Raw 1899 to Close Its Doors After Eight Years

SAN ANGELO, TX — Raw 1899, the downtown San Angelo art gallery and wine bar, will close its doors for good on Saturday, July 12, after eight years in business.

Lisa Curry, who co-founded the business with Nathana Cox, announced the closure in a heartfelt social media post, thanking patrons for their support and calling Raw 1899 “more than just a space—it’s been a heartbeat of creativity, connection, and community.”

The venue, located at 38 N. Chadbourne St., opened in July 2017 with a mission to bring abstract art to San Angelo. Featuring art on century-old rock and brick walls, a wine and beer selection, and a menu of small bites, Raw 1899 quickly became known for its unique blend of art gallery and social lounge.

The business was listed for sale last year for $1.5 million, with the owners citing a desire to focus on family life. The sale included the fully renovated 4,250-square-foot historic building, all furniture, fixtures, and business operations.

Originally a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse, the building retains its vintage tin ceilings and cement floors made from Concho River sand. Curry and Cox transformed it into an art lounge showcasing local and international artists. During its opening, Raw 1899 received more than 300 art submissions from over 90 artists for its first show, “First. Love. Abstracted," we reported back in 2017. 

Beyond art exhibitions, the space hosted live music, private events, and community gatherings. Curry once described Raw 1899 as “comfortable and elegant—a place to revive and replenish, and relax.”

The announcement did not specify whether a new owner has been secured or what might take Raw 1899’s place in the historic building.

Raw 1899’s final day of business will be Saturday, July 12.