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.


A banner graphic with six different images of artwork and the text '2026 Open Call JCB Gallery Dougherty Arts Center'

 

The Julia C. Butridge Gallery is accepting exhibit proposals for the 2026 gallery season! Located at the Dougherty Arts Center, the Julia C. Butridge Gallery is well known for its diverse exhibitions of artists and their work. There is no fee to submit an exhibit proposal, and all related exhibits and events are free and open to the public. 

Applications are open December 2, 2024 - January 26, 2025. 

To submit please visit: doughertyartscenter.submittable.com/submit 

 

On Display

An abstract photograph of golden light

Psychological Landscapes Photographed

Faustinus Deraet
December 14, 2024 – January 18, 2025

Artist Reception: December 18, 2024, 7-9pm
Artist Talk: January 15, 2025, 7-9pm

“Psychological Landscapes” explores a therapeutic journey, capturing images that reveal both nostalgia and timelessness. Each photo reflects the artist’s inner emotions and the solitude experienced during a difficult period of time, revealing the healing power of art and photography. 

 

An acrylic painting made up of bright colors and objects found in nature such as leaves, twigs, pears, and dragonflies.

Whole Color, Half Dimension

Rachel Noffke
December 14, 2024 – January 18, 2025

Artist Reception: December 18, 2024, 7-9pm
Artist Talk: January 15, 2025, 7-9pm

“Whole Color, Half Dimension” is a group of acrylic paintings and prints by Rachel Noffke that explores dimensionality in still life, landscapes, and interiors. Her paintings employ bold colors and iconic patterns to create a unique aesthetic and vibrant result. Noffke often uses abstraction and minimalism to find common ground with her audience and relay a sense of shared language.  

Follow the artist:
Instagram @rachelnoffkeart
Website: sites.google.com/view/Rachel-noffke 

 

A watercolor painting of a mountain with Japanese words printed on the right side.

The Spirit of Friendship: Connecting Hearts

Presented by Austin Oita Sister City Committee
December 14, 2024 – January 18, 2025

Artist Reception: December 18, 2024, 7-9pm
Artist Talk: January 15, 2025, 7-9pm

In celebration of 35 years as sister cities, artists from Austin and Japanese sister city, Oita, have collaborated to create art celebrating connections between cultures. Austin and Oita artists have come together creating joint pieces created in the spirit of Japanese traditional arts. In addition, Austin artists working in Japanese styles are featured, such as ukiyo-e master Darryl Howard.  

 

Upcoming Exhibits

A photograph of gummy bears spaced out evenly on a backdrop

Taste of Imagination

Colton Matocha
January 25 – March 8, 2025

Artist Reception: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 7-9pm
Artist Talk: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 7-9pm

“Taste of Imagination” provides familiar images of colorful candy, exploring forgotten dreams and cherished memories. Through these playful and captivating images, Colton Matocha offers a moment to escape the weight of adulthood and rediscover the joy of drifting into a colorful, imaginative world where everything feels new. 

 

A mixed media collage of colorful lines and rectangles of color

I Am, and We as Energy, Rising

Bibi Flores
January 25 – March 8, 2025

Artist Reception: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 7-9pm
Artist Talk: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 7-9pm

Energy Healing Workshop with Bibi Flores: March 5, 2025, 7-8:30pm

“I Am, and We as Energy, Rising” is a collection of abstract paintings and mixed media works with themes of healing, empowerment, and transformation. Vibrant colors, dynamic shapes, and intuitive forms represent a personal and collective journey of resilience and growth, embodying the power to overcome trauma. The artwork invites viewers to connect with a shared vision of renewal, rising together toward peace, love, and harmony. 

 

An abstract painting of circles and wavey lines with some distinguishable elements like rainclouds and lightening

Glitter and Tears

Hailey Gearo
January 25 – March 8, 2025

Artist Reception: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 1-3pm
Artist Talk: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 7-9pm

“Glitter and Tears” by Hailey Gearo invites viewers into dreamscapes that transform personal struggles into vibrant otherworldly experiences. Through unmapped dimensions and imaginative realities, Gearo documents an ever-changing mental state, creating a unique opportunity for exploration and connection. This exhibition offers a glimpse into the artist's personal lore, enveloping audiences in a transformative, one-of-a-kind journey.