First off, I'm happy to report that two of my friends discovered the art show and either bought or are actively pursuing new artists and their work! That's the hope of this blog - to connect artists and those looking for art. So, encourage your friends who have empty walls to support local (or remote) artists and enjoy the happiness of original art.

Now, just to wrap up the art show write-up, here are a few more artists I met at the event:

I enjoyed talking to Tony Nozