Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

This is another winner in the list of places to bring your children for educational / cultural activities for free. I was referred to it by employees at the Houston Museum of Contemporary arts. They always have activities with materials included, a welcoming staff, and exhibits of work from local and foreign artists. There’s bathrooms available, and parking is easy around the neighborhood.

Free admission. Lovely place to meet contemporary artists and learn about their craft. Señora Lorena Morales is the sweetest and lets me and my friends help her with her current project which is all about community.

Had a blast at Craft Day, so many hands-on activities. I enjoyed it as much as my daughter did. We also checked out the exhibit, our favorite was the one that turned the Art preparation & installation teams into the Art.

The Center is a quite small, but provides a very important service to the arts and the artists it supports. There were 2 galleries open when I went. There were 2 artists in residence in their workspaces. I wish it had not been so hot, I would have spent more time looking through the garden outside that provides materials for some of the artists' works.

Highly recommend! The staff were excellent with welcoming a small group of us to the museum for our first time visiting, and everyone (staff and visitors) was super friendly at the hands-on activity event. The pieces on display with the CraftTexas and Roberto Lugo exhibits were all very impressive and worth seeing.

We joined the basket weaving workshop this October and it was pretty great. The garden also has some lovely plants. I spotted hibiscus, elderberry and cotton plants, amongst others.

The staff are overworked and underpaid. Everyone stressed out. The art is okay. Was very disappointed with my experience. I will not be going back. Had a horrible experience with a staff member. They were extremely rude. They called me a liar when I brought up an issue. Do not reccomend for kids or adults. The classes are overpricd, especially for artists. They mostly have retired folks coming in. I cannot recommend the place.

I enjoyed my visit, interesting and meaningful works highlighting social and environmental issues. For those driving in, the parking lot is off Travis Street and is easy to miss if unfamiliar with the neighborhood.

HCCC founded in 2001 but discovered by us in 2023 thanks to Yelp is a non profit craft and art center that was established to help the community learn about crafts made with glass, wood , textiles , clay and other materials. We went for their bead making bracelet event yesterday that was supported by their funding. It was a beautiful day and surprisingly fun.The volunteers were plentiful and the wait for beads/ charms on the tables was short lived . After making our bracelets ( made 1 for you mom), we went to the residency studios to meet a few of the artists. Thank you to Miles Lawton and Yeonsoo Kim for the art discussion on your incredible crafts. They had full rooms set up for their craft and the artists were articulate and knowledgeable about their craftmaking in wood textures and pottery. We learned about the importance of sustainability when using exotic woods from Africa so that trees were not completely cut down so they will continue to produce . Apparently there is a big market for beautiful exotic wood specialty products. Absolutely beautiful craftmanship!! The 1st Saturday of the month HCCC offers classes and we will certainly return. Free parking. Free admission. Donations welcome.

Small museum that is totally FREE to visit. There are two small galleries. I enjoyed both of their current exhibits (a quilting show and works by an environmental artist with an apocalyptic tone). What makes this museum stand out are the artist residency spaces. You can walk by and peek into the studios to see what the artists are currently working on. They also do exhibitions showcasing the resident artists' works. The artists change annually. I applaud the museum for this program -- providing artists with opportunities and exposure is a really amazing endeavor. Tiny gift shop area with some interesting/unique selections. Fairly large parking area (in the back). Before you leave, check out the adjacent garden (available to their resident artists that use natural materials). It's a quick stop so I highly recommend combining it with the Lawndale Art Center (also free) next door. They have their own lot but you can also walk over.

Wonderful free small short art exhibits that are multimedia and change throughout the year you can see the artists at work the place is kept clean COVID19 safe and immaculate the staff are friendly knowledgeable and the art has true meaning and beauty! We absolutely loved it! Can't wait to see more artists here! Glad this place exists!

This place is a gem! It's FREE with a suggested donation of $10. Every first Saturday of the month you can make a free craft! Yes free! When you first walk in there is an exhibition to the left! Take a look! Walk further down the main hallway and they have a beautiful gift shop! Very impressive and gorgeous items. Further down the main entryway there are in house artists where you can peek inside their galleries. This is such a cool place! Take a peek at some of the photos I took inside this gem!!! Outside is gorgeous garden. Sit, relax, enjoy! You can't beat free!!!

Cute museum with some neat features that include a resident facility. The space is well designed and has ample parking space including an outdoors park for contemplation. The art works are original, timely and from a range of artists using unique perspectives and material. We loved the experience overall and would definitely be returning

Doing a culture tour on foot sounded like a good idea, but this exhibit is pretty far off from many of the other museums. When I finally made my way over here I was a bit disappointed. It is basically one small gallery with a few items in it. After seeing craft vs art, I don't know if I am much of a fan of the craft. Granted I am not an expert on the Arts so I am just saying what I observe with my own eyes and preferences. This building is mostly comprised of office/workshops/studios for the artists. As I was walking around I saw many artists at work. It was cool to see them creating their masterpieces right in front of you. At least it was FREE.

I'm with David N on this one. I was underwhelmed. I've been here three times now and it never fails to disappoint. I drive up to the building expecting some fun, cool, interesting exhibit, and I get boring and unimpressive. This might be why I never fail to snag parking here. The actual exhibit space is large, and the exhibits change from time to time. Right now there is a small exhibit of metal xylophone type instruments and you can take hammers off the wall and gently play the instruments. Then there is a large room with some different quilts, beds, etc on display. There is really only the one exhibit space and then some smaller spaces in the back where artists supposedly work. Each time I've been here, the majority of the rooms have their lights off and doors closed. I never actually see anyone working. There is a small gift shop but because the items are mostly handcrafted, they are very pricey. Overall, I like the idea and concept; I just don't like the execution. I think I'll be skipping this place next time. If you love craft, then check this place out; just don't go in with high expectations.

The lady who was working the line for car pool this week for the kids crafts was super rude and unfriendly. Would not want my kids to be around her, no thank you or polite hello.

I surprised my wife on my day off with a visit to the Houston Center of Contemporary Craft (HCCC), which had on display "Dining and Discourse: A Discussion in the Three Courses" and "One Day, Late in the Afternoon." My wife liked the latter exhibit the best. It was amazing to see regular objects all completely made of ceramic - whether it be salt and pepper shakers, tea kettles, or cheese graters. Kelly O'Briant (the ceramic artist) took mundane and everyday objects and "elevated them to a position of aesthetic and emotional value." For me, I'm completely a novice when it comes to appreciating these things (later, my wife pointed out that even the lighting of the room simulated a late afternoon setting). Later on we walked around the outside outdoor area, where they had various herbs and plants (giant Swiss chards and bok choy!). If you love crafts, looking at quirky things, and commenting on art, this is a great place for you. Just make sure you plan somewhere else to go - it takes a quick 30 minutes to go through the museum, tops. My wife really enjoyed it.

You should check their calendar. Not now! Read my review first, then go check their calendar. Once a month they offer a free crafting lesson on a Saturday. I've not participated, but it's fun to watch others get nerdy and free with the art and craft-making. If that's not your thing, there are other sorts of events and exhibits. Personally, my favorite is when they partner with the Houston Food Bank for the Empty Bowls Project. Once a year HCCC hosts a bowl sale. It's usually stoneware bowls (technically bowls fired to cone 10 making them food safe, dependent on the glaze) of all sizes and glazes. Many are tests or there may be an error with the glaze. Not bad errors, just a few fingerprints or the glaze slipped (too thick in spots, so it slipped down the bowl). Each bowl, except for a few bigger bowls, is a donation of $25. Then you get a bowl of soup from whole foods, a Seeduction roll, and some sort of dessert. Not a bad deal, plus you get to look at a vast assortment of bowls, shapes, glazes, and style. If you're a tactile sort of person, this is an awesome event. Also there are bowl-making demos, so it's a learning experience as well. The exhibits are hit or miss, mostly hit for me. Don't go expecting museum-caliber presentations. Go with an open mind and a touch of patience so you can walk away with a new morsel of knowledge. There are also artist studios in the back and around to the left. You can peak through the windows into their studios and spy on what they are creating. There's also a gift shop, which of the local museum gift shops, it's the best if you want relatively affordable "hand made" art objects such as jewelry, ceramics, and felted items. Also, be sure and check out their garden. It's a nice, slightly calm spot with shade. To add interest, they've planted examples of plants used to make objects such as baskets or textiles. It's a nice space. Go. Sit. [Artist/reviewer spots a soap box and leaps on top.] Now there are some schools of thought that craft isn't art. There's no concept; it doesn't express an idea or emotion; and/or it's a skill, not art. Ask any art bitch that question, and he or she will roll their eyes and vomit that nonsense in your general direction. That's B.S. insecure self-proclaimed artist drivel. Craft is a part of art, it's not separate. Didn't it annoy you, when you had to listen to some pompous jerk in your art class critique others' work and drone on and on about craft versus art? Then debate each other? Oh, well they are the douchebags of the art world. Insecure art students.

