When Mickey and Jeanne Klein approached Lake Flato with a vision for an office space in Marble Falls, their plans evolved into something greater: Arthouse, a public gallery showcasing a dynamic and rotating collection, set to open in early 2025. Located on Main Street, the building is both a tribute to the couple’s passion for art and a unique opportunity to give back to the Hill Country community. Longtime friends and collaborators Ted Flato and David Lake of the award-winning architecture firm Lake Flato joined the Kleins to bring their vision to life.
The Kleins, avid art collectors with ties to institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Blanton Museum of Art and the Santa Fe Art Institute, are no strangers to sharing their love of art. Among their contributions is the Blanton’s iconic tiled entry, “Stacked Waters” by Teresita Fernández. Arthouse will feature works from their collection, including pieces by Ed Ruscha, James Turrell, Jeffrey Gibson, and Robert Rauschenberg. “Art should be accessible to everyone,” says Mickey, who developed a love for art during a childhood trip to Kansas City’s Nelson-Atkins Museum. “It opened my eyes to a whole new world.”
“We hope this gallery inspires curiosity and connection in the community,” Jeanne adds.
Visionary Design
Initially planned as a workplace for Mickey’s longtime employees, Susan Guerry and Kathy Epley, who relocated from Midland, the project grew into a gallery-office hybrid that reflects the Kleins’ commitment to art and community. “They saw this as an opportunity to enrich Marble Falls by sharing their collection,” Flato says. Designed to seamlessly blend with the historic charm of Main Street, the two-story building is modern yet understated with a refined palette of limestone and steel that will allow the art to shine.
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a serene courtyard designed by third-generation Japanese garden specialist Sadafumi Uchiyama. “It’s a nice generous courtyard space that gives the gallery breathing room from the main street,” Flato says.
Inside, the ground floor houses a 2,000-square-foot exhibition space with 12-foot ceilings and a central skylight, bringing in indirect light. Upstairs, a private office space is set back to create a shaded overhang. “We wanted the architecture to highlight the art while respecting the scale of downtown,” says project architect Grace Boudewyns.
A Space for Art and Community
Arthouse will debut with Word Matters, an exhibition exploring text and narrative in art. Future shows will highlight photography, ceramics, and regional artists, aligning with the Kleins’ mission to foster a deeper connection to the arts in Central Texas. “This isn’t a commercial gallery,” Mickey emphasizes. “It’s about sharing what we’ve collected over the years and giving others the chance to experience the transformative power of art.”
For Marble Falls, Arthouse represents a cultural milestone. Situated among local shops and historic facades, the gallery brings fresh energy to Main Street while honoring its small-town charm. “This project is a gift to the community,” says Flato. Jeanne echoes this sentiment, adding, “Marble Falls has become a special place for us. We’re thrilled to share our love of art with its residents.”
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