Artisans of Grapevine
If you are looking for one-of-kind treasures or handmade crafts, Grapevine is home to many local artisans. And this is just one of the many reasons, folks enjoy the lifestyle Grapevine has to offer.    The quality of life in Grapevine is enhanced by the importance placed on art. The city streets and public places are appointed with sculptures, while local buildings represent historical architecture as well as new, clean-lined designs. In addition, gardens and parks are landscaped with an inviting eye for color and design.   Artisans will truly find a community that welcomes their talents. The city has glassblowers, oil and watercolor artists, bronze sculptors, wood carvers, weavers, jewelry designers, furniture makers, fashion designers, pottery throwers and blacksmiths. Stop by The Heritage Center and watch individuals demonstrating the art of their craft, such as blacksmithing or bronze casting, some which date back 150 years ago. Or scroll to the bottom of the page and read about one of our featured artists—landscape painter Rick Eakins.   "fourth Friday Gallery Night" On many occasions, and especially on "fourth Friday Gallery Night," the Grapevine art community welcomes visitors and citizens to a standing Open House. Stroll downtown Main and Barton Streets to visit artists working in their shops. At times, visiting artists will display their wares in tents set up on Barton Street. From 5-9 pm each fourth Friday evening, Grapevine galleries serve complimentary appetizers, refreshments and occassionally, Texas wine. Come casual, enjoy the art and get to know an array of local artists!
Local Galleries
Blue Moon Gallery 412 S. Main 8l7 310-3120   Grapevine Art Glass Gallery 334  S. Barton St 817 251-5193   House of Colors Gallery 121 S. Main St. 817 422-2336   James A. Humphrey Gallery 105 S. Main 817 329-5688   La Casa’s Fine Shoppe 1689 W. Northwest Hwy 817 488-6608   Merry’s Christmas & Clowns 309 S. Main Street 817 329-1431   Mud, Wind and Fire 334 S. Barton St. 817 421-3237   Outback Bronze – Archie St.Clair 701 S. Main 817 966-2229   Pueblo Connection 334. S. Main St. 817 481-7724   Tolbert’s Texas Trading Co. 311 S. Main St. 827 442-8688   Vetro Glassblowing Studio 701 S. Main, #103 817 251-1668
Profiles in Art
Rick Eakins                                           During a recent 4th Friday Gallery Night in downtown Grapevine, Rick Eakins was honored as a featured local artist. Presenting his original landscape collection from the Plein-Aire Painters of America workshops, Eakins encouraged others to paint on location, working outdoors to capture the essence of natural light. "Landscapes are my favorite subject matter, especially if I can find an old barn or house to include in my painting," says Eakins. "And many years as a graphic artist have really helped, especially when I try to capture the fine architectural details of those structures."  Eakins is known for his serene, pastoral oil paintings of the Grapevine area, the Texas Hill country and the northern mountain ranges of New Mexico. Since his retirement from a professional career in commercial art and illustration, Eakins has devoted studio time to perfecting his oil painting. In addition,  he is a member of the Associated Creative Artist of Dallas, Outdoor Painters Society and the Trinity Arts Guild. A long-time resident, Eakins grew up on his family's property in rural Grapevine and developed a passion for oil painting as a teenager. "I have been very fortunate," shares Eakins, "to study and paint with Tony Eubanks, Jerral Derryberry, Bruce Peil, Judy Gelfert, Jim Rozek, and recently John Budicin. So, don't be surprised to find me on any given day out in the park, by Grapevine Lake or even on Main Street with a brush and canvas. I'm enjoying every minute painting!"