The location is right off of Main and next to the Lawndale Art Center. You have to turn down a side street called Rosedale to access the entrance and small parking lot. It's free to park, however that might be a challenge. If you aren't lucky to snag a spot, I suggest street parking. Outside in the front and to the side of the parking lot, there is a garden that shows different materials used to craft items like clothes and baskets. Inside there is one main exhibit room to the left that shows off various artists' work. The room is small and there is not that much on display, but the art is interesting and well done. The room leads to the gift shop where there is beautiful yet expensive artsy type jewelry for sale. Further in the center are small exhibits lining the walls and craft rooms where artists can work. I would suggest coming once if you are touring the museum district and want to see clay/ceramic art. After that one time, it would be kind of boring. Also go if they host a free event where kids can make clay art like the workshop they recently hosted making candleholders.

There's only one gallery here so it goes by quick. I would recommend doing this one with Lawndale Art Center across the street. Doing both at the same time would take about ~30 minutes. Don't expect anything of MFAH-quality and be glad that it's FREE. Most of this stuff I won't even pretend to understand. But it's fun to look at. Don't forget to walk through the outdoor garden while you're here. They have a free parking lot as well.

such a beautiful museum. there are certain times it's free so be sure to check on their website. parking is either on the street if you can find some or in a parking garage located nearby. i remember the parking garage being a little pricey so be sure to budget for that. or call ahead to ask. they have a lot of "interesting" pieces in here. designed for your own interpretation. some things i did not understand, but it made me like them even more. would definitely recommend friends to come here

It is in a industrial/run down area, since they don't have a parking lot, street parking only and it is limited since it is right near a freeway exit. The outside looked ghetto with some letters missing from the sign on the wall. Inside, the space is nice, live artist studios but on the Friday I went, only one artist's studio was open. The gallery was phenomenal with a glass display. Some of the items were awesome, there was one item, a cactus, each little spine was hairlike and detailed. Their giftshop is tiny but some cute and really nice things in there. Bummed, no photos allowed in the gallery.

There is Art in the things we Use everyday. My first visit to the Houston Center of Contemporary Craft was to see some incredible furniture. Some of it was practical, some of it looked uncomfortable, and some of it was impossible, but all of the pieces represented the artist/crafter/maker's perspective of design, material, and use (or non-use as the case may be). The gallery which is often separated into two different exhibitions houses a constantly changing collection based on the chosen theme. I'd hazard to say there is no permanent collection that you would expect to always see. No favorites you might share with out-of-town visitors. As in my case, there are shows I've really enjoyed including one on knitting and fabric with video art included to ones where I have searched hard for a piece that would make my visit that day worth it. What makes this place interesting is that it does change, and you Will find something that is Meaningful (however you want to interpret that). In the front of the Center there are a series of studios that house an artist-in-residence who uses all sorts of mediums including ceramic, wood, metal, fabric and paper. Chances are usually good that you will see someone working. First Saturdays includes a simple hands-on craft event that is great for kids and non-kids. My family and I have made baskets, woven decorative cord, and other cool items. Like Gretchen P recommends, check the website to see if this month's exhibition provokes your interest. Or, make it one of your stops on your whirlwind tour of the Museum District. My Tip: There are really interesting jewelry and other unique gifts in their shop.

Small but cool museum. Alot of great pieces , and is free every day! Love the fact it has kid craft ideas, and a great garden in the back! COOL place, with unique pieces, that look like they were fun to make!

I really enjoyed this museum and I'll definitely be returning. There is only one large room with various artists' work and everything is pretty and colorful. It's free and located next to Lawndale so I would recommend checking out that museum as well if you visit!

