• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Things To Do This Week
    • Things To Do This Weekend With Kids
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Austin’s Artists Open Doors for Annual East Austin Studio Tour

October 28, 2015 by Leah Nyfeler 2 Comments

Crowd at Canopy art center during 2014 EAST

Canopy, an eastside art center, houses several studios, including Keith Kreeger’s. (Credit: Big Medium)

Sprouting signs for East Austin Studio Tour (EAST) are a sure sign that fall is here. The 14th annual EAST neighborhood event has artists of all mediums throughout east Austin sprucing up studios and putting finishing touches on art pieces for another wonderful community celebration of creativity.

Keith Kreeger, EAST Artist and Volunteer

Potter Keith Kreeger in Austin studio

“People in Austin respect people who make things. They ask, “What are you doing for a living?” -Keith Kreeger (Credit: Suzanne Pressman)

Ceramics artist Keith Kreeger knows firsthand what magic EAST can work. Kreeger, who has been a potter his entire adult life, relocated from Cape Cod in 2009.

“Fourteen years ago, I married a Texan,” Kreeger said. “At some point, Texans all want to move home.” The couple scoped out the city and Kreeger moved his business creating dinnerware into a studio full of natural light in east Austin. He recalled being pleasantly shocked by how welcoming the community was: “Austin celebrates creativity in a way I’ve never seen. If you have a good idea, people say ‘yes.’”

It was a natural step for Kreeger to become involved with Big Medium and EAST. Big Medium is the non-profit organization that organizes EAST, as well as sister event West Austin Studio Tour and the curated Texas Biennial. Big Medium’s mission is to “promote visual arts and artists in Texas.”

Three years ago, Kreeger participated in his first EAST. He described the experience as “a snapshot of what’s happening in the art world on the east side.” An event that began with some 12 participating studios has blossomed to more than 400. Regarding his first year, Kreeger recalled, “I knew maybe two people, and then on Nov. 1 [the tour date], people found me. I said,‘Hey, I’m Keith; I make things.’”

EAST Promotes Community

Potter Keith Kreeger making Bowl

“I’m happy here. I don’t know if I’d have had the same success in another city.” -Keith Kreeger
(Credit: Suzanne Pressman)

That simple introduction blossomed in ways Kreeger never expected. What had been primarily a tourist-town, retail-driven business out of Cape Cod morphed into wholesale ventures with specialty shops and, most recently, restaurant- and chef-focused custom collaborations. Who’d have imagined a potter would be giving demonstrations to musicians at ACL Fest? Not to mention partnering on Nov. 17, 2015 with Ryan McKerley to create Make.Eat.Drink.2015, a collaborative dinner between Austin’s celebrity chefs and ceramic artists?

Plated food for Make.Eat.Drink Dinner

Dinnerware from Kreeger and co-partner McKerley showcase chefs’ food creations at Make.Eat.Drink.
(Credit: Kate LeSeuer)

Kreeger chalks up interest in ceramics to part of a “real things matter” movement, something he sees as an integral aspect of Austin’s psyche. And he ties the city’s creative scene into a vibrancy reflected from the business sector. “A city either grows or dies; there’s nothing in between,” Kreeger explained. “Austin’s restaurant, art and tech worlds all play off one another. If we can keep communication and respect going [between these entities], we keep creativity flowing.”

An Artist’s Day at EAST

Night crowd during EAST at Canopy Art Center

“Creating a dialogue around art helps build a connected, healthier community and promotes our creative culture; this is just one of the many goals of the East Austin Studio Tour. Ultimately, we hope to make art an integral part of Austinities’ daily lives.” -Shea Little, Executive Director of Big Medium. (Credit: Big Medium)

Kreeger and his studio manager Eliana Bernard start seriously prepping for the tour the first week of November. The studio in east Austin’s Canopy art center (916 Springdale Road) gets tidied and they make sure shelves are stocked. Other than that, the space will look pretty much as it does on any given work day–which is the point of EAST, to bridge the divide between artist and art lover.

At 9:30 a.m. the day of the tour, clean up and prep commence. The doors open at 11 a.m., and Kreeger, his family and Bernard are on hand to answer questions and talk to curious guests. By 6 p.m., the doors are supposed to close, but Kreeger laughed ruefully at this. Like the weekends’ vibe, closing is casual.

This year, Kreeger has an added responsibility as an EAST volunteer. He has attended meetings and helped plan the various mid-week events that complement the tour (see list at the end of this article). In addition to showing his studio, Kreeger will help run point on issues that arise. He’ll catch up on sleep on Thursday and then do it all again during the second weekend. But he loves the activity.

“As an artist, you’re stuck in the studio,” Kreeger said. “I live vicariously through the people who walk in the door during EAST.”

2015 EAST Events

East Austin Studio Tour Logo

Due EAST Party (Annual Fundraiser)

When: Nov. 5, 2015, from 7 to 10 p.m.

Where: 1500 E. 4th St.

About: Kickoff to tour features more than 300 works in a group exhibition of participating EAST artists, as well as performances, food and drinks.

Tickets: $65 in advance, $150 for VIP

14th Annual East Austin Studio Tour

When: Nov. 14–15 and 21–22, 2015, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each weekend

Where: See website or catalogue for locations

Tickets: Free to public; curated bus tour tickets are $200

Catalogs are FREE. Thanks to partnership with the Austin Public Library, catalogues will be available at all branches on Nov. 9, 2015 (supplies are limited).

EAST Free Community Breakfast

When: Nov. 14, 2015, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Where: EAST Group Exhibition Space (1501 E. 6th St.)

EAST Closing Party

When: Nov. 22, 2015, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Tillery Place (801 Tillery St.)

Tickets: Free to public (more details to be announced)

To purchase event tickets and find more information, visit the EAST website.

 

@Leahruns100 wants to know:

If you could have mad skills in one art form, what would you create?

Filed Under: Archives Tagged With: eastside, gallery

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Comments

  1. Leah Nyfeler says

    November 11, 2015 at 9:58 am

    Hey! Don’t forget the Community Breakfast kicks off the tour with some complimentary food and drinks, plus a family activity courtesy of Austin Tinkering School. It’s from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the EAST Group Space (1500 E. 4th Street) this Sat., Nov. 14. Hope to see you there!

    Reply
  2. Leah Nyfeler says

    March 7, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    Donate to Big Medium, the nonprofit that supports visual arts and artists in Texas, during #AmplifyATX. They are the group that makes E.A.S.T. happen, one of their many good deeds. Please support Austin’s wonderful creative community! @ILH_IGH

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Things to do

12 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 1, 2023 include Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker, and More!

12 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 1, 2023 include Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker, and More!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin this Weekend of December 1 which include the Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker, Holiday Sing-Along and Stroll, and more! Whether you’re planning a date or having fun with friends, these events and things to do in Austin this weekend may be […]

Austin Christmas Lights 2023

Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!

Hear, hear, the sparkly season is near! From now through the end of the season, festive holiday light trails adorn the Texas Hill Country, and we’ve discovered the best and brightest dazzlers around. Everyone loves the Zilker Park lights, yet if you want to set forth on an illuminated adventure beyond these famous Austin holiday lights, read […]

Thanksgiving 2023 Austin Events

Thanksgiving 2023 Austin Events – Enjoy These 10 Things to Do, Activities, & More!

Thanksgiving 2023 is just around the corner, and Austin, Texas, is gearing up for a season brimming with festivities, warmth, and community spirit. As we anticipate the joyous celebrations, let’s embrace the essence of Thanksgiving in Austin – a blend of traditional feasts, holiday cheer, and memorable moments with loved ones. Whether you’re a local […]

Veterans Day Events Austin 2023

Veterans Day Events Austin 2023 – Parades, Concerts, and Other Celebrations Near You!

This Veterans Day, honor the valiant hearts who served in the US Armed Forces with a grand salute! The city is set to showcase a spectacular lineup of Veterans Day events in 2023, making it the centerpiece of the city’s annual celebrations. Whether you’re searching for ‘Veterans Day events near me’ or ‘veteran events near […]

Winter Camp Austin 2023 - Your Guide to Find the Perfect Camps for Your Child This Holiday Season!

Winter Camp Austin 2023 – Find the Perfect Camps for Your Child This Holiday Season!

Editor’s Note: We are getting started with our process of compiling our comprehensive guide on Winter Camps in Austin for 2023! We will be making updates to this article on a regular basis. So please bookmark and check back in!  Winter Camps Austin – Explore, Learn, and Grow! Austin becomes a playground of wonder and […]

Recent Posts

  • 12 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 1, 2023 include Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker, and More!
  • Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!
  • Christmas tree lighting Austin 2023 Events & Ceremonies to Watch!
  • Planning Your Black Friday in Austin – When to Shop Where And Maximize Shopping Deals
  • Everything you need for Thanksgiving 2023 in Austin – Things to do, Where to Eat, Where to Shop & more!

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Trending Posts

  • Austin’s Speakeasy Secrets (Shhh): Floppy Disk Repair Co.
  • Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!
  • Birthday Freebies Austin 2023 – List of Over 45 Best Restaurants, Food Places, & Stores with Birthday Month Deals Near You
  • Winter Camp Austin 2023 – Find the Perfect Camps for Your Child This Holiday Season!
  • 12 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 1, 2023 include Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker, and More!

Copyright © 2023 · Log in