About
BOX 13 ArtSpace is an artist-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to the creation and advancement of experimental contemporary art in Houston. BOX 13 provides exhibition opportunities and sustainable work spaces for emerging and established artists. Within this innovative environment, resident artists promote dialogue within the art community and examine current trends affecting the arts.
BOX 13 relies on the generosity of individual donors, sponsors and its resident artists. This support allows us to continue cultivating creativity, appreciation and accessibility of contemporary art in Houston’s East End. To learn how you can support the cultural enrichment of our community, and to view our current list of supporters, please visit our Donate page.
Madelline Vicencio, 2026
Kevin Lopez, 2024
Our Galleries
BOX 13’s variety of spaces provide opportunities for local, regional, and national artists to exhibit their work. Three interior galleries are dedicated to regularly scheduled exhibitions. The window gallery holds experimental installations and micro-exhibitions, and a 100ft wall in the outdoor space is dedicated to murals. An open call for exhibition proposals is posted annually.
View our Current Exhibitions
Information about Exhibition Proposals
Our Studios
Members at BOX 13 work with freedom in their studios to show challenging, non-commercial installations, performances and video. They curate shows, exhibit regularly, and work with curators and artists in preparing, hosting and deinstalling exhibitions. Simultaneously, our residents are building support networks within Houston and the surrounding areas.
BOX 13 welcomes new residents as studio spaces become available. New member applications are reviewed collectively by current BOX 13 members. Applicants are evaluated based on the quality of their work and their ability to participate within our community.
View our Current Members.
Interested in becoming member artist? Apply here
BOX 13 ArtSpace was founded in January 2008 by Houston artists Elaine Bradford, Woody Golden, Michael Henderson, Young-Min Kang, Kathy Kelley, Teresa O’Connor, Whitney Riley and Mat Wolff. The founders sought to introduce innovative artwork to the Houston community by providing gallery space and affordable studios to contemporary artists. Through serendipitous events, they found a two-story brick building in Houston’s historic East End. A former sewing machine factory and showroom, this became the home of BOX 13.
BOX 13’s exhibition schedule kicked off in May 2008 with work by painting and sculpture students at the University of Houston. On September 13, 2008, two weeks prior to BOX 13’s first curated exhibition opening, Hurricane Ike blew out every window in the downstairs gallery. Undeterred, the windows were boarded up, an artist painted a mural on the plywood, and the shows went on as scheduled.
Since these initial shows, BOX 13 has mounted new exhibitions every two months. Exhibitions are determined through an open call for proposals, reviewed and selected by current resident artists. During exhibition openings and gallery hours, BOX 13 members often leave their studios open for visitors to see the artists at work. Periodic Open Studios and member-driven events also further welcome the public into the space.