Arts and Culture

art palette with lots of colorful paint

Works of art, whether in physical or intangible form, can often easily be understood by people from different social, cultural, and political backgrounds. It’s one of the reasons why music is referred to as a musical language. Also, through studying artworks, as well as the messages encoded in literature, music, and poetry, it's possible to gain insight and understanding of other people’s history and present-day realities. Here's a list of some of the best Longview places for adding art into your life.

Arts Longview logo over a blue watercolor wash, highlighting the city’s creative spirit

  1. ARTS!Longview Cultural District

    903-738-1865   Website

    The ARTS!Longview Cultural District, 343-acres stretching from Downtown south to LeTourneau University, incorporates the core of Longview's cultural arts facilities and performing venues, and historical buildings. As an organization, ARTS!Longview's mission is to spark a love of the arts, history, and culture in order to celebrate and enhance our creative community. 

Three people in vintage clothing pose in front of a beige wall with barred windows.

  1. ArtsView Childrens Theatre

    313 W. Tyler St., Longview, TX
    903-236-7535 Website

    ArtsView Children’s Theatre is committed to a progressive theatre arts education and outreach program for area children. Educate tomorrow’s audiences about the joys of the performing and visual arts. Nurture the development of the performing arts. Create, produce, and perform works that engage the entire family. Productions, summer camps, workshops, after school classes, and seminars are offered throughout the year.

Belcher Center

  1. LeTourneau University Belcher Center

    2100 S. Mobberly Ave., Longview, TX
    903-233-3080 Website

    The Belcher Center is the premier center for the performing arts in Longview. With world-class acoustics and staging, the center brings major national touring productions to East Texas. Big names, big performances, and big fun are always in store. Each season, the center attracts Broadway shows, concerts, comedians, and world-class performers. The venue is also home to Longview's symphony, ballet, and symphonic band. 

Two people painting side by side one on a landscape, the other outlining an animal on blue wall

  1. Create ART! Studio

    4315 Gilmer Rd., Longview, TX
    903-212-5252 Facebook Page

    Create Art studio provides art classes, workshops, summer camps, parties, adult & kid's night out. If you want to create on your own, come on in!  They offer clay, clay silver (custom jewelry), canvas, bisque ware and glass. 

Orchestra performing in a concert hall, with musicians in formal attire led by a conductor on stage

  1. East Texas Symphonic Band

    903-738-9442  Website

    The East Texas Symphonic Band (ETSB), founded in 1988, is a volunteer community band made up of area adult and student musicians. The music spans the entire gamut of wind band literature with an emphasis on outstanding local musicians as soloists, both vocal and instrumental. The season typically consists of four formal concerts at LeTourneau University’s Belcher Center and an informal summer “Concert in the Park” at Teague Park.

Longview Symphony

  1. Longview Symphony

    903-236-9739   Website

    The fully professional Longview Symphony celebrates 50 years of providing beautiful orchestral music to Longview patrons. Seasonal concerts delight audiences with classical and popular music. Other special events include Bach’s Lunches, free lunchtime concerts at various downtown churches.

Painting

  1. Painting with a Twist

    100 Tall Pines Ave Suite 5, Longview, TX
    903-236-8585 Website

    Painting With A Twist is a little bit of paint, a little bit of wine, and a whole lot of fun! Sip. Socialize. Create.

I heart Mud Hut

  1. The Mud Hut

    103 W. Loop 281 #410, Longview, TX
    903-248-9222 Website

    The Mud Hut is a paint-your-own-pottery studio with Late Night, Storytime, custom painting, parties, and more.  **May be temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Please contact in advance prior to attending. 

  1. Theatre Longview

    903-387-3736   Website

    Theatre Longview is dedicated to bringing high-quality, entertaining, inspiring productions to Longview. This theatre company is committed to providing a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere for theatre artists of all levels and backgrounds to use their talents, express themselves, and develop their expertise in theatre arts. Through its theatrical productions, Theatre Longview enriches the tapestry of the arts community in the greater East Texas area.