The thriving art community in Austin tends to stay under the radar, but upcoming events on the horizon shine the well-deserved spotlight on the incredible talent right here in the city. Increasingly, efforts are being made to invite the community to engage with the art being created here, as well as to incorporate local art into unexpected places in the city.
Tonight, November 13th, the Waller Creek Conservancy will unveil five site-specific light installations in downtown Austin to generate awareness and interest about the impending transformation of the currently underutilized Waller Creek area. Designed by five different landscape architects, these Creek Show light sculptures will illuminate the creek between Fifth and Ninth streets to reveal the area’s potential beauty to the public. Installations can be seen starting at sunset and will range from a floating light bridge to text written in phosphorescent paint. To raise awareness for both the longstanding Waller Creek area businesses and the new construction planned for the area in the future, Creek Show will extend beyond the walking tour as well, with a happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Easy Tiger, followed by music at Empire Control Room & Garage.
For a more robust look at what’s happening in the Austin arts community, the East Austin Studio Tour (EAST) begins this Friday as well. This annual self-guided tour provides Austinites with the opportunity to interact with the artists behind Austin’s vibrant studio scene. For two weekends, Nov 15-16 and Nov 22-23, studios and exhibition spaces around the city will open their doors for collectors and art enthusiasts alike, with additional events taking place throughout the weekends of the tour. The official preview kick-off to EAST, Art Night EAST takes place tomorrow, November 14th. Hosted by Art Alliance Austin, the event will showcase four east Austin art spaces and will provide attendees with the opportunity to interact with the gallery director, exhibiting artist, or curator of each. Spirits and bites will be offered at each space, and a shuttle bus will transport Art Night attendees between the art spaces. Tickets to Art Night EAST are still available for purchase online.
