Meet Eddie Markey | Beaumont Art League Board President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eddie Markey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eddie, how does your business help the community?
The Beaumont Art League (BAL) was founded in 1943 by a group of local artists and has since become a vital part of the regional arts community. As a member-supported nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to promoting visual arts in Southeast Texas through a variety of programs, including monthly art exhibitions, juried competitions, workshops, classes, children’s education, and studio sessions.
The Beaumont Art League is the home of the I HEART ART classes. I HEART ART classes are offered and free to those with disabilities to promote social inclusiveness. I HEART ART was founded by Board President, Eddie Markey, and facilitated with Board VP, Meredith McMurray and Gallery Manager, Matthew Beer.
BAL exhibitions are judged, with cash prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Honorable Mentions are named. Opening receptions are the second Saturday of every month. They are free and open to the public with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The Beaumont Art League is located 2675 Gulf Street, Beaumont, Texas.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
BAL is the oldest non-profit art gallery in Southeast Texas. Each exhibition hosts over 50 artists showing up to over 130 art pieces. Opening receptions can reach over 100 artists and art enthusiasts. We show every medium- from wood, glass and assemblage to oil and watercolor. The Beaumont Art League’s artists are local and international award winners.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Beaumont Art League is located in Beaumont, the heart of Jefferson County. Beaumont and the surrounding area are rich in culture and art. The Art Studio, Art Museum of Southeast Texas and Southeast Texas Stages are well attended and a must for visitors and locals alike. Enjoy a meal at Hearsay’s, Frankie’s Italian Grill or Riverside Grille, catch a play at Southeast Stages and end the day visiting the Beaumont Art League.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Beaumont Art League has over 280 members. Through membership contributions, active Board members and volunteers we are able to showcase Southeast Texas artists in professional and elegant galleries. It takes many hours of behind-the-scene member volunteered activities to host a exhibition opening every month.
BAL with collaboration with Southeast Texas Stages performing arts theater in Beaumont, Texas showcase BAL winning art pieces in Stages lobby at the end of every show.

Website: https://beaumontartleague.us/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeaumontArtLeague.Texas