Avant-Art’s Grand Opening: A New Chapter on Houston’s Gallery Row

Photo by Lila Henningsen 

On Saturday, May 17, Avant-Art Gallery proudly celebrated the grand opening of our new home at 2627 Colquitt Street with collectors, creatives, and friends of the gallery.

Just steps away from our original location, the new gallery in the heart of Houston’s historic Gallery Row offers more than double the square footage, a dedicated exhibition room, and expanded viewing areas. This larger space allows us to showcase a broader and more dynamic range of work from the artists we represent, creating fresh opportunities for exploration and connection.

The event marked a major milestone for co-owners Ally Ondarza and Abigail Haley, Houston natives and best friends affectionately known as the city’s “Gallerinas.” Just two years after taking ownership, Ally and Abigail have reimagined what a contemporary art gallery can be, making collecting feel inclusive, inspiring, and approachable while introducing fresh voices to Houston’s art scene.

Guests at the grand opening enjoyed light refreshments, a first look at the expanded space, and new works on view, including the debut of two new artists joining the Avant-Art roster:
Donna Roppolo, whose layered mixed-media works explore memory, materiality, and transformation
Justin Lyons, a Florida-based artist whose bold, street art–inspired pieces combine found materials, spray paint, and texture to blur the line between text and intention

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate this exciting new chapter. Your continued support fuels our passion and makes it possible for us to keep growing, evolving, and bringing exceptional contemporary art to Houston.

If you have not had a chance to visit yet, we invite you to stop by the gallery soon. We cannot wait to welcome you into our new space and share everything we have in store.

Avant-Art Gallery
2627 Colquitt Street, Houston, TX
Houston’s Gallery Row