It is no secret that studio space, especially in Houston, can be hard to come by. In addition to the lack of spaces, the rising cost of rent poses problems for many. After adding in the need for costly specialized equipment, certain creative methods might start to seem inaccessible. Fortunately, that is where community studios come in.
In Houston, there are some great options for ceramicists, photographers, and printmakers working at all levels. Not only do these spaces provide access to equipment, they serve as creative hubs and foster artistic community.
Whether you need a place to work or are thinking of learning a new skill, here are three places worth checking out.
Red Bird Press studio space. Image courtesy of Red Bird Press
Red Bird Press is the latest community studio to open its doors in Houston. Located in the East End neighborhood, the studio celebrated its grand opening at the beginning of September. The space was born out of equipment acquired from the shuttered Printing Museum.
Red Bird offers a variety of different ways to engage with printmaking, providing the necessary equipment and expertise for intaglio, letterpress, lithography, and screen printing. In addition to monthly memberships allowing studio access, they will host workshops looking at different printmaking techniques. There are plans for artist residency opportunities which would allow extended studio use to participants.
Future youth programs will include school group partnerships, kid-friendly classes, and printing demonstrations. Local businesses and organizations can also contract Red Bird for custom print projects.
FLATS studio space. Image courtesy of FLATS
The woman-founded, artist-run photography studio FLATS is located in the Montrose neighborhood. Initially started in 2016 as a series of pop-up exhibitions, FLATS has grown into a hub for local photographers over the years.
FLATS maintains a community darkroom with day passes as well as monthly and yearly memberships. They offer developing and darkroom printing classes along with the opportunity for private one-on-one lessons. Film developing, printing, and scanning services are also provided.
Photographers can participate in critique nights at FLATS, providing an opportunity to share their work with the community and receive feedback. The organization publishes FLAT Files, a publication highlighting the work of photographers and touching on contemporary photographic topics.
Third Coast Clay studio space. Image courtesy of Third Coast Clay
Located in the Independence Heights neighborhood, Third Coast Clay is an artist-run community ceramic studio. It was started in 2013 by ceramic artist Lotus Bermudez.
Third Coast Clay offers access to their fully equipped studio through monthly memberships. These memberships include monthly clay allotments, use of glazes, and kiln firing services. Firing services are also available to the larger community on an as-needed basis.
From understanding the basics of ceramics to advanced hand-building techniques, they offer an assortment of hands-on experiences for all levels ranging from two hour workshops to seven week classes. Private lessons can also be arranged to focus on specific areas of interest.
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