Del Rio is a scenic and inspiring city that has attracted a large number of artists who operate studios and galleries around town. The artists’ talents in paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry making and photography are visible at several different Del Rio venues.

All Fired Up

One hub for visual arts and education – as well as for other forms of the arts – is fittingly called Del Rio Council for the Arts, or more commonly The Firehouse. The colloquial name comes from its two-story, brick-red 1922 edifice – Del Rio’s first city hall, fire station, police department and jail – that has housed the arts organization in the city's downtown since 1977. The Firehouse hosts up to 18 art exhibitions annually.

Mi Casa, Su Casa

Del Rio and sister city Ciudad Acuña, México, straddle the border and share common Hispanic culture, and helping to preserve those traditions is El Comité del Pueblo’s Casa De La Cultura, located on Cantu Street in Del Rio. The Casa focuses on educational programs for children and adults that include ballet folklórico, rondalla, ceramics, piñata-making, computers, drawing, painting and literacy. More than 40,000 people participate annually in the Casa’s programs.

Bunches of Good Art

Local artist and Del Rio resident Pam Bunch showcases her own work along with that of others in her shop called Lee Bunch Studio Gallery, located on the second floor of one of Del Rio’s historic buildings – Del Rio Loan Company on West Greenwood Street. The gallery displays works of a dozen local and regional artists.

Walk This Way

An estimated 5,000-6,000 people participate each month in the First Friday Art Walk, which occurs in several galleries throughout downtown Del Rio. The walk is sponsored by The Heart of Del Rio, an association of art galleries with diverse clientele. Each event runs from 7-9 p.m., and many of the participating galleries offer live bands and food.