The Archway Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. (Courtesy Archway Gallery via Facebook)
Functioning as Texas' longest-running, artist-owned gallery, the Archway Gallery in Houston is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. The gallery, located between River Oaks and Montrose, has supported the city's visual and performing arts since 1976.
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The gallery was founded by 12 local artists. One of its founding members, Stephanie Nadolkski, said in a Jan. 15 news release that the space has had numerous impacts on her life and career.
“I cannot count the many ways Archway contributed to my artistic and professional career," she said. "All the artists were there for support and inspiration and loyal collectors became friends, adding layers of dimension to my personal and professional growth.”
Archway Gallery offers regular exhibits and events for residents to experience, including drawing sessions, reading groups and free artist-led tours.
The celebration
Archway is launching a new exhibition in April to celebrate its 50th year called "Fifty Forward." The exhibition will pay tribute to the artists who continue to build the gallery's legacy, according to the release. It will feature a wall of self-portraits featuring each of the current artists. The front gallery will also feature works from all the current gallery members.
The Fifty Forward exhibition will showcase self-portraits from the Archway Gallery's current members. (Courtesy Archway Gallery)
The exhibition will open with a public reception on April 11th, which will include a champagne toast, remarks and a chance to receive a $500 gift certificate. The exhibition will remain open through April 30.
Another event that will celebrate the anniversary is the Homecoming, a group show at The Jung Center that will feature works from former and current Archway Gallery artists, opens March 4, and runs through April 14.
Quote of note
“Archway Gallery’s evolution over 50 years is utterly amazing," said Harold Joiner, the current gallery director. "To know that the original small group of artists has now expanded into more than 30 creatively eclectic minds—still succeeding in a rapidly changing world—is astounding. Archway artists are like a family who share their warmth and friendliness with all who visit. Being part of the Archway family has been rewarding beyond measure.”
