This was our first East Austin Studio Tour (EAST). Wow! Bill and I were amazed at the number—and caliber—of artists who work east of I-35. Last week’s Austin American-Statesman included a list of EAST locations with a dozen or more artists. We followed their advice, which worked out well.

Our first stop was Delta Millworks, a small lumber yard on Springdale Road. There we admired finely-crafted tables, chairs, and serving trays by wood workers who occupied different sections of the building. Other artisans had studios in the smaller buildings surrounding the lumber yard, including Foster Talge, who created this stunning all-metal tree.After a quick East Austin lunch of tacos and quesadillas, we looked around the Tillery Street Studios. Bill and I had been here last February for Map Jam 2013. Since then, the Mrs Bairds Outlet has closed and is now another studio space, although the building still smells like bread inside.

The most crowded stop of our day was at Seventh Street and Shady Lane, home to non-profits Big Medium and Pump Project Art Complex. Along with a lot of other visitors, we wandered around the studios in these buildings. I don’t know the exact number, but I’m guessing there are over 50 artists renting studio space here. This area is also home to Blue Genie Art Industries, a company which specializes in 3-D fabrication.

Out of consideration for the artists, I don’t have any other pictures of artwork to share here. But the event continues this weekend (November 23-24), so I encourage you to head EAST and see for yourself!