The annual East Austin Studio Tour runs for two weekends in mid-November. This year’s EAST featured 287 artist studios and 152 exhibitions, all located east of I-35. Tour maps were available online and in the local newspapers and libraries. Most events were free.
During the first EAST weekend, I primarily visited larger locations that were recommended by the Austin American Statesman. Except for Canopy, I hadn’t been to any of these places before. As I’ve done for past tours, I took photographs of the locations, but not the artwork.
My first EAST stop was at the Canopy complex on Springdale Road. This place can get very crowded, so I knew it was best to visit early in the day. Over 50 artists work here in a variety of mediums, including painting, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, and collage. My favorite artists at Canopy were Susan Bell, Daniel Arrendondo, and Jenn Hassin.
I was surprised to find a restored (and relocated) train station across the street from Canopy. Inside was a unique exhibition called Last Depot Before Desolation which included photographs and a pipe organ.
Zhi Tea, since tea is art.
After tea time, I continued to nearby Bolm Studios. Over 20 artists have studios here. The first garage was actually a custom bike shop, another example of art in a different medium.
Eight artists gathered at MakeATX, a member-based workshop with fabrication tools at B Shady Lane.
My next stop was at Flatbed Press on East MLK. Several other businesses and studios are co-located in this building, including Gallery Shoal Creek.
Located right behind Flatbed Press, Imagine Art is a non-profit creative space for artists with and without disabilities.
You know it’s an artsy event when you find yourself standing third in line to photograph patterns on a tar roof.
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