Emily Chiles Startz

As the owner of The Woodlands Art Gallery & Studios, Emily Chiles Startz strives to provide a dynamic space for artistic celebration and collaboration right in her own community. Initially drawn to the world of interior design, Emily’s career began by beautifying spaces and collaborating with clients. A visit to an art gallery in the 1980s sparked her curiosity for the art world.

“I saw paintings that were done on canvas rolled out on the floor of the gallery,” Emily says. “They had rainbows of color, and I absolutely loved them. I thought I might want to do that, too.”

Despite initially lacking formal training, Emily’s enthusiasm led her to put paint to canvas and dive into the world of art. This newfound passion for painting coincided with her work as an interior decorator.

Emily’s journey took a turn when she decided to deepen her artistic skills by taking classes and immersing herself in the local art community. Encouraged by a friend and fellow artist, she rented a studio space at Sawyer Yards in Houston. “I was a little intimidated at first because he was a very experienced artist and I was just starting out taking classes,” she says. “But I thought ‘why not?’ and went ahead and did it.”

In 2021, Emily moved to The Woodlands, where she realized her dream of opening her own gallery. A warm and inviting space, The Woodlands Art Gallery & Studios showcases original fine art from regional artists and reflects Emily’s unique artistic vision.

Emily’s personal art studio is in the gallery, where she creates abstracts and landscapes. “Abstracts are very expressive,” she says. “I use big movements. It’s almost like a conductor conducting a very powerful symphony and then ending with a flourish.” In contrast, she says her landscapes evoke a sense of wanting to step into the painting, capturing the beauty of nature that surrounds her.

Later this month, Emily is heading to the Smokey Mountains with hundreds of other painters. “We’ll load up our backpacks and venture to some breathtaking locations for en plein air painting,” she says.

As an artist and a business owner, Emily has discovered key insights into how she works best. For example, she knows the importance of starting her day with painting, recognizing that if she doesn’t paint in the morning, she’ll get sidetracked by other tasks.

Beyond her gallery, Emily finds joy in family and community engagement. She recently married into a family in The Woodlands, gaining stepchildren and grandchildren whom she adores. Looking ahead, she envisions future adventures, including a European river cruise with her husband upon his retirement.

Emily invites you to come and experience The Woodlands Art Gallery & Studios — a cozy, comfortable space where you can explore captivating artwork, meet talented artists, and showcase your own art.

Learn more about upcoming shows and events at WoodlandsArtAndStudios.com.