Culture - 2/12 - The Austinot

Austin Mural Artists Reveal Origins and Inspiration, Part 2

February 5, 2018 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

Mila Sketch’s Austin Music mural speaks to the heart of our city (Credit: Mila Sketch)

Austin’s artists impress us with their creativity and love for our city. Week after week, month after month, they’re out there, combining designs and colors that make us do a double-take.

Whether to express their own creative vision or fulfill a commission, Austin artists take to the streets to paint something that speaks to someone. To connect, perhaps. To inspire, surely, even if unintentionally. Or because they are unable not to paint, sketch, put their ideas out into the world. [Read more…]

The University of Texas Unveils Breathtaking Mural This Week, Free to Attend

January 23, 2018 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

Painting Amistad America Mural at University of Texas

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…]

Austin Mural Artists Reveal Origins and Inspiration, Part 1

January 22, 2018 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

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…]

Pease Park Conservancy Works to Revitalize Beloved Green Space

December 15, 2017 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

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 Cultivates Space for Female Artists in Austin

November 21, 2017 by Irvianne Torremoro Leave a Comment

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…]

She Factory Pumps Music and Money Into Female-led Creative Scene

September 11, 2017 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

Kathy Valentine of She Factory in Austin

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…]

Immerse Yourself in the Past at Bullock Texas State History Museum

July 25, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Under the star at Bullock Texas State History Museum (Credit: Van Sutherland via Flickr CC)

The perfect way to beat the summer heat or enjoy a rainy day in Austin is to visit one of our city’s fine museums. And if you’re looking for an opportunity to brush up on your Texas history, look no further than Bullock Texas State History Museum, located just south of The University of Texas.

Having grown up in Texas and taken the obligatory two years of Texas history, going to the Bullock was a refresher course. The visit reminded me of all the crazy stories from the Lone Star State’s past that I’d forgotten, and introduced me to many I hadn’t heard before.

It was also fun to take my New Jersey-bred husband with me. He was able to trace the history of his newly adopted homeland from its prehistoric inhabitants, through the frontier years, and into modern times. I think he was at least mildly impressed by my ability to recall random characters from the fabric of history, like Erastus “Deaf” Smith.

If you haven’t been to Bullock Texas State History Museum yet, here are a few of the highlights waiting for you. [Read more…]

All of Austin’s a Stage: Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park Runs Through May

May 18, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Scene from The Comedy of Errors at Zilker Hillside Theater (Credit: Sam Zavieh)

Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park is an experience I look forward to every year. It combines three of my favorite things: Shakespeare, being outside under the stars on an early summer evening, and free stuff. That’s right! Shakespeare in the Park is completely free theater, although they gladly accept donations.

This is a great place to take a special someone or your group of friends, and let the Bard’s words wrap around you while the fireflies dance. [Read more…]

Barton Springs Bathhouse Marks 70 Years With Community Plunge

May 10, 2017 by Jaclyn Hubersberger Leave a Comment

Barton Springs Bathhouse Dedication in 1947

1947 Barton Springs Bathhouse dedication ceremony (Credit: Barton Springs Conservancy)

Located within Zilker Park’s 358 acres is Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre, underground fed spring that has been referred to as the “Heart and Soul” and “Crown Jewel” of Austin. If you’ve been there, you understand why. In 1947, Barton Springs Bathhouse opened its doors for the first time, welcoming swimmers from all walks of life who sought fun, relaxation, and healing in the water beyond its walls.

This year marks 70 years that the historic Barton Springs Bathhouse has been open. On May 13, Austinites can celebrate this anniversary during the 70th Birthday Splash: Parade and Plunge. The event is hosted by Barton Springs Conservancy, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor, preserve, and enhance the Barton Springs experience through education and facility improvements. [Read more…]

It’s Time to Visit the Renewed and Reimagined Blanton Museum of Art

March 17, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

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…]