Houston ATCs

We are a group of ATC (art trading cards, or artist trading cards) enthusiasts who meet in person on the third Thursday of each month in Houston, Texas, at 7:30 p.m. More specifically, we meet at the Cafe Express on West Gray. We are an open group and everyone is welcome to attend

And just what are ATCs anyway? Arist trading cards are miniature pieces of art measuring 2.5 by 3.5 inches in size — in other words, they fit in a standard baseball card or trading card sleeve. ATCs can be any medium: paint, pencil, ink, collage, photography, digital, textile…. There are really only two “rules” in the world of ATCs: they must be 2.5 by 3.5 inches (three-dimensional is OK too, but it’s preferred that they still fit in the sleeves), and they are meant to be traded, not sold.

ATCs have been described by some as “art for the people, by the people.” You do not need to be a professional artist. You do not need to be able to draw or paint (in fact, collage is an extremely popular medium for ATCs). This is meant to be non-stressful, no-pressure fun. For this reason, our Houston group is extremely informal. We get together once a month, trade cards, and hang out — that’s it. We don’t have restrictions, such as some groups do, such as minimum quotas of cards you’re expected to produce. We have no problem with photocopies or digital art, as some groups do. Each month we choose one or two optional (heavy emphasis on the optional) themes that people may use for inspiration. To find out the theme for any given month, click on the “themes” category link at the left.

In addition to this blog, we maintain a Yahoo group called “houstonATC.” This will allow you to e-mail other members of the group. Questions? Post a comment here or join the “houstonATC” yahoo group and ask away!