Arts - 4/9 - The Austinot

Russell Collection Exposes Austin to Fine Art Masters

November 4, 2015 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Lisa Russell Owner Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery

Lisa Russell, owner of Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery in Austin. (Credit: Russell Collection)

Picasso, Pissarro, Chagall, Cassatt, and this month, Dali! These highly regarded personalities in the art world have all graced the walls of Austin’s Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery.

This month’s event, Salvador Dali: The Argillet Collection, will attract seasoned art lovers and introduce many curious Austinites to a wonderful collaboration between Lisa Russell, owner of Russell Collection, and Christine Argillet, owner of Salvador Dali: The Argillet Collection. [Read more…]

10 Illuminating Art Pieces from Pop Austin 2015

October 23, 2015 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

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…]

Jack Sanders’ Outdoor Art for Drawing Lines Now Open to the Public

October 6, 2015 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

The artist, Jack Sanders (Credit: Stevan Alcala)

Guest article by Dana Sayre

Drawing Lines is a city-wide multi-media public arts project intended to foster discussion, connections and awareness around the recent restructuring of City Council districts here in Austin.

The project pairs an artist with each of the city’s newly drawn City Council districts to create a place-specific work. Drawing Lines examines culture’s role in the creation and transformation of a sense of place, as well as how to include the process of making art in conversations about Austin politics.

[Read more…]

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

September 22, 2015 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

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…]

Arts, Athleticism Shine with Blue Lapis Light Performances

September 15, 2015 by Leah Nyfeler 1 Comment

Blue Lapis Light performance (Credit: Earl McGehee)

For some, hitting the dance floor can be challenging. Imagine executing those same moves while hanging in air. Now, take that scenario to the side of a downtown building, underneath the I-35 bridge, or suspended from 25-foot high scaffolding.

Welcome to the world of Austin’s Blue Lapis Light.

Blue Lapis Light is a site-specific dance company that combines the art of dance and music, athleticism, aerial silks and the drama of Austin’s skyline into unique yearly shows. Their current performance, Edge of Grace, serves additional functions. It gives the public a look at Blue Lapis Light’s new south Austin studio location, while celebrating 10 years of creative performance and educational outreach. [Read more…]

Modern Rocks Gallery: Your Backstage Pass to Rock Stars

September 9, 2015 by Judy Rae Merhar Leave a Comment

Kurt Cobain by Kirk Weddle, on display at Modern Rocks Gallery

I knew this wasn’t your average ho-hum art gallery when I noticed it was nestled between Sa-Tén and Blue Genie. If you’re a lover of music, nirvana is waiting.

Gallery That Rocks

Tom Waits by Herb Nolan (1976)

A collection of rock stars silently await your arrival: The Clash, the Ramones, the Talking Heads, The Cure, Bob Marley, Elvis Costello, the Grateful Dead, Nina Simone, Miles Davis and Madonna, among others, are on display at Modern Rocks Gallery.

The list of musical legends on exhibit competes with Gene Simmons’ tongue–it’s lengthy! But what makes this sanctuary of rock truly unique are the stories behind the images as told by the photographers, beginning with the gallery’s owner. [Read more…]

Experience Bollywood Right Here in Austin

August 18, 2015 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

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…]

6 Unbelievable Public Art Pieces at The University of Texas

June 23, 2015 by Kelli McDonald 3 Comments

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…]

Top 10 Austin Etsy Artisans

June 1, 2015 by Jessica Pino 8 Comments

There is one thing Austinites love more than breakfast tacos, and that’s local businesses.

But not all local businesses are created equally. Just as an up-and-coming chef might begin their journey with a food trailer, local artisans often open virtual storefronts before they are able to expand to brick and mortar. Etsy is one of the best websites to find quality craft items, but it can be a little overwhelming. Especially if you’re searching specifically for Austin artists.

So I decided to do the work for you and find 10 amazing local artisans to follow. Many have full-time day jobs and work on their craft on the side. Another thing they all have in common? Perfect 5-star ratings. So without further ado, here are the top Austin Etsy artisans. [Read more…]

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…]