Explore five art galleries in North Texas, owned by people of color, that are worth a visit

In the heart of Pleasant Grove, North Texas, a thriving arts scene is taking shape, with various galleries and community hubs contributing to the cultural richness of the area.

One of the notable additions is the Wright Art Twins Gallery, founded by Princeton and Preston Wright in 2016. Unlike the previously mentioned galleries in North Texas, Wright Art Twins Gallery is located in South Side on Lamar. This Black-owned gallery supports beginner artists nationwide and has sponsored over 70 artists across major U.S. cities. The gallery organizes private shows, networking events, and creative workshops, aiming to foster a supportive environment for artists at the start of their careers.

Another significant player in the Pleasant Grove arts scene is Gallery 86. Established in 2017 by Juan Castillo, Javier Riojas, Nicolás González, and Arturo Hernandez, Gallery 86 initially started as a virtual art gallery to showcase underrepresented artists like themselves. Today, its physical space hosts various art-related activities, including art shows, workshops, youth art classes, private lessons, and community events.

The News and KERA retain full editorial control of Arts Access, a community-funded journalism initiative that aims to expand access to the arts in Pleasant Grove. Meanwhile, Mi Barrio 214, founded by Viktor Ortix in 2022, is a multidisciplinary community hub that includes an art gallery, plant shop, coffee shop, screening printing studio, skateboard shop, and comic book store. Mi Barrio 214's mission is to preserve Pleasant Grove culture while promoting safety and creativity.

Valerie Gillespie, a prominent figure in the Dallas arts scene, runs both Pencil on Paper Gallery and the nonprofit Valerie Gillespie Contemporary. Pencil on Paper Gallery, a contemporary Black-owned art gallery in the Design District of North Texas, was founded in 2019. It uplifts Dallas artists and fosters community engagement through education. Valerie Gillespie's nonprofit organisation offers artist residencies, workshops, and programs for young artists and beginners.

Daisha Board Gallery, a Black-owned contemporary art gallery in North Texas, is another important player in the region's arts scene. This gallery represents BIPOC artists, LGBTQ artists, and artists with disabilities across various media, such as sculpture, photography, and performance art.

Each of these galleries and community hubs plays a crucial role in the burgeoning arts scene in Pleasant Grove, North Texas, contributing to a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape that celebrates local talent and fosters creativity and community engagement.

Explore five art galleries in North Texas, owned by people of color, that are worth a visit