. there will be culture alright, just a different type.

houston is huge and spread out, so anywhere you go in town, you probably wont be too far from an art space. but the main concentration is all going to be inside the loop, which will be pretty pricey anywhere other than the east side.

[justvee]

Cool. What are those hoods called that don't have an artscene?

[likeeveryoneelse]

3rd ward is cheap. and its a hood by any definition.
But then again, that area, and directly south in sunnyside are also a couple of the highest crime areas in the city.
5th ward/kashmere gardens is also super cheap and inside the loop, but there is almost nothing there other than run down neighborhoods. no shopping, not much for chain restaurants, etc. Very overlooked.
There is a reason those places are so cheap


you may wanna check out the binz area just west of 288. Its more expensive than the east end, but its nicer. Its also right by the museum district and stuff so there is plenty of art in that area too. A little more upper end art/mainstream art as opposed to the indie style art in the warehouse district.

[justvee]

Thanks! This is most helpful.

[Svensk08]

Are you looking for combination studio/living space? Do they need to be separate (i.e., do you want to close the door on your workspace at the end of the day)? Which media are you working in and what are your work habits? Your needs will be quite different if you are working on small scale pieces, as opposed to large paintings or murals.

There are quite a few artists living and working in Eastwood, Broadmoor and adjacent areas across I-45 from the central UH campus. It's safer than some of the other neighborhoods mentioned in this thread. You might want to visit some of Houston's galleries and alternative art spaces and talk to the people who work and exhibit there. They'll likely be able to give you some pointers on where to look.

[TimBomb]

hmmm maybe chinatown area. there's a new "7 day" flea market here but I'm not sure if thats getting any business. maybe you can target local restaurants, most of their art are imported. Some places could use some more. there's harwin dr - very ghetto-ey area selling whole sale 'art'.
Its probably best to rent a house. its better for entertaining and work space

[Oildog]

First ward