About Texas Art Asylum
Art supply thrift store with everything sold by the pound.
At a Glance
About This Store
Texas Art Asylum is a one-of-a-kind creative reuse thrift store in Houston's 77003 area, offering an extraordinary selection of secondhand art supplies, craft materials, vintage collectibles, and unique curiosities. Unlike a typical thrift store, nearly everything is priced by weight, making it incredibly affordable for artists, teachers, hobbyists, and anyone with a creative spark. Customers consistently rave about the vast, ever-changing inventory organized across themed rooms and sections, from a dedicated jewelry room with endless drawers of beads and baubles to shelves overflowing with yarn, fabric remnants, buttons, stamps, magazines, old photographs, postcards, and more. The store operates on a donation model, with regular drop-offs keeping the stock fresh and rotating. Staff are generally described as helpful and friendly, though shoppers may need to ring a bell for assistance. The quirky, inspiring atmosphere is enhanced by two resident shop cats that wander the premises, adding to the charm. With reasonable pricing rarely exceeding $50 per visit, Texas Art Asylum is a beloved local gem for sustainable crafting and creative exploration.
What Customers Love
Themes consistently mentioned across customer reviews.
- Everything sold by the pound for great prices
- Huge, ever-changing selection of art supplies
- Quirky, creative vibes with shop cats
- Perfect for teachers and sustainable crafting
- Organized rooms filled with unique treasures
What to Know Before You Go
Things visitors commonly mention so you can plan ahead.
- Two resident shop cats if you're allergic
- Ring the bell for staff assistance
- Some items priced individually, not by weight
- You can spend hours browsing easily
- Schedule an appointment to donate items
💡 Pro Tip
Buy lightweight items like paper, magazines, and photos for the best value by the pound.
Specialties & Brands
What They Specialize In
Visit Planning
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings for the best selection |
| Worst time to visit | Weekend afternoons when it's busiest |
| Restock pattern | Donations arrive regularly, keeping stock in constant rotation; new items appear daily. |
| Sale schedule | No regular sales, but lightweight items always offer great value by the pound. |
Amenities & Facilities
What Reviewers Praise
Payment Options
Follow Online
Hours of Operation
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 1–6 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the pricing work?
Most items are sold by the pound at very low rates, with some individually priced special items. Lightweight items like paper and magazines are especially affordable.
Are there cats in the store?
Yes, there are two resident shop cats that roam freely around the store, so be aware if you have allergies.
Can I donate art supplies here?
Yes, Texas Art Asylum accepts donations. You should schedule an appointment to drop off your donations.
Is this store good for teachers?
Absolutely! Multiple reviews mention it's great for teachers wanting sustainable art project materials, and they have a teacher appointment situation for bulk shopping.
Plan Your Visit to Texas Art Asylum
Stop by to browse their curated selection or get in touch with any questions.