Kelli McDonald - The Austinot

Take a Glass Class at Helios Fused Glass Studio

May 26, 2015 by Kelli McDonald 1 Comment

Helios Glass class work and color samples

Helios Fused Glass Studio is one of the few studios in the world that focuses entirely on fused glass. Since 2007, Helios has offered classes and retail to the Austin community. I was fortunate enough to take the Absolute Beginners class from founder Paul Tarlow to jumpstart my discovery of this versatile medium and unique studio.

Paul’s interest in glass inspired him and his wife Karen to start the business. In January 2015, they moved to their new, more spacious location off of Highway 183. I found my class to be incredibly organized, accessible and not at all intimidating to a beginner. [Read more…]

Exclusive Preview: Austin Weird Homes Tour 2015

May 12, 2015 by Kelli McDonald 2 Comments

The Queen of the Weird, Under the Sea and The Music Home – all new homes featured on this year’s tour

Last year, I went on the first Weird Homes Tour, a self-guided excursion through exceptional and unconventional homes all over Austin. After snooping (courteously) through the houses, I wanted to know more about the people who lived in those spaces day-to-day. First, I interviewed Stefanie Distefano of Flamingo Ranch, where I learned how she transformed a 420 square foot house into a mosaic work of art. Then I journeyed across the plank to a treehouse at James Talbot’s Casa Neverlandia to hear about how he created an eco-friendly wonderland.

On May 23, 2015, Casa Neverlandia returns to the 2015 Austin Weird Homes Tour as the location of the VIP party. Other returning favorites are Professor Dumpster’s 33 square foot genuine dumpster home, the beehive-shaped Earthbag House and the artsy Freeman House. Six additional homes will make their debut this year. I was lucky enough to meet three of the homeowners and sneak a peek at their odd abodes. [Read more…]

10 Beautiful Sights from Umlauf Garden Party 2015

April 29, 2015 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum is located at 605 Robert E Lee Rd near Zilker Park
(Credit: Rebecca Belcher Photography)

Last week, I joined local photographer Rebecca Belcher at Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum for one of the loveliest events in Austin, the 17th Annual Umlauf Garden Party.

This major fundraiser featured fare from 20 local restaurants, wine, a silent and live auction, live music and, of course, striking artwork. Though the humidity that night made us feel like we were in Houston, the event was unmistakably Austin with excited chatter, beautiful summer dresses and a garden full of sculptures made by a man who loved this city, Charles Umlauf (1910-1994). [Read more…]

Downtown Austin Comic Relief: Shows at The New Movement

March 31, 2015 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

The New Movement Theater Downtown Austin

Headed to The New Movement on Lavaca

In a basement off Lavaca sits The New Movement comedy theater and conservatory. Originally located east on Rosewood, The New Movement was started by comedians Chris Trew and Tami Nelson in 2009. Since then, their success has led to a second location in New Orleans.

The New Movement has created a kingdom of comedy where patrons can catch improv, sketch and stand-up shows produced by talented and driven comedians.

Getting to Know the Shows at The New Movement

There is a lot of ground to cover when introducing anyone to The New Movement because of the huge variety of shows taking place onstage from Wednesday through Sunday every week. [Read more…]

Movement and Love at Chaddick Dance Theater’s Winter Showcase

February 24, 2015 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Performing “Vicissitudes of the Heart” (Credit: Rene Michaels/DanceDigitals.com)

I confess that my knowledge of dance is slim, but First Street Studio provides an accessible space to discover a love for dancing. They aim to support emerging artists by providing a nurturing area for small organizations, dance instructors and dancers to connect with Austin audiences by holding classes and performances.

I was fortunate enough to see Chaddick Dance Theater’s Winter Showcase In the Company of… as my introduction to First Street Studio and the work of Cheryl Chaddick, who uses dance to tell relatable stories that reflect inner struggle and self-discovery.

Cheryl Chaddick was the artistic director and choreographer for Company Chaddick in San Francisco [Read more…]

Yard Dog Gallery: Folk and Outsider Art on South Congress

February 12, 2015 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

View from the entrance of Yard Dog

For almost 20 years, Yard Dog Gallery has resided at 1510 S Congress Ave. When I first moved to Austin and visited the South Congress shops, I was excited to find a gallery space full of intriguing art. Since my curiosity was piqued back then, I’ve always wanted to know more about this space and the artists whose work lines the walls. Last week, I spoke with owner Randy Franklin about what makes Yard Dog a uniquely Austin art gallery.

Defining an Art Gallery

Jan, Randy’s wife, had considered the idea of a Southern Folk Art gallery for a while. Once the perfect space opened on South Congress, they had to act fast to get started. They dove in without a business plan, consulted their folk art book collection and reviewed art shows done in museums in order to track down artists. From there, Yard Dog was born. [Read more…]

One of Austin’s Weirdest Homes: Casa Neverlandia

January 28, 2015 by Kelli McDonald 5 Comments

The front of three-story Casa Neverlandia

After going on the Weird Homes Tour last year, I wanted to take a closer look at some of the odd homes in Austin and the people who live in them. Not far from FlamingO Ranch (my first peek into one of Austin’s unique abodes) lies Casa Neverlandia, the Bouldin Creek home of artist James Edward Talbot.

Welcome to Casa Neverlandia

When I walked up to the door, I noticed there wasn’t a doorbell, but rather xylophones and bells. After dinging a bell, I heard a voice coming from a PVC pipe imbedded in the house asking, “Who is it?” When Talbot greeted me outside, he began to tell me his background and how Casa Neverlandia was born.

What was once a small one-story house built in 1906 is now a three [Read more…]

Best 3 Spots for Creative Austin Nail Art

January 13, 2015 by Kelli McDonald 1 Comment

From top right: Petunia nails by Nails Y’all, cat portrait by Nails Y’all, snowflake nails by Sarah at Sugarcoat Nails, Maui nails by Sarah, gold and black nails by Michele Nails, bling accent nail by Michele
(Credits: Nails Y’all, Sarah Kane, Michele Nails)

Manicures have moved beyond simple layers of polish and French tips. Particularly in the past five years, products have advanced, artistic barriers have been pushed and nail art has become widespread. Now, clients can get custom, tiny, temporary paintings on their nails along with dense glitters, long-lasting polish and 3-D embellishments.

I wanted to meet some of Austin’s finest nail artists, so I visited Nails Y’all, Sugarcoat Nails and Michele Nails.

Nails Y’all

I met up with Meghann Rosales, known as Nails Y’all, at Russ and Company Salon while she was working on a client’s nails. I realized it could be rather weird of me to sit in on a stranger’s nail appointment, but they were both so welcoming and friendly that my intrusion felt [Read more…]

Dozen Street: Bar for Artists and Those Who Love Them

December 30, 2014 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Walking up to Dozen Street Bar

Dozen Street Bar, located at 12th and Chicon, is more than just an art bar. The cocktails, live music, unique events and inviting decor create a welcoming space for Austinites to feel at home, whether they’re artistically inclined or just admirers.

First Impressions

Once I spotted the mirror mosaic peacock door, I was more intrigued than ever to enter Dozen Street. While walking in, I was greeted with moody lighting above two pool tables, and walls textured with square panels of different materials.

Strolling further into the long venue, a full color peacock mosaic caught my eye. The welcoming bar, stage and cozy seating completed the indoor experience. [Read more…]

Cherrywood Art Fair: East Austin Holiday Shopping, Family Fun

December 9, 2014 by Kelli McDonald 1 Comment

If the poster of a cat wearing cowboy boots on a carousel horse is not enough to persuade you to attend Cherrywood Art Fair, then perhaps the local art, live music and food vendors will convince you.

In its 13th year of offering family friendly activities, the Cherrywood Art Fair boasts over 80 artists and makers selling and exhibiting their work, 12 live music acts on an outdoor stage and many of Austin’s best food trucks.

The fair is produced by the Chula League, an East Austin non-profit that supports the arts, art education and beautifying outdoor spaces.

The Cherrywood Art Fair takes place at charming Maplewood Elementary, an historic, mid-century school located in East Austin at 38th and Maplewood. Many of the fair’s young volunteers attended school there and participated in [Read more…]

Getting to Know the Shows at The New Movement

Defining an Art Gallery

Welcome to Casa Neverlandia

Nails Y’all

First Impressions

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