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José Parlá in residence at Landmarks, the public art program of The University of Texas at Austin, 2017 (Credit: Rey Parlá)
When I think of The University of Texas at Austin, images of football, Burnt Orange, and passionate fans come to mind. After this week, I’ll have another image in my mind whenever UT is mentioned: José Parlá’s gorgeous and inspiring mural, “Amistad América,” created for the newest building on campus. [Read more…]
Artist Mez Data painted this scene from the iconic “Dazed and Confused” film with Austin’s sweetheart, Matthew McConaughey, aka Wooderson
Austin’s colorful, painted walls, with their murals, signatures, and sayings, can’t be missed during any exploration of our city. You can see these large pieces downtown, on the east side and south side, and even at The Domain. Whether with beautiful murals, cheerful street art, or classic graffiti, Austin treats the casual spectator to the urban art of their dreams. [Read more…]
The playground at Pease Park occupies a small part of the total 84 acres (Credit: Jim Allen via Flickr CC)
One of the city’s oldest and most iconic green spaces lies in the heart of Austin: Pease Park. It’s spread out over an astounding 84 acres between West 15th and West 31st Streets, along Lamar Boulevard. You may recognize the park as the location of the extremely fun and exciting Eeyore’s Birthday Party every spring.
If you haven’t been to the park on any other occasion, then you’re missing out. Pease Park is a perfect place to enjoy nature with happy picnics, birthday parties, peaceful nature walks, and other recreational activities. And Pease Park Conservancy promises even more with “Art at the Park” and development plans. [Read more…]
Women & Their Work art gallery has been creating space for female artists since the 1970’s
There’s been a rise in female-owned businesses over the past couple of years–not only in Austin, but everywhere, it seems. Locally, annual events such as EAST (East Austin Studio Tour) and West Austin Studio Tour create space for female artists. But art gallery Women & Their Work has been around since 1978 with an explicit mission to cultivate recognition of female-created art in Austin. [Read more…]
Kathy Valentine’s creative energy won’t quit (Credit: Christopher Durst)
Kathy Valentine, accomplished musician, writer, original member of iconic female band the Go-Go’s, and current member of The Bluebonnets, is spearheading She Factory, a series of programs that showcase Austin’s female creative pool. [Read more…]
Images from the newly remodeled Blanton Museum of Art in Austin (Credit: Sam Zavieh)
If you’re an art fan in Austin, you’ve probably visited Blanton Museum of Art. But have you been there lately? If not, you’ll find there have been changes far beyond the rotating exhibits. In fact, the museum did a revamp of its permanent galleries that just opened this spring. In addition to the new design of the upstairs galleries, there are more than twice as many pieces on display. It’s definitely worthy of a second look. [Read more…]
Tiny dancers form a circle in Akinori Goto’s piece
This year, SXSW extends its reach into the art world with the new, expansive SXSW Art Program. By highlighting documentaries focusing on art (like “The Secret Life of Lance Letscher,” based on an Austin artist), art happenings (like the walls of HOPE Outdoor Gallery represented on the Trade Show floor in the Convention Center) and sessions (like a panel on Museums of the Future), SXSW aims to showcase creative freedom across disciplines.
The SXSW Art Program has also curated an incredible lineup of art installations. Here’s a look at five of the most immersive, exciting and innovative installations of 2017. [Read more…]
Hotel Ella is the home of a monthly artistic salon series (Credit: Jake Holt)
Austin has a reputation for being Texas’ city of art and creators. We are the Live Music Capital of the World, right? Throw a rock in any direction and you have a good chance of hitting some type of self-expression. Music everywhere, indie filmmakers, glassblowers, painters. Nearly any and all kinds of art can be found within Austin city limits. We are a city of art makers.
But are we a city of art appreciators? One group at Hotel Ella is doing its best to make sure we are. The Hotel Ella Salon Series is a monthly gathering of art aficionados and regular folks who care deeply about supporting Austin’s unique artistic community. At their regularly hosted artistic salon, Austinites can get to know both the art and the artists who keep our city weird. [Read more…]
Norma Jeanne Maloney works on a piece for long time client, Hotel San Jose
Norma Jeanne Maloney’s work is seen everywhere in town and you probably don’t even know it. Once you do start noticing, you’ll be overwhelmed with the abundance of local Austin businesses that take advantage of her skills in sign artistry. Her long list of clients include the likes of Stubb’s BBQ, Hotel San Jose, Caffe Medici and many others. [Read more…]
Scene from Austin Opera’s “The Flying Dutchman” (Credit: “The Flying Dutchman”/Erich Schlegel)
From huge festivals with famous headliners to as-of-yet-undiscovered bands playing neighborhood bars on a Monday night, Austin is known for its phenomenal music scene. But there’s one kind of musical performance that doesn’t always get the same recognition: Austin’s stellar opera scene.
Austin Opera (formerly known as Austin Lyric Opera) is celebrating its 30th anniversary season this year. That’s 30 years of putting on thrilling live musical experiences ranging from Italian classics to hip, modern creations. Austin Opera seeks to thrill diehard opera fans and newbies alike with an “art form as spirited and adventurous as Austin itself.” [Read more…]