A Guide To Experiencing The Arts in Bryan, Texas
Bryan is a vibrant, diverse community home to a thriving arts scene, rich in cultural diversity, and rooted in a storied past more than 150 years in the making. From 30-foot murals & historical statues, to local artwork displayed in almost every business you visit, there is no question that Bryan embraces the art and artists that call this community home.
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Murals In Historic Downtown Bryan
Starting on the southern end of Bryan with the West 31st Street Murals (pictured above) to Caffe Capri's side brick wall (pictured above) and all the way up to Blackwater Draw Brewing Co.‘s “I Love Beer So Much” wall, you can find more than a dozen murals on historic buildings throughout Historic Downtown Bryan. All created by local artists, they are colorful, creative, and downright fun. Check out the full list here, and plan to grab your friends and family for an Insta-worthy photo-op.
Sculptures + Statues
At least three sculptures and statues have called the sidewalks of Downtown Bryan their home for many years. With a nod to the history of the Carnegie History Center, Andrew Carnegie can be seen reading to children on a bench on Main Street. On occasion, you can catch him dressed up for the holidays or posing with new friends.
Just across the street you’ll find a statue honoring the legacy of our local baseball team, the Brazos Valley Bombers. At the north end of Main Street, you’ll find the Arc De Luna anchoring the roundabout at 23rd Street. Across the street opposite of Blackwater Draw Brewery are sculptures (pictured above) featured by ArtFill.
Featuring Local Art
First Friday In Historic Downtown Bryan
Being an officially recognized Texas Cultural District, Downtown Bryan is a hub for local art and artists. First Friday is one of those places where you can see an array of local art every month.
There are also rotating art shows and live music in various restaurants and shops, and live music along the sidewalks and at various Downtown businesses throughout the year.
First Friday takes place monthly on every first Friday and runs from 5:00PM - 11:00PM!
The Downtown Bryan Street & Art Fair
Occurring annually each April, The Downtown Bryan Street & Art Fair features artists and artisans from across the region selling their handmade creations. There is also live music, art demonstrations, and street performers for your entertainment. Over the last several years, Historic Downtown Bryan has actively fostered arts & culture.
The Downtown Bryan Street & Art Fair continues to build on that by inviting our local artists as well as regional artists to support the rebirth that is occurring there. Admission is free and participants are encouraged to spend the afternoon and experience all that Bryan has to offer.
Mark your calendar for this year's Downtown Bryan Street & Art Fair!
Creating Art In Bryan
Having opened its doors in November of 1994, Arsenal Tattoo and Design located in Historic Downtown Bryan offers top-quality tattoos in a comfortable and creative atmosphere. Cliff Collard, owner of Arsenal Tattoo & Design, began his tattooing apprenticeship in 1996 and earned a degree in painting from Sam Houston State University.
Over the past decade, Arsenal's tradition of excellence in design, art, and tattooing has continued. Inside the shop, you can survey countless pieces of artwork and framed tattoo designs hung from the ceiling to the floor of nearly every wall. The shop does take in walk-ins every day and offers consultations. Appointments are encouraged!
Visit Arsenal Tattoo located at 307 West 26th Street in Historic Downtown Bryan!
Since opening its doors in 2001, The Frame Gallery has created a haven of local art. Many Brazos Valley artists have hung their creations inside The Frame Gallery at some point in their careers and owner, Missy Baron, does everything she can to help keep the arts alive in the community. You can purchase a piece of art and get a custom frame all in the same place!
Visit The Frame Gallery at 108 North Bryan Avenue in Historic Downtown Bryan!
DeGallery showcases rotating exhibits of art from around the world including landscape pieces, handmade jewelry, pottery and more. They also offer art classes for you to create your own masterpiece, no worries, they help you every step of the way.
Whether you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, or have a fully stocked art studio of your own, their classes offer an incredible experience for artists of every background and every age! Also, on each first Saturday of the month, Degallery hosts their First Saturday Art Faire at Degallery's Square.
Visit DeGallery located at 930 North Rosemary Drive.
Purple Turtle Art Studio in Historic Downtown Bryan aims to equip kids with the tools of creativity so they can express themselves visually with confidence. They offer classes and camps, and they’re the perfect spot to host an “art party!” Their students’ works can often be found at restaurants and galleries throughout Historic Downtown Bryan. Learn more about their offerings here.
Visit Purple Turtle Art Studio at 800 South Bryan Avenue in Historic Downtown Bryan!
Intersections Textiles Learning Center & Gallery
The Brazos Spinners & Weavers Guild was established and has been active since 1976 and their public outreach works in two ways: primarily, offering free workshops that introduce the public through a wide variety of textile and fiber arts techniques and hands-on instruction to various age groups.
The Intersections Textile Learning Center & Gallery was established in August 2013 as a ‘brick & mortar’ location for local spinners, weavers, and other fiber artists. This is their space to share their fiber art knowledge and skills with the public through teaching, demonstrating, exhibiting, and selling their work.
Visit Intersections Textiles Learning Center & Gallery at 2116 South College Avenue.
Performaning Arts
Bryan’s Grand Stafford Theater is heir to a lengthy heritage. The building itself dates back as far as the early 1910s and has endured through cultural and technological innovations. From DJ-hosted Emo Nights to Indie rock bands, the Grand Stafford offers a wide variety of shows weekly!
The Palace Theater is an open-air amphitheater in Historic Downtown Bryan, Texas. Home to free, live concerts during First Fridays every month and many other seasonal events, The Palace Theater is a local treasure. The theater is also available to rent for weddings, private receptions, and more!
The Theater Company productions are staged in a former movie theater that has been redesigned to suit live theater. Due to generous contributions from our friends and countless volunteer hours, the TTC stage is the only one in the State of Texas to feature two permanent revolving platforms built right into the stage!
Watch a show at The Theater Company located at 3125 South Texas Avenue!
Since 1964, StageCenter remains the only all-volunteer community theatre and our doors remain open to those who want to participate in the exciting and rewarding experience of live theatre. In StageCenter’s 57-year history, over 500 various plays, musicals, and melodramas have come to life on stage!
Get tickets for a performance at StageCenter Community Theater located at 218 North Bryan Avenue.
Whether it’s a live concert along Lake Walk, a baseball game with the Brazos Valley Bombers, a stroll through the Brazos Valley Farmers Market, or a festival in Historic Downtown Bryan, our locals love to gather for food, music, and fun — regardless of the reason or the season!
While we do our best to stay in-tune with the community & keep up with all things in Bryan, we may have missed a spot or two. If you believe we left off your favorite art spot, kindly send us an email at marketing@destinationbryan.com.
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