Merge hosts monthly events out of our studio in downtown Houston at Deutser Studios (2000 Nance St., Studio B-126). We are a small artists' studio and can only accommodate ten people at a time. For group orders, please contact hlwalrath [at] gmail [dot] com. We are always happy to accommodate, but we have limited space. We can also create custom events for groups.
DATE: Saturday, July 11, 2026
TIME: 6:00PM - 8:00PM
In this writing + art workshop, we'll explore one of the most iconic artists of all time: Vincent Van Gogh. Inspired by Van Gogh's famous sunflowers, we'll paint sunny summer sunflowers and incorporate Van Gogh's writing into our creative practice. Van Gogh was not only a talented painter but also a lifelong letter writer. This unique workshop will give you an opportunity to learn about Van Gogh's life and create a piece of art in the spirit of one of the most popular artists in history.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT - But Check Out Our September Session!
DATE: Saturday, July 18, 2026
TIME: 3 PM
CAP: 10
If you haven’t had years of training with a paint brush it can be intimidating trying to create the right look, use the right stroke, or put just the right pressure on the tip to create that perfect line. We are going to forget all of that in this creative session.
In this session we will create unique and beautiful art with different objects you may find in your household. Join me in a creative session on using unique objects to create unique art. I supply the tools. You just bring a willingness to experiment and have fun.
Sip + Create Rock Painting for Summer Gardens (+ Plant Swap!)
DATE: Saturday, August 8, 2026
TIME: 4:30PM - 6:30PM
Unwind with a refreshing drink and get creative as you transform ordinary rocks into colorful garden art. In this fun, beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn simple painting techniques and design ideas to create unique decorations that add personality and charm to your summer garden. No experience needed—all supplies included!
Also, participants are encouraged to bring a plant (or clipping) to swap with their fellow gardeners.
DATE: Saturday, August 15, 2026
TIME: 3 PM
Meditative art is a practice that focuses on the process of creating or the flow of creating rather than the stress of trying to create something beautiful or sellable. Join me while I step out of the stress and focus on colors and shapes that create a sense of calm or just make you happy.
In this session, we will talk a bit about meditative art and the stresses that creep into our daily lives. We will take a few minutes to journal about those stresses. We will spend some time creating art and then we will write a quick journal entry about our experience.
DATE: Saturday, September 19, 2026
TIME: 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Visual poetry takes many forms. It is usually created through word order or structure. I would like to take it a bit further by adding visual elements such as color, special paper, or photo enhancement.
In this session we will discuss the types of visual poetry, talk about the ways we can create a visual element in our own poetry, and we will practice writing visual poems or creating visual poems out of our own works.
Sip + Create Van Gogh's Sunflowers
A mini writing + painting workshop inspired by the famous work of Vincent Van Gogh and his iconic sunflowers.
DATE: Saturday, September 26, 2026
TIME: 4:30PM - 6:30 PM
In this writing + art workshop, we'll explore one of the most iconic artists of all time: Vincent Van Gogh. Inspired by Van Gogh's famous sunflowers, we'll paint sunny summer sunflowers and incorporate Van Gogh's writing into our creative practice. Van Gogh was not only a talented painter but also a lifelong letter writer. This unique workshop will give you an opportunity to learn about Van Gogh's life and create a piece of art in the spirit of one of the most popular artists in history.
A mini writing + painting workshop for lovers of spooky season, black nail polish, and emo-punk-ska-metal, run by a certified 90s goth!
DATE: Saturday, October 10, 2026
TIME: 4:30PM - 6:30 PM
Bust out your black velvet because this is an art night for the goths! To celebrate Halloween and spooky season, join MERGE for a special all-black painting and poetry night. The challenge for this sip and create will be to create artwork that pairs dark poetry with our favorite color: Black (or maybe really really really dark gray). Attendees are welcome to dress up in their spookiest duds. Hosted by your resident emo, Holly Lyn Walrath, "Houston's most darksome poet".
"My whole life is a dark room. One big, dark room."
Sip + Create Fifth Ward Art Walk
Join us for an art walk in Houston's historic Fifth Ward. We'll start and end at Saint Arnold Brewing!
DATE: Saturday, November 14th, 2026
TIME: 4:30PM - 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Houston's Historic Fifth Ward (Starting and ending outside Saint Arnold Brewing at 2000 Lyons Ave.)
Houston is an art-lovers city! Join us for a guided tour of the art murals of Houston's historic Fifth Ward. This tour starts and ends at Saint Arnold Brewing and explores the nearby artwork, including Saint Arnold's famous art cars, Meow Wolf, and other neighborhood art. Come with your walking shoes ready to learn about the history of Houston and its many talented muralists.
Please note: This event is not hosted by Saint Arnold, they are just our meetup spot. After the event, you're welcome to join us for a drink at the brewery. This event will be outdoors. If weather becomes a problem, we will reschedule for December 5th. Please plan accordingly and wear the appropriate clothing so you can be comfy.
Sip + Create Holiday Cards
DATE: December 12th, 2026
TIME: 4:30PM - 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Merge Art Studio, 2000 Nance St. Studio B-126
Join us for a cozy holiday card-making sesh where you can explore your creative side and make your own poetry-themed holiday cards. In this creative session, we'll use books and texts from the December cultural holidays — Christmas, Bodhi Day, Hanukkah, Diwali, and Kwanzaa—to write poems and create our own holiday cards. Learn about the world's holidays, enjoy a cozy holiday beverage, and meet other creatives.
Open to people of all backgrounds and experiences.