Denison Arts Blog
- Learn More About Our Texas Historical Cultural Arts District & Artists
Current & Upcoming DAC Events
Catch up with the latest news at Denison Arts Council! Between rotating exhibitions at 517 Gallery, festivals on Main Street, and monthly reception events, there’s always something to do with DAC.
Bored on a Saturday night? Come to our monthly 517 Gallery events on the second Saturday of each month from 4-6 PM for free food & wine, plus an artist talk, demo, or other activity for artists and appreciators of art alike. How about a public art tour? Check out our public art map and take a friend on a mini road trip around town to check out some amazing murals & sculptures.
Our blog will help you keep up with upcoming events & stay informed about Denison’s arts culture. Check out some highlights here or scroll down the page to learn about local artists and businesses!
Denison Arts Blog
ARCY: Transforming Spaces, Inspiring Communities
Ryan “ARCY” Christenson is a Connecticut-based muralist celebrated for his large-scale, high-impact public artworks across the United States. Known for blending striking photorealism with expressive color, dynamic movement, and layered storytelling, ARCY transforms blank walls into unforgettable visual experiences.

Art Meets History: Why We Host NTAF at the Historic Katy Depot
Home Art Meets History: Why We Host NTAF at the Historic Katy Depot By: Amy May When you think of an arts festival, you might

ArtWorks: Where Creativity Meets Community in Denison
ArtWorks, an exciting program run by Goodwill Industries of Northeast Texas, is more than just an art studio. It is a place where creativity, inclusion, and personal growth come together. Located in the heart of Denison’s Cultural Arts District, ArtWorks provides a welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities to explore their artistic talents, learn new skills, and connect with others in a supportive environment.

Denison Holiday Tour of Lofts and Homes: A Fun Tradition That Helps the Community
Every year, the Denison Holiday Tour of Lofts and Homes gives people a chance to step inside some of the city’s most interesting homes and lofts. The event is led by Brian Hander and Elsie Russell, who use the tour to celebrate Denison’s small-town charm and Christmas spirit. Even better, all the money raised goes right back into the community. The funds support public art, historic preservation, sidewalk and mobility improvements, and projects at the Denison Alumni Museum.

Preserving the Past: The Center for Art Conservation Finds a Home in Denison
Tucked inside a restored 1899 Victorian house in Denison, Texas, The Center for Art Conservation is a special place where history comes back to life. It is owned and run by Tish Brewer, a professional art conservator, who works closely with her husband, David. Together, they care for all kinds of paper-based items such as prints, maps, letters, posters, books, sculptures made of paper, manuscripts, parchment, paper ephemera, and even papier-mâché.

The Ofrenda: A Bridge of Memory, Love, and Celebration
Technology is having a moment at 517 Gallery. Altered Realities is a new and imaginative exhibition that explores the evolving relationship between technology and art. This show features works that reflect, critique, and reimagine the digital world. The exhibition is both thought-provoking and intriguing.
Denison Businesses Featuring Local Artists

ArtWorks: Where Creativity Meets Community in Denison
ArtWorks, an exciting program run by Goodwill Industries of Northeast Texas, is more than just an art studio. It is a place where creativity, inclusion, and personal growth come together. Located in the heart of Denison’s Cultural Arts District, ArtWorks provides a welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities to explore their artistic talents, learn new skills, and connect with others in a supportive environment.

Preserving the Past: The Center for Art Conservation Finds a Home in Denison
Tucked inside a restored 1899 Victorian house in Denison, Texas, The Center for Art Conservation is a special place where history comes back to life. It is owned and run by Tish Brewer, a professional art conservator, who works closely with her husband, David. Together, they care for all kinds of paper-based items such as prints, maps, letters, posters, books, sculptures made of paper, manuscripts, parchment, paper ephemera, and even papier-mâché.

Red River Railroad Museum
Home Red River Railroad Museum By: Jennifer Branson The Red River Railroad Museum is an extraordinary cultural touchstone at 124 W. Main Street in Downtown

Shawnda Rains Entertainment
Shawnda Rains Entertainment is a music and performance studio located on Main Street in Downtown Denison. It is home to Stagestruck, an exciting performance group that has been entertaining audiences across the country for the last ten years. Stagestruck is known for their impressive singers, powerful performances, and wonderful stage presence.

Mark Nagel, Sparrows Art Gallery
Mark describes Sparrows as a traditional art gallery that features a wide range of works from 32 talented artists. The gallery focuses on quality and craftsmanship, showcasing various artistic styles and techniques. Mark also offers custom picture framing services, using over 39 years of experience to deliver great results at competitive prices.

Nitia Musico, Monsters On Main
Denison’s Nitia Musico is an acclaimed example of an entrepreneur who created a new way of gaining consumers’ interest and then incorporating it into her existing business.
Denison Arts Council Artist Registry

L Williams
L’s work is primarily objective. She uses visual and literary arts to express her thoughts about various experiences, whether they are personal to her or derived from the lives of others.

Jen Foshee
As an artist and art educator, my life revolves around the joy of creativity and the transformative power of art. Teaching art at a growing school allows me to inspire young minds to explore their creative potential.

Ruth Elizabeth Nuckols Cox Williamson
I am a mixed media artist, writer, vocalist. My art comes from curiosity and problem solving about organic and digital systems, light and movement.

E-Flat Porch Band
For over 25 years, The E-Flat Porch Band from McKinney has been playing their Blues and folk music.

Thomas Morgan Metcalf
In my early 20s photography became my primary form of expression. I concentrated on equine photography, weddings, sports photography and landscape captures. Today, my primary interest is landscape and architectural.

David Hardy
I’m David Hardy, owner of Dave’s LifeStyle Photography. I am a Professional Photographer, member Professional Photographers Assoc, Oklahoma PPA, and Texas PPA. My business is located west of Caney, OK in the country with 20 acres of photo opportunities and a modern studio.