Did you know all the artwork in the bed and breakfast is original? Most of it came from artists we worked with during our stint as art gallery owners (2015-2020, Back Lot Gallery, Brenham, TX). And we have continued to collect art for the house from local and regional artists by attending local festivals and shows. But our love and support of the arts community don’t stop there. We also give annually to several local performing and visual arts non-profits with sponsorships, advertising and attendance.
There’s a lot of creativity that happens in this small town of 17,000 residents that one time visitors don’t get a chance to enjoy. From history museums to professional theatre; art leagues to visiting authors, Brenham/Washington County always seems to have something art related happening. As a Texas Music Friendly, Tourism Friendly, and Film Friendly Community, the City of Brenham, and their residents, has committed to the performing and visual arts.
And as a part of that community, and as a business dedicated to artwork and creativity, we try to support those around us that work tirelessly year-round, providing experiences in the arts. As we celebrated our 10 years of Hospitality in September, we spent some time reflecting on previous partnerships while exploring new ones. The summer and early fall of 2026 have been full of art minded activities in and around the house.
The Fortnightly Club is a women’s club which started the Brenham public library more than 125 years ago and continues to support the library with its annual weeklong book sale each February (mark your calendar for February 15-20, 2027). This tireless group of ladies do more volunteer work across the community than any other organization – pillows for Veterans, ushering for Unity Theatre, maintaining the Little Free Libraries in the city parks, and the citywide Holiday Decorating Contest – to name a few of their projects. This July we hosted their second annual “Summer Catch Up” so members can connect over the summer break. For the record, I have been a member for many years, and the ladies continue to surprise me with their kindness, friendship and unlimited energy!
In August we hosted the second annual public book review for the Lifetime Learning Brenham County READ event held each October. This organization brings speakers and authors to Brenham year round, but their annual READ event is my favorite. This year, for the first time, we hosted the author for the actual County READ in October. What a delight to visit with the author, attend the program at Unity Theatre, and promote the event through selling raffle tickets. As fate would have it, one of our guests won the raffle basket!
Main Street House has been a Preferred Lodging Partner of Unity Theatre since we opened, giving our guests the opportunity to add discounted tickets to their reservations. In addition to Will Call ticket pick up, guests receive either a concessions voucher or access to the Players Club, which is a wine and cheese social time. This year we were able to increase our support and are an Annual Partner for their 2026-2027 season. Supporting this professional theatre is such a passion of Keith and mine we have both served on their board of directors. In September, to celebrate the beginning of their 31st season, we once again enjoyed their annual Gala. In addition, for the first time, we had the Unity staff over for breakfast so they could enjoy Keith’s famous omelets. We had such an enjoyable morning, we think this should become an annual event!
October started with a stay by Edger Allan Poe, who was invited to town to share his life and work by the Brenham Heritage Museum. MSH was excited to host Mr. Poe during his weekend in the area. Keith and I even attended the show in Chappell Hill and learned more about Poe than expected. The museum, located at the end of our block at the corner of Main and Market Streets, has been a wonderful neighbor over the years. In September 2026, we became their first Community Partner, giving us the opportunity to host visiting speakers/performers and arrange for our guests to enjoy discounted admission to the museum during each stay.
The Barnhill Center at the Historic Simon is another new partnership through paid advertising. This historic vaudeville style theatre was restored to its glory over a two decade period and finally reopened its doors in 2023. Located about 5 blocks away (10-minute walk) from MSH, guests can get to and from easily by walking or a short drive. Tickets must be purchased directly from them, but if guests let us know they are attending a show we happily share our reusable concession cups which provide a small discount.
Of course, we can’t partner with everyone, sometimes we have to support an organization or event by simply attending. Keith loves music so that’s where he gravitates. That includes amazing performances at Round Top Festival Institute (we attended a brass band concert this summer), checking out the monthly jazz band at the local biergarten, HSF, buying new art at the Scarecrow Music Festival in Chappell Hill (2nd weekend in October) and tasting beer while listening to live music at the Texas Art and Music Festival (3rd weekend in October).
Speaking of beer, did you know there is a beer club in Brenham of epic proportions? The Zythological Society of North America, Brenham chapter (currently the only chapter), celebrated its 10 years in February 2026. This non-profit organization was created for the sole purpose of giving to other local charities! Keith was a founding member and continues to support the club at their monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. These monthly meetings are open to anyone for a small fee and includes: two beer tastings, some information about what you’re tasting and some wonderful laughter. They also have several tastings events, the most recent, A Saunter for a Cause, a .01 marathon of beer tastings! All proceeds go to a local breast cancer support group. What a great reason to enjoy the art of beer drinking!
There’s a new community theatre, Out of Pocket Theatre, who hosted a .01 fun walk on July 4 (just our speed). Their performances are at an outdoor park amphitheater in October and March/April. We attended an October performance and enjoyed sitting in our lawn chairs (we have some for guests at the house) and cuddling up with our blankets (yes, it was cool by Texas standards).
When I put everything down in writing, it seems like a lot. No wonder Fall always flies by! But, when you’re doing things you enjoy with people you appreciate, it just becomes part of a beautiful life. And the busyness doesn’t overwhelm you; it gives you joy. For us, supporting the arts helps us stay focused on living a life full of joy and beauty, not just work and the bottom line. The full calendar of Brenham/Washington County is part of what makes living here so wonderful. Remember, there’s always time to enjoy what you love. And there is always time to discover something new to love.
May you find renewed joy in the music and art around you!
Suzy