Discover Creativity at Comfort's Art Festival and Galleries
Sometimes you can be inspired by the power of creativity in the most unassuming places. Comfort, Texas, is such a place. Located in the heart of the Hill Country, our quaint town is known for its historic buildings, antiques shopping and laid-back atmosphere. You might not initially think of Comfort as an art town, but we're happy to enlighten you. From the annual art festival to our galleries and studios, Comfort's ability to foster artistic expression while preserving its Texan heritage creates a unique and unforgettable experience for all who visit.
For guests who stay with us at Hotel Giles in mid-September, you'll want to add the Comfort Art Festival to your getaway itinerary. The 2023 event will be held September 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the historic district in downtown Comfort. Step outside the front doors of our romantic bed-and-breakfast and you'll be met by talented Texas artists who will have their masterpieces on display. Handcrafted jewelry, paintings, stained glass, work and metal working, pottery, mixed media — the variety and quality of artwork you will see is impressive, to say the least.
This is the 11th year for the Comfort Art Festival, and each year builds upon the last. It is organized by the Comfort Merchant Association, which also runs several other community events including Diva Day and Girls Night Out. For the art festival, dozens of artists from around the Hill Country will show, sell and even demonstrate their art forms in front of and inside of restaurants, boutiques, specialty stores and antique shops throughout the downtown area. The Comfort Art Festival is a wonderful way for shoppers to learn more about Hill Country artists and build their personal art collections, and for merchants to support these artists who inspire us all by capturing the spirit and beauty of the Hill Country in their work.
In addition to the annual art festival, there are galleries and studios in Comfort that showcase a wide range of artistic styles, from traditional to contemporary. You can also explore your own inner artist through art workshops and private classes they offer. Right across the street from Hotel Giles is Studio Comfort Texas, a fine art gallery and working studio that curates contemporary artwork made primarily by Texas artists. Owner and artist Cara Hines hosts workshops, talks and events to foster art appreciation. Located along scenic Farm Road 473 in Comfort, Hill Country Pottery features the work of master artist Brian Burckhardt, who creates unique, handcrafted clay pottery for your home. Sign up for one of his classes to try your hand at throwing clay on a pottery wheel.
For something you'll only find here in Comfort, check out the Cartoon Saloon. This roadside attraction features the cowboy cartoons and other whimsical oddities of proprietor J.P. Rankin. Rankin is an award-winning artist, dubbed the Cartoon Cowboy for his fun, quirky ode to the Wild West in all of his cartoon characters. He's even a member of Cowboy Cartoonists International and the 2012 AWA Cartoonist of the Year.
We think art lovers will be pleasantly surprised with all that Comfort has to offer. From the annual Comfort Art Festival in September to our galleries, studios and hands-on workshops, our town celebrates creativity and expression in an atmosphere of Texas history and charm. Be sure to explore Comfort's artistic treasures during your next stay with us at our historic bed-and-breakfast.
