Our Mission

Our Mission here at BLOC Gallery is to cultivate a safe and grand space for artists, art collectors and lovers of art. We believe that we can come together to engage, educate and inspire the local art community by hosting exhibitions to further advance the understanding and appreciation of both art and design. We believe that art has the power to move people, to bridge gaps in understanding, to spark our collective imagination toward building a better, more honest world. We seek to actively collaborate with a community of eclectic artists and support each other throughout our journeys.

Our commitment to social impact is at the core of everything we do. We are passionate about supporting causes that align with our values, such as creating safe, inclusive spaces for all. By working closely with local organizations, we strive to amplify these causes through art, advocacy, and action. We believe that through collective effort, we can build a more just, compassionate, and vibrant community, where every voice is heard, valued, and respected.

Meet the Team

  • Brooke Walzel

    Founder, Owner & Curator

    Brooke oversees gallery operations and works closely with artists to develop exhibitions that bring new perspectives and voices into Houston's art community. Her work spans exhibition planning, curation, artist relations, and the many behind-the-scenes details that go into running an independent gallery. When she's not working on BLOC, she's usually working on her own artwork.

  • Megan Randall

    Curator & Artist Sales Consultant

    Megan works alongside Brooke to shape exhibitions and support the artists. She contributes to exhibition planning and development while helping collectors connect with artwork and navigate the process of purchasing art. Through her work at BLOC, Megan helps foster meaningful connections between artists, their work, and the community that engages with it.

  • Curatorial & Exhibitions Intern

    Maria Aldana

    Curatorial & Exhibitions Intern

    Maria is an Art History major at the University of Houston pursuing her bachelor's degree. As Curatorial & Exhibitions Intern at BLOC Gallery, she assists with exhibition installation and deinstallation while shadowing the curatorial team. Through hands-on experience, she is learning about exhibition planning, gallery operations, and the process of bringing artwork from the studio to the gallery walls.

Our Community at BLOC Gallery

  • Opening reception of the solo exhibition, Where Light Touches Memory by Brooke Walzel in October 2026

  • A Line of Memroy

    A Line of Memory Installation during the solo exhibition, Where Light Touches Memory by Brooke Walzel in October 2026

  • Embrace at the opening reception for our new location and the group show In Good Company in May 2026

  • Artist, Darryl Demps Jr. helping install our Echoes of Houston: Creative Conversations exhibition in May 2025

  • Megan Randall, Brooke Walzel, and Tam-Hien Vuong (right to left) during the opening reception of their group show, In Good Company in May 2026

  • Opening reception of Unboxed: Beyond the Binary II picturing Charlie King’s sculpture, Trans Rest as Resistance, 2026

  • Opening reception of Unboxed: Beyond the Binary II in June 2026

  • Billie Abizmal’s unforgettable performance during the Pirates and Pride fundraiser event benefitting Tony’s Place

  • Members of our community enjoying our Resin to Radiance: Earring Making Workshop taught by gallery owner, Brooke Walzel

  • Artist, John Ross Palmer introducing Brooke Walzel at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in February 2025

    *Photograph taken by Darryl Demps Jr.

  • Art & Jazz event snack bar during Kathy Elliott’s solo exhibition Quiet Equations in July 2026

The History behind
BLOC Gallery

BLOC Gallery began as an idea rooted in community, creativity, and access to art. Originally launched under the name BLOC Foundation in February 2025, the project started with the vision of creating a space where artists could share their work, connect with audiences, and contribute to Houston’s evolving creative culture.

BLOC Gallery is owned and operated by Brooke Walzel, who originally founded the space in a section of John Ross Palmer’s beautiful gallery with the goal of building a welcoming environment for artists, collectors, and the community. With a background in supporting creative projects and organizing exhibitions, the gallery continues to grow as a place where new ideas and artistic voices can be shared.

As the project developed, the decision was made to transition from a nonprofit model into an independent gallery. Today, BLOC Gallery operates as a privately owned gallery focused on showcasing emerging and established artists while creating opportunities for exhibitions, collaborations, and community engagement.

Our mission remains the same: to provide a platform for artists and to foster meaningful connections through art.

BLOC Gallery looks forward to expanding its opportunities through exhibitions, artist features, and collaborative projects that highlight the diversity and energy of the Houston art scene.