5 Reasons Davis Gallery Austin TX Is The Central Texas Art Destination You Must Visit In 2025
Davis Gallery & Framing remains one of Austin’s most enduring and vital fine art institutions, a legacy that has anchored the Central Texas art scene for decades. As of December 21, 2025, the gallery is not only celebrating its rich history but is also looking ahead with a robust calendar of fresh, contemporary exhibitions that solidify its role as a premier destination for both collectors and casual art enthusiasts.
The gallery, located centrally on the corner of 12th and Shoal Creek, continues the tradition of showcasing the best local and regional talent, offering a unique blend of fine art and expert custom framing services. From highly anticipated solo shows to its celebrated annual group exhibitions, Davis Gallery is a dynamic hub where Austin's artistic past and future converge.
The Legacy and Leadership: A Brief Biography of Davis Gallery’s Key Figures
The story of Davis Gallery & Framing is intrinsically linked to the vision of its founder and the energy of its current leadership, representing a seamless transition from a foundational Austin institution to a modern contemporary art space.
- Bill Davis (Founder): The tradition of the Davis Gallery was originally established by Bill Davis when he founded the Tarrytown Gallery in 1979. Davis’s initial vision was to create a welcoming space for fine art and quality framing, a legacy that the current gallery proudly continues.
- Fallon Bartos (Gallery Director): The gallery's current direction is helmed by Fallon Bartos, who serves as the Gallery Director. Bartos is not only a leader in the Austin art community but is also an accomplished artist in her own right, with her work often influenced by organic forms. Her dual role as director and artist brings a deep, empathetic understanding of the creative process to the gallery's curatorial choices and artist relations.
- Core Mission: Since 1979, the gallery has been a cornerstone of the Austin Art Alliance and the broader art community, serving as a primary home for many of the best local and regional artists.
Unveiling the Future: Must-See Exhibitions for 2025 and 2026
Davis Gallery is known for its commitment to showcasing diverse mediums, styles, and perspectives, and the upcoming exhibition schedule for late 2025 and early 2026 is no exception. These shows provide a crucial look at the current pulse of the Central Texas art scene, featuring both established and emerging talent.
1. The Expressive Power of Garrett Middaugh’s “Life is Absurd!”
A highlight of the gallery’s recent calendar is the solo exhibition by Austin painter and sculptor Garrett Middaugh, titled “Life is Absurd!” Middaugh’s work is a powerful exploration of the show’s title, where he fully embraces a vibrant, expressive style. The exhibition showcases his recent years of artistic evolution, where he has honed a distinctive voice that resonates with critics and the local art community alike. The show, which has run through the fall of 2025, is a prime example of the gallery’s commitment to providing a platform for major, concept-driven solo presentations by local talent.
2. B Shawn Cox’s Highly Anticipated “Cake” (February 2026)
Looking further into the new year, one of the most talked-about upcoming shows is *Cake*, a solo exhibition by B Shawn Cox, scheduled to open on February 28, 2026. Cox is a major figure in the Davis Gallery family of artists, known for his deeply personal artistic practice that followed various business ventures and detours. The anticipation surrounding *Cake* highlights the gallery’s ability to attract and feature significant new work from artists who are fundamental to the Austin art identity, such as Cox, Andrew Long, Court Lurie, Bill Wahlgren, and Sydney Yeager.
3. The Annual Celebration: “Cornucopia” Holiday Group Show
No discussion of the Davis Gallery calendar is complete without mentioning its annual holiday group show, *Cornucopia*. The 2025 edition, opening on November 15, 2025, marks the return of this highly anticipated event, which serves as a massive celebration of the extraordinary talent of Central Texas-based artists. This exhibition is an essential event for collectors looking to discover new artists or acquire smaller, diverse pieces for the holiday season. The show is celebrated for its diverse array of mediums, styles, and perspectives, making it a true cross-section of the region’s creative output.
More Than a Gallery: Custom Framing and Topical Authority
While its exhibition schedule keeps the Davis Gallery at the forefront of contemporary art, its dual identity as a premier custom framing shop is what makes it a complete destination for art lovers and collectors in Austin.
The Art of Preservation and Presentation
The gallery continues the tradition of providing expert custom framing, a service that is as much an art form as the pieces it houses. This commitment to presentation and preservation ensures that collectors can find the perfect solution for their acquisitions, whether they are a contemporary painting purchased at the gallery or a cherished family heirloom. The framing side of the business is a testament to the gallery’s dedication to the entire lifecycle of fine art, from creation to display.
Fostering Regional Talent and Art Entities
The gallery's longevity and success are rooted in its dedication to the local ecosystem. By consistently featuring Central Texas artists, Davis Gallery has built a powerful topical authority around the regional art scene. The gallery’s roster includes a diverse range of artists, such as Nicholas Baxter, who is known for his mastery of multiple mediums and a style that blends the traditional with the bold. This focus on local and regional talent, often in collaboration with organizations like the Austin Art Alliance, makes Davis Gallery a key entity in the cultural landscape of the city.
The commitment to showing a wide spectrum of work—from abstract expressionism to contemporary sculpture and painting—ensures that the gallery appeals to a broad audience, cementing its status as a foundational pillar of Austin’s fine art community.
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