Houston’s Assembly Gallery Turns the Art World’s Ladder Sideways
In Houston’s bustling Montrose arts district, Assembly Gallery is quietly rewriting the rules for how artists advance. Rather than simply hanging work on walls, Assembly’s founders—Ashlyn Davis Burns and Shane Lavalette—built a model that wraps artists in support, from grant writing to networking and financial guidance. This approach draws on their nonprofit backgrounds, allowing them to connect artists with the right opportunities and resources, not just exhibition space.
Originally focused on photography and lens-based art, Assembly has expanded to include painting and sculpture, reflecting the fluid, multidisciplinary nature of today’s creative scene. Their roster features mid-career artists poised for broader recognition, often bridging gaps between local talent and Houston’s collectors. By championing artists at pivotal moments, Assembly isn’t just showcasing art—they’re nurturing careers and reshaping the city’s art ecosystem.
In a world where galleries often compete for attention, Assembly’s collaborative spirit offers a fresh blueprint for artistic growth.
#HoustonArt #ContemporaryArt #ArtistSupport #Culture
