The natural beauty of the Highland Lakes has inspired artists for decades. Creative spirits of all types — sculptors, painters, photographers — thrive in the area’s small towns and communities. You’ll find their works in art galleries, exhibits, restaurants, shops, and lodges. Shopping for art is a great way to take a piece of the Highland Lakes home with you. Here are some of the places to put on your art trail list.

Art Beat Gallery & Studio

106 E. Main St. in Johnson City

970-930-5038

Features the work of three local artists: Amy Harper, Brenda Thomas, and Kat McCool. This fun spot aims to provide art lovers original pieces at affordable prices.

Buchanan Arts and Crafts Gallery

17534 Texas 29 East in Buchanan Dam

512-793-2858

Home to a cooperative of two dozen artists showing and selling original arts and crafts. The gallery is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

Bunkhouse Art Gallery

Wenmohs Ranch

573 Old Spicewood Road in Cypress Mill

512-517-3453

The Bunkhouse Art Gallery holds an art show and sale over two weekends each April. Staff photo by Jennifer Greenwell

Located on a sprawling, working cattle ranch in Cypress Mill, Bunkhouse Art Gallery is the epitome of whimsy, exhibiting a variety of art forms by local artists. The barn is a year-round space where artists meet weekly to commune and create. The Bunkhouse Gallery Art Show & Sale is held each year, usually over two weekends in April. UPDATE: The 2020 event has been postponed until the fall due to COVID-19.

Daniel Adams Art

17617 Texas 29 East in Buchanan Dam

956-432-2262

908 Second St. in Marble Falls

830-693-9544

Daniel Adams is an internationally renowned artist. He's probably best known for his wildlife paintings but is adept at many styles and forms. His use of color catches people's attention.

Dan Pogue Sculpture Gallery and Foundry

7670 RR 1431 East in Smithwick

830-220-9325

Dan Pogue creates his sculptures in his Smithwick foundry. Staff photo

The gallery features sculptures by artist Dan Pogue. The family-run facility offers guided tours by appointment, showing how the sculptures are created.

Echo

100 N. Nugent Ave. in Johnson City

830-321-0080

Echo bills itself as the “non-gallery” art gallery and features the works of more than 30 fine art and functional artists.

Highland Arts Guild and Gallery

318 Main St. in Marble Falls

830-693-7324

This cooperative encourages artists of all ages and abilities through classes, demonstrations, workshops, and exhibits.

Galleries at Pecan Creek Art School

809 12th St. in Marble Falls

830-265-7725

Features artists from the Highland Lakes and the surrounding area. It offers classes, meetings, shows, and other events. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Gridiron Gallery

112 E. Main St. in Llano

830-613-5570

Jack Moss’ realistic portraits and vibrant watercolors capture the people and places of the West.

JLHaynes.studio Gallery

100 N. Nugent Ave. in Johnson City

512-787-2192

Located in Echo, this gallery features the works of Janet L. Haynes.

Johnson City ArtWalk

Galleries on Nugent Street in Johnson City

On the last Saturday of the month, enjoy an evening on the town in Johnson City with art as the focus and wine as the refreshment.

Kingsland House of Arts and Crafts

112 W. Chamberlain St. in Kingsland

325-388-6159

Features a variety of handcrafted items and original art.

Llano Fine Art Guild and Gallery

503 Bessemer Ave. in Llano

325-247-4839

Showcases work by local artists in oils, watercolors, pastels, photography, ceramics, and sculptures as well as jewelry and gemstones. The gallery is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. The guild holds demonstrations from 10 a.m. to noon the first Monday of the month.

Lou Quallenberg Studios

In Llano

325-247-4304

Specializes in commercial photography and contemporary mesquite wood furniture. Call to schedule a studio tour.

Kirchman Gallery

213 N. Nugent Ave. in Johnson City

830-225-0543

Features the work of 30 or so Texas artists. It hosts exhibitions, which change every six weeks.

Marta Stafford Fine Art

200 Main St. in Marble Falls

830-693-9999

This award-winning gallery is for both the serious art lover and the beginning collector. Stafford also brings in artists throughout the year to demonstrate their work.

Ritzy Texan

103 W. Polk St. in Burnet

512-237-8008

Ritzy Texan started as a way to bring "unique, handmade products" to Canton's First Monday Trade Days. The demand for one-of-a-kind, locally made products blossomed, and the Ritzy Texan gallery and shop were born in Burnet.

Sculpture on Main

Main Street in Marble Falls

Sculpture on Main is a year-round public art exhibit sponsored by Highland Lakes Creative Arts. You can enjoy the work of some of the best sculptors from Texas and beyond, and all you have to do is stroll down Main Street.

Vandivier Fine Art

4315 FM 2147, Suite A, in Cottonwood Shores

512-636-7373

Photographer Kevin Vandivier opened his studio in Cottonwood Shores in 2019. Staff photo by Daniel Clifton

Photographer Kevin Vandivier’s work has appeared in National Geographic LIFE, The Smithsonian, and Texas Monthly. You can see it in his Cottonwood Shores gallery, where you can sometimes sit and chat with the artist himself.

West Shore Wind Spirals

Buchanan Dam

713-898-9011

Award-winning artist Ralph Moresco translates movement into kinetic sculptures. The pieces are created one at a time from copper, stainless steel, brass, and metal.

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