News

Buying Handmade in Texas

August 14, 2014

Harlan Butt, "Horned Toad Vessel #3." Metal. Photo by Amanda Shackleford.
Harlan Butt, “Horned Toad Vessel #3.” Metal. Photo by Amanda Shackleford.

Texas is brimming with artists, offering you beautiful work exemplified by individuality and spirit. Check out these fine examples of Texan craft to see how they stand out from the mass-produced, and see why we think buying handmade is the ideal choice for consumers.

Caitie Sellers, "Window Bar Bracelet." Sterling Silver. Photo by Amanda Shackleford.
Caitie Sellers, “Window Bar Bracelet.” Sterling Silver. Photo by Amanda Shackleford.
Michael Farris, "Collage Card." Mixed media.Photo by Amanda Shackleford.
Michael Farris, “Collage Card.” Mixed media.Photo by Amanda Shackleford.
  • Choosing a handmade piece creates a relationship between you and the maker. When it comes to craft, you are able to get a sense of who the artist is as a person and develop a rapport. It makes the work more meaningful when you are able to understand the person behind it. Manufactured objects by design lack the personality and intimacy of the handmade.
  • Selecting work from Texas supports your community. You have the power to choose where your money goes! When you acquire a local work, you are investing in the career of a fellow resident. This financial backing allows them to continue on with their work and use their skills to enhance the community through their art, in outreach programs and teaching positions.
Richard Florance, "Red Cedar Bowl." Wood and Turquoise. Photo by Amanda Shackleford.
Richard Florance, “Red Cedar Bowl.” Wood and Turquoise. Photo by Amanda Shackleford.
Jason Kishell, "Scarab Jar." Ceramic. Photo by Amanda Shackleford.
Jason Kishell, “Scarab Jar.” Ceramic. Photo by Amanda Shackleford.
  • Works made by fellow Texans reflect the area’s unique culture. Showcase your pride with a work hand carved from Texan wood! Artists here create pieces unavailable anywhere else, marking them an exclusive sample of the Houston experience. This art is especially suited for gifts, which have proven very popular within our community.
  • Though more expensive than mass-produced goods, local artists create work with more value. They demonstrate an individual dedicaton to high standards, along with a mastery of skills that sets handmade works apart from those made by machine.
Clara Hoag, "Assorted Face Mugs." Ceramic. Photo by Amanda Shackleford.
Clara Hoag, “Assorted Face Mugs.” Ceramic. Photo by Amanda Shackleford.
Demitra Thomloudis, "Grey and Yellow Two Box Necklace." Mixed media. Photo by Amanda Shackleford.
Demitra Thomloudis, “Grey and Yellow Two Box Necklace.” Mixed media. Photo by Amanda Shackleford.

More News

September 26, 2024

Last month, artist Shaheen Rahman led two Turkish paper marbling, or ebru, workshops at HCCC, teaching participants how to create one-of-a-kind works of art on

May 31, 2024

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Zaynab Hilal as the HCCC Curatorial Fellow for the next three years.

May 21, 2024

Georgina Treviño is inspired by metal in all facets of life. By Brittanie Shey Artist Georgina Treviño has made custom jewelry for celebrities including Lady

April 22, 2024

by Doug Welsh THIS SIDE UP, curated by Sarah Darro at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, illuminates the often invisible practice of art handling.

April 17, 2024

This summer, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) presents La Fuente del Deseo (The Fountain of Desire), the first, institutional solo exhibition of work by

March 7, 2024

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) is honored to present Disclosure: The Whiteness of Glass, a research-driven exhibition by Related Tactics (Michele Carlson, Weston Teruya,

4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is located in the Houston Museum District, two blocks south of Highway 59, near Rosedale St. Visitors should park in the free parking lot located directly behind the building, off Rosedale and Travis Streets, and enter through the back entrance. 

Free Admission

OPEN TUESDAY – SATURDAY, 10 AM – 5 PM

4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is located in the Houston Museum District, two blocks south of Highway 59, near Rosedale St. Visitors should park in the free parking lot located directly behind the building, off Rosedale and Travis Streets, and enter through the back entrance. 

Free Admission

OPEN TUESDAY – SATURDAY, 10 AM – 5 PM

Skip to content