Tucked inside the historic McKinney Cotton Mill is MillHouse McKinney, a vibrant, membership‑based creative hub dedicated to supporting women artists and micro‑business owners. With a mission to infuse culture, elevate expression, and expand economic opportunity, this space brings intentional programming and authentic community together.
MillHouse McKinney also hosts a wide range of unique events providing exposure of their artists and creatives to visitors and locals. Before we delve into what awaits you in the way of events at MillHouse, let’s learn a little more about this authentic, McKinney-grown art collective.
What Is MillHouse McKinney?
MillHouse was co‑founded by Dr. Beth Beck, Aimee Woolverton, and Dana Brock, whose combined backgrounds in science, entrepreneurship, photography, and art helped them envision a collaborative environment that supports women’s creative micro businesses through curated space and a shared passion for creating and supporting art.
In other words, they’re in the business of growing dreams, which translates into economic development. While small and micro businesses are often overlooked, these businesses are the bedrock of a community’s economy.
MillHouse McKinney operates as a 501(c)(6) business league, managing a 15,000 sq. ft. facility that includes a co‑working collaboration suite, 32 private studios and multiple open studios, two shared photography studios, and a 700-sq. ft. Create Retreat Suite. MillHouse also offers workshop/classroom space, a kitchen with coffee bar, and outdoor patios.View the artists and their studios .
Showcasing Artists' Work
Two important aspects of MillHouse McKinney that enable the member artists to promote their work to the public, encouraging economic development of their businesses as creatives include:
- The Boutique Shoppe provides members a place to showcase their work for sale. Here, visitors to the collaborative space can shop for a wide variety of artwork and gifts including artisan jewelry, hand-painted cards and prints, fiber products, and member author’s books.
- The MillHouse Gallery is a spot where member artists’ work is displayed during quarterly art exhibitions.
MillHouse Events
The following are some of the regular events hosted by MillHouse Foundation to both spark connection and growth, and promote a wide variety of art to the public.
Festivals, markets and public art events are special occasions at MillHouse McKinney.
- ArtFest, a two‑day fine art festival, is held twice a year – in summer and winter – and enables guests to shop with fine artists, jewelers, potters, fiber artists, woodworkers, photographers, and more showcased against the rustic and beautiful century-old architecture of the Cotton Mill facility, built in 1910. Learn more about ArtFest HERE.
- Makers Markets, held monthly, feature handmade goods from local artisans offering jewelry, candles, chocolate, fiber art, abstracts, photography, paper designs, textiles, woodcraft, up-cycled decor, ceramics, leather artwork, and more. Our neighbor, White Box Roastery, offers coffee, tea, smoothies, pastries, snacks, and more to enjoy while you shop for artisan products at the Market. Learn more about Makers Markets HERE.
One special event, held in the summers of 2022, 2023, and 2024, is MuralFest, when mural artists converged on the Cotton Mill to cover the outside walls in bold, bright colors. This event is being paused for now, but may pick up in future years. For now, you can visit the Cotton Mill to view the 33 vibrant murals that adorn the historic facility. You’ll find a map and information about all the muralists HERE.
MillHouse has also hosted Chalk Walks and, in 2024, celebrated art around the world with the International Postcard Art Exhibit.
Regularly Scheduled Events at MillHouse McKinney
Workshops, a speaker series and weekly Lunch Bunch sessions enable members and guest speakers from brand strategists to grant experts to share their knowledge in an informal setting. Workshops cover topics such as social media, pricing strategy, legal essentials for small business owners, and more.
Mastermind and peer‑networking events allow members to come together for mentorship circles, goal‑setting sessions, and creative brainstorming in a supportive group format, often led by more established entrepreneurs in the community.
For a list of the current events happening at MillHouse McKinney, click HERE.
How You Can Get Involved
- Become a member: Options range from commitment‑free coworking to private studios or open studio access...and members can progress at their own pace.
- Attend public events: Visit First Fridays, Makers Markets, or catch ArtFest at the Cotton Mill.
- Follow their online presence by staying tuned to the organization on Instagram and Facebook, or subscribe to their newsletter.
- Book the MillHouse Create Retreat Suite for a special space that’s ideal for teaching or hosting immersive creative retreats in a unique mural-adorned space
- Volunteer to support festivals or exhibitions through MillHouse Foundation.
MillHouse: A Hidden Gem in McKinney
With leaders who deeply understand both creative practice and business strategy, and a calendar filled with transformative programming, MillHouse McKinney continues to foster a powerful creative economy. It’s a place where women don’t just find space—they find inspiration, collaboration, and an authentic path to thriving.
Join MillHouse McKinney and be part of a community where creativity meets connection and dreams become businesses.