Urgh, really wish I could give it a better review. So much potential wasted. The exhibit section was set up for a sale of very non-contemporary looking scarves etc.. I'm totally fine with selling local products etc., but the price point of things were off (i.e. expensive), and there's nothing contemporary about all the downright outdated looking goods :( The garden off the alternate entrance is also in a sad state :(

Um, pretty much after I saw the taxidermied squirrel in a hand-crochet-ed ninja outfit, nothing else mattered. Except for the almost lifesized stuffed elephant, also sporting its own crochet outfit. www.elainebradford.com - try and say its not awesome. go on, try. (plus its FREE! Makes up for the fact I still couldn't afford anything in the gift shop)

Small place, but pretty neat things! It's a nice choice for days when you want to see some art and only have little time. I particularly like going to their events (e.g. monthly craft social!). The word "craft" here means things along the lines of ceramics, woodwork, glass, fiber, metalsmithing, etc. Even if the art is not something I find visually appealing, the craftsmanship and techniques used are often amazing and inspiring. HCCC allows for a variety of interactive experiences throughout the year. There are a handful of artists-in-residence, and occasionally they have their studio open and you can see what they are working on and ask questions. HCCC also hosts a day when various craft guilds come and you can see demonstrations. My favorite events are about once a month, when a craft project is available to try out and take home. In the past I have made: a polymer dish, an indigo bandana, a concrete planter, and paper from recycled clothing. Most projects are family-friendly. Outside is a small garden which has fiber craft-related plants. The center is free (donation suggested) and membership gives you a discount to their gift shop, which is an art gallery in itself and a great place for gift shopping. If you have 30 min to an hour (if you're like me and need to read every piece's information), check it out! Check their website to make sure it's not a day they are setting up new exhibits, which change out every few months. And be sure to visit their event page - I like following them on Instagram and FB.

the houston center fro contemporary craft is a wonderful, seemingly well-run organisation. i say seemingly because i've only been by the once, but they look like they've really got their act together. the show i saw was full of really beautiful, hand-made pieces that really toed the line between craft & art, which i take to be te aim of the center, to examine what is traditionally believed to be craft in an artistic, academic way; a concept i really enjoy. the gift shop is also lovely. a friend commented that it would be a great place to buy wedding gifts & i quite agree. a lovely place to spend an hour or pick up an interesting present.

I have now been to center twice...once for a festival/fair of sorts and once on a regular day. It is small museum/work space, but the quality and diversity of the works there is impressive. I enjoy the fact that there are artist in residence working on their art, and there are so many different types of mediums being used. The fair that I went to featured numerous individuals with crafts/art set out. It is free and easy to get to. I would put this on your radar.

Where is the love? 7 reviews? This place rocks! Free exhibits, an artsy outdoor area with benches and a fountain, a gift shop with really neat stuff and sometimes you can watch the artists at work in their offices. While most of the items in the gift shop are pretty far from my, uh, budget, it's like a whole other exhibit to look around. And an fyi, all the dressers do open stocked with more jewelry for sale. There are two entrances, one from Main St and one from Rosedale. There's a small private parking lot and street parking. On days like Museum District Day in September and other major events this place can get packed and you won't find parking nearby. Speaking of MDD, it's definitely worth the crowds to make it to every place you can, especially here. Last I went was 2009 and I got to meet all kinds of people here. Calligraphy artists, woodworkers (in action!), encaustic painters (also in action!), etc. Lots of great pieces, stories and artists. Exhibits hang around for a month or two, plenty of time to stop by -no excuses!

Loved it. What a last minute treat. Friendly staff and the artists are so welcoming in their studios. I will come back next time in Houston

This craft gallery/museum is a small gem. The reviews already written cover much of the logistics -- parking, location, et cetera -- so I'll talk about the more interesting things -- i.e., they offer classes that are reasonably priced, they have once-a-month Saturday craft projects, so much fun, for adults and kids. There are always resident artists working on projects, and they are so willing to share their experiences and knowledge with others. Currently, there is an artist who works in silverplate, deconstructing and reconstructing old silver trays, pots, into new art and tracing the old patterns onto paper. I've seen wonderful doll exhibits here -- on and on. This place runs on volunteers and a shoestring, so please appreciate that. Also, the gardens outside have been cleaned up and replanted, with lovely sitting benches, each individually crafted by various parties. Wonderful place. Go, and judge for yourself.