Julia C. Butridge Gallery
The Julia C. Butridge Gallery is located in the heart of the arts district adjacent to the Long Center and Butler Park at the Dougherty Arts Center, a multi-cultural community arts center providing opportunities for creative expression to citizens for over 41 years. Visitors enjoy an exceptional 2,000 square feet of exhibit space in the main gallery, and an additional 480 square feet in newly renovated gallery space. The natural collision of creative activity at the arts center contributes to the gallery’s longstanding reputation among the arts community as an accessible and nurturing venue and incubator, ideal for emerging and established artists. The gallery is free and open to the public.
Upcoming Exhibits
David Cook, Texas Bluebell, Photograph, 2025
Recovering the Lost Words
David Cook, Emily Hansen, Helen Hartman, Danny Martin, Marsha Riti, Emma Schmidt, Anja Thomsen, CJ Williams
On Display: July 6 – August 15, 2026
Artist Reception: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 7-9 p.m.
Artist Talk: Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 7-9 p.m.
“Recovering the Lost Words” brings together the artwork of eight Texas Master Naturalists to memorialize words from nature that were removed from the Oxford Junior Dictionary in recent years. Through photography, illustration, embroidery, stained glass, painting, and mixed media, the exhibition reintroduces these “lost words” to encourage viewers of all ages to rediscover the wonder of the natural world.
Zoee Xiao, On Our Way to See Dada Bear, Acrylic on canvas, 2025
Little Memories
Zoee Xiao
On Display: July 6 – August 15, 2026
Artist Reception: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 7-9 p.m.
Artist Talk: Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 7-9 p.m.
“Little Memories” is a collection of works inspired by childhood memories shared between the artist Zoee Xiao and her children. Through her whimsical interpretation of childhood, Zoee’s paintings celebrate the beauty of simplicity, the magic in the mundane, and everyday wonder. The exhibition invites viewers to slow down, rediscover childlike curiosity, and appreciate the subtle joys woven into ordinary life.
Artist Website: www.zoeexiao.com
Instagram: @zoeexiao
Darla Barolini, Crush, Acrylic on canvas, 2024
The Classroom
Darla Barolini
On Display: July 6 – August 15, 2026
Artist Reception: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 7-9 p.m.
Artist Talk: Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 7-9 p.m.
“The Classroom” is an exhibition featuring large-scale paintings and classroom desks exploring education from both educator and student perspectives. Vibrant, expressive paintings depict imagined classroom scenes inspired by the artist’s teaching experience, while the desks blend art history with teenage iconography to create an immersive installation. Together, the works explore themes of connection, community, and growth, contrasted with isolation and apathy, reflecting the classroom's broader societal impact.
Artist Website: www.darlabarolini.com
Instagram: @darlanorma