Kelli McDonald - The Austinot

Inside Look into Austin’s Blue Cat Cafe

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Kelli McDonald

Frank, a 6-month-old tabby, lounges in a re-purposed drum at Blue Cat Cafe

Editor’s Note: Blue Cat Cafe closed on Feb. 5, 2019.

When I heard about the first cat cafe opening in Austin, I thought of all the blog posts I’d read about businesses in Japan where people could sit and relax with resident cafe cats. The accompanying pictures depicted cozy utopias for cat lovers, and I couldn’t wait to join in. With my next thought, worry crept into my mind. Cats are notoriously particular and many don’t want anything to do with other cats. Would our Austin business be run by people who would keep that idea, along with the importance of cleanliness, in mind? And what about litter boxes?! [Read more…]

10 Illuminating Art Pieces from Pop Austin 2015

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Kelli McDonald

Fair Market on Pop Austin’s opening night

Pop Austin International Art Show took place this past weekend from Oct. 23-25. This year’s theme was “Illumination,” as the United Nations deemed 2015 “The International Year of Light.” Pop Austin featured laser, neon, LED and holographic artwork and installations. Guests of all ages were immersed in light, while experiencing pieces from local and international artists.

The location of the event was Fair Market on 5th Street, with a satellite gallery at Circuit of the Americas. I was able to check out both shows, so here’s a peek at what I saw, in no particular order. Maybe you’ll be inspired to attend next year’s show! [Read more…]

Texas Book Festival 2015, Free for All Book Lovers at Capitol

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Kelli McDonald

Book signings typically follow author discussions. More details here. (Credit: Texas Book Festival)

On Oct. 17 and 18, Texas Book Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary of offering a large, free event to celebrate authors and readers. Guests can visit the rooms of the Capitol Building, Paramount Theatre, and tents on South Congress and the Capitol grounds to hear authors discuss their books.

With a book tent to purchase new reads, book signings, panels, live music, food vendors, a children’s tent and even a cooking tent, there’s something appealing for [Read more…]

One of Austin’s Weirdest Homes: Sharon’s Folk Art House

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Kelli McDonald

Sharon’s Folk Art House living room

When I visited Sharon’s Brentwood home during Weird Homes Tour 2015, I was in awe. Her 1,500-square-foot home peeked out from behind a tall front yard garden. The tour cryptically dubbed the location, “Sharon’s House,” so I wasn’t sure what to expect at first.

[Read more…]

Guide to Barton Springs Pool, Soul of Austin

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Kelli McDonald

Looking toward the Austin skyline from Barton Springs Pool

Austinites have socialized, fished, waded and swum in the clear blue waters of Barton Springs since the 1800s. The water’s temperature stays at a steady 68-70 degrees while the setting around it changes drastically throughout the year.

I wanted to compile a short guide on what makes Barton Springs Pool quintessentially Austin. In order to scratch the surface of this historical gem, I met with Wayne Simmons, Aquatic Program Manager for the City of Austin, and Clark Hancock, Exhibit Coordinator at the Nature & Science Center. [Read more…]

Experience Bollywood Right Here in Austin

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Kelli McDonald

Bollywood Dancing at Long Center in Austin

Bollywood dancing in front of the Austin skyline

Austin Bollywood Day 2015 was a success! While the weather was exceptionally hot, hundreds of visitors were in good spirits while checking out the festivities at the Long Center. If you missed this recent August event, don’t worry. There are several happenings throughout the year to celebrate the vibrancy and excitement of Bollywood in Austin, and you can get involved. [Read more…]

Free Austin Arts Block Party to Celebrate Vibrant Local Scene

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Kelli McDonald

Exciting night at The Long Center (Credit: David Ingram via Flickr CC)

Get to know your artsy neighbors in a new, unprecedented Austin event: Austin Arts Block Party! Mark your calendars for August 23, 2015 and get ready to celebrate the vibrant performing arts scene in our city. Did I mention the event is completely free? [Read more…]

Oddities Await at Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Kelli McDonald

Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata Entrance

Museum of Natural & Artificial Ephemerata entrance in East Austin

In a home off of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in East Austin reside Scott and Jen Webel, owners of the Museum of Natural & Artificial Ephemerata. I remember visiting the museum when I first moved to Austin, and since then it has remained in the back of my mind as an oddity I wanted to learn more about. Where did all of these weird items come from, and why are they in someone’s home? [Read more…]

Blanton Exhibit Shows Dark Side of Brothers Grimm Tales

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Kelli McDonald

Natalie Frank (Credit: Phil Chang)

Combining literary and artistic interests, Natalie Frank’s new series of artwork gives modern insight into The Brothers Grimms’ tales. The show is traveling from The Drawing Center in New York where Frank is now based.

Since Frank is an Austin native, the Blanton Museum of Art was particularly interested in displaying this exhibition. The bright colors and audacious content fits right in with Austin’s penchant for boldness. [Read more…]

6 Unbelievable Public Art Pieces at The University of Texas

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Kelli McDonald

Nancy Rubins, Monochrome for Austin at The University of Texas

Nancy Rubins, Monochrome for Austin, 2015. Photo by Paul Bardagjy. Courtesy of Landmarks, the public art program of The University of Texas at Austin.

The University of Texas campus contains a large community. For those who don’t have a direct connection to this part of town, it can be daunting to navigate or even considered an area to avoid. For art lovers, this is a huge mistake.

UT features a wonderful art museum along with recognizable sculptures and incredible contemporary public art to engage students and the public. UT’s public art program, Landmarks, is to thank for curating James Turrell’s Skyspace and numerous other pieces that provide distinguishable visual markers on the large campus.

Though Landmarks provides an accessible map and monthly tours, I asked their External Affairs Coordinator, Nick Nobel, to introduce the Austinot community to six of UT’s notable landmarks. [Read more…]

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