Arthouse Marble Falls: Texas Home to a World-Class Art Collection

Arthouse: A Testament to Enduring Vision and Community Enrichment in Marble Falls

This blog post delves into the recent unveiling of Arthouse in Marble Falls, Texas. The 2,000-square-foot gallery was established by Mickey and Jeanne Klein to showcase pivotal works from their nearly fifty-year private collection.

Originally intended as an office relocation, the project blossomed into a public art destination. It stands as a testament to the Kleins’ vision and commitment to sharing their passion with the community.

We’ll explore the architectural design and the artistic philosophy behind the collection. Arthouse’s potential to enrich Marble Falls will also be discussed.

Architectural Harmony: Where Local Vernacular Meets Contemporary Design

The architectural approach to Arthouse is as thoughtfully curated as the art it houses. The San Antonio firm Lake|Flato was commissioned to design a space that accommodates a significant art collection and integrates with the charm of Marble Falls’ Main Street.

This was an opportunity to create a dialogue between the past and the present. It also bridges individual passion and public accessibility.

Anchoring in Local Context

The exterior of Arthouse signals its connection to its Texan roots. A **prominent Leuders limestone front wall** grounds the building within the regional vernacular and offers a warm welcome to visitors.

This choice of material shows respect for local craftsmanship and the natural beauty of the area.

A Dialogue of Materials

Beyond the limestone, the design introduces modern materials. **Perforated, corrugated, and meshed metal elements** are used to create a balanced look.

These contemporary additions are integrated in a way that complements the local character. The result is a subtle gloss and refined simplicity.

The Contemplative Threshold

Before entering the exhibition spaces, visitors are invited into a moment of quiet reflection. A **small, minimalist courtyard, designed by third-generation Japanese gardener Sada Uchiyama**, acts as a serene buffer between the street and the interior.

This entry sequence is more than a physical transition. It prepares the mind for the appreciation of art.

An Interior Designed for Art and Engagement

Inside Arthouse, the design focuses on the art and creates an inspiring environment. The interior spaces are engineered for an optimal viewing experience.

Illuminating the Art

The interior features **12-foot ceilings**, giving the space a sense of openness. A unique, **off-center linear skylight** provides natural lighting, casting an even glow across the artworks.

This use of natural light reduces the need for artificial illumination during the day. The **polished concrete floors** help distribute light and create a neutral backdrop for the art.

Structure as an Aesthetic Element

Lake|Flato chose to celebrate the building’s infrastructure. The **open-web metal truss** and **perforated ceiling panels** are exposed and integrated into the design.

This approach adds visual interest and demonstrates a contemporary architectural ethos.

Flexibility for Evolving Exhibitions

The design incorporates intelligent solutions for display. A **movable central partition** allows for diverse and evolving exhibition layouts.

This adaptability ensures that Arthouse can present various configurations to suit each curated show. Upstairs, the **offices are designed to feel warm and domestic** and feature rotating selections from the Kleins’ private collection.

A Legacy of Collecting and a Gift to the Community

The story of Arthouse is deeply rooted in the Kleins’ dedication to art. Their collecting journey spans nearly fifty years and includes a distinguished roster of artists.

A Curated Vision

The Kleins’ collection includes significant contemporary artists like Olafur Eliasson, James Turrell, and Ed Ruscha. Their acquisitions cover a wide range of mediums, from **painting and photography to sculpture and installation art**.

“Words Matter”: An Inaugural Statement

The inaugural exhibition, titled *”Words Matter”*, showcases the Kleins’ thoughtful approach. It features text-based works by artists such as Jenny Holzer and Faith Ringgold, alongside emerging talents like Kenturah Davis and Nicolas Galanin.

This curatorial choice highlights the power of language in art and sets a high bar for future exhibitions.

A Generous Act of Giving

At the remarkable age of 90, Mickey Klein views Arthouse as a profound gift to Marble Falls.

The gallery is designed to share their passion for art and to encourage appreciation within the town.

It also aims to preserve Marble Falls’ cherished small-town character.

Students have already visited, and a preview event drew nearly 100 local leaders.

This signals a warm welcome for the new cultural hub.

The Kleins plan to curate rotating exhibitions from their collection.

Each display will be carefully selected to offer a fresh experience for the community and visitors.
 
Here is the source article for this story: This humble building in small-town Texas houses one of America’s greatest private art collections