Since its beginning, CHAT has embraced art as a core part of its programs, using murals and creative engagements to foster social-emotional growth, provide educational opportunities, and build a stronger, more connected community.
Through vibrant public art and interactive projects, CHAT uplifts and celebrates the diverse voices within our community, creating spaces where everyone’s story can come to life. Join us in experiencing the power of art to inspire, connect, and transform.
CHAT’s arts programming
Murals + Gulfton Story Trail
The Gulfton Story Trail is an immersive art experience that invites you to discover the many cultures and voices of Houston’s international Gulfton neighborhood.
Nestled in between Gulfton’s global cuisines and eclectic shops are inspiring murals created by some of Houston’s most talented street artists. Every block is a fresh chapter in the story of what makes Gulfton special, a diverse tapestry made of more than 100 unique cultures and 60 different languages.
Since the creation of the Gulfton Story Trail, we have added over 20 murals to the area, bringing even more vibrant art to the community. We are grateful to the artists who have collaborated with us to make these murals possible, adding their unique vision and creativity to this shared space.
The first 12 murals were part of a pilot program, ‘Visit My Neighborhood,’ created under Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities Initiative, which was launched in 2018.
Additional funding was received by the Houston Health Department; by a grant from LISC Houston, a local office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, the nation’s largest community development support organization; Houston in Action; and Hogg Foundation through Asian American Attaining Awareness (AAAA). These murals were also funded in part by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.
Click here to access a self-guided trail map for mural locations and info.
Resources on Art + Health, Art + Community
CHAT collaborates with local organizations to provide creative classes and resources that enhance both personal well-being and community connection. These partnerships allow us to offer unique programs that blend art, health, and community-building, supporting individuals in self-expression, learning, and emotional growth. Our partners bring their expertise to these programs, helping participants explore new skills and connect with others through art.
Our Partners in Providing Classes:
Brave Little Theater
Provides theater workshops that encourage self-expression, confidence, and storytelling skills. These workshops offer a safe space for participants to explore their own voices and gain confidence in front of others.
Nameless Sound
Offers music classes that foster creativity and emotional expression through sound. These sessions allow participants to explore music as a form of healing and community building, using sound to express themselves and connect with others.
Houston Center for Photography
Engages participants in photography classes where they learn to capture their unique perspectives. This creative outlet encourages mindfulness and helps participants tell their stories visually, fostering self-awareness and a sense of accomplishment.
Women’s Sewing Circle
Art and Music Classes
CHAT’s Art and Music Classes provide a creative outlet for students of all ages, both in and out of school. Offered after school and during summer sessions, these programs are accessible year-round, with classes that vary from season to season and year to year. Past classes have included traditional art, photography, and journaling, allowing students to explore diverse forms of creative expression.
Through these programs, students also have unique opportunities to work alongside community artists, such as collaborating on mural projects for the Gulfton Story Trail. These experiences help students build confidence, connect with their cultural roots, and contribute to their community’s visual landscape.
