The two young art students were studying the work of Georgia O’Keeffe when their teacher walked through the door of the McKinney Art House with fresh flowers picked from the garden. The students were excited when their teacher explained they would be drawing those flowers for their assignment.

This is the exact student reaction the founder envisioned when her idea for the McKinney Art House was born 11 years ago.

“I was teaching art in Lake Tahoe during the summers and bringing my son,” said Sona Knox, a former McKinney ISD art instructor. “One year, he couldn’t come so I went without him, and it was so hard to leave him, so I thought, ‘I wonder if I could start something in McKinney?’ I wanted a place to paint and teach art without grading. I also wanted to teach less and be an artist more.”

Knox said she felt led to the 100-year-old house at 502 N. Kentucky St.

“My hope is that when people come through the doors, they will find a colorful home for creativity,” she said. “They will see artists engaged in teaching, laughter, friendship, sharing ideas and learning aside from dogs and flowers. Monet had a garden, and I wanted to create the same atmosphere.”

Classes ($50-$190) are for students of all ages, and more than 200 budding artists come through the doors each week. Knox prides herself in offering space to talented, award-winning artists who teach everything from drawing and painting to pottery and sculpture.

In addition to weekly lessons, The McKinney Art House offers summer camps, workshops, birthday parties and parents night out sessions. Knox said she cannot pinpoint just one activity that most students flock toward. But, she said all students will find something different.

“The McKinney Art House is unique because it has artists teaching what they know and love,” Knox said. “They run their classes their way with just three rules: Be kind, work hard and clean up your mess.”

There are pottery wheels, a glazing room and student’s homemade art wall-to-wall.

“My favorite part of being involved with The McKinney Art House is seeing what people create and seeing their excitement,” Knox said. “I want it to be warm and inviting with art and activity everywhere.”

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502 N. Kentucky St., McKinney
469-952-2787
www.arthousetx.com
Hours vary