In May of 2008 the members and board of directors of the Lost Pines Artisans Alliance leased the building at 301 Burleson Street in Smithville from the City of Smithville. They immediately began working to re-open the Mary Nichols Art Center and introduce Smithville again to this wonderful community asset.

On Thursday, September 18, 2008 the Lost Pines Artisans Alliance and the Smithville Chamber of Commerce hosted a Chamber Mixer and Grand Opening at the Mary Nichols Art Center, located at the corner of Loop 230 and Burleson in Smithville.

The event featured an art exhibition of art created by local member artists and children from the community of Smithville. There was a silent auction, door prizes and a group art project. A wonderful Fajita Dinner was catered by Robert and Sheila Tamble and a wonderful time was had by all.

The Lost Pines Artisans Alliance have introduced a host of ongoing activities  sponsored at the center. The Gallery at the center is now open on Saturdays from 11-4 pm for visitors to view art on display, get a tour of the facility and meet some of our artist members.

There are ongoing art classes for children and adults. Visit our classes page for currnent information.

The Art Center at the Mary Nichols Art center features six different art shows a year, one every two months. Most of the shows are group shows featuring art from our current member artists and some are shows featuring one or a select group of our member artists.
An opening reception is held for each show and these are a great opportunity for visitors and members of the Smithville community to view some great art, meet the artists and enjoy the wonderful social atmosphere of the Mary Nichols Art Center.

2010 Art Show Schedule

January/February - "Beauty in the Abstract" Group Show

March/April - "Texas State of Mind" Group Show
Reception: March 12

May/June - "Figuratively Speaking" Group Show (Figure Art)
Reception: May 7

July/August -  "Twisted Sisters" Featured Artists Show -
Stephanie Shroyer, Bonnie McConnell
Michele Brower, and Melissa Slepekis
Reception: July 9

September/October - "Group Show"
"Artists Choice"
Reception: September 10

November/December - "Holiday Gift Show" Group Show
Reception: November 12

Only members with paid up dues are permitted to show their work in the Gallery.

Dues are $20.00 per person per year.

Members must work one Saturday or * Sunday a month at the Gallery from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM or help at First Saturday or at the reception, or help with classes, or volunteer in some way. Members will go through training at the Gallery before working.

*NOTE: We would like to also open the Gallery on Sundays from 11:00 -4:00, but we need volunteers to do this. It will take cooperation from all of us.

• Artwork in all skill levels is accepted.
• Artwork must be in good taste.
• Artwork must be original.
• All artwork is exhibited at Gallery at your own risk.
• Artists will pay the LPAA 10% of any sales they make at the Gallery.
• Paintings or photography must be ready to hang with a wire on the back( no hangers).
• Jewelry and 3D work should have displays if needed.
• Artwork should be appropriately framed.
• Artwork must be entered in the Inventory Book with name, description, price, and in And out dates.
• Artwork must be labeled on a small card with your name, name of piece, and price.
• Delivery and pick up dates for artwork for shows should be observed so that new show can be ready for opening date.
• The number of pieces accepted will be decided by the Gallery Director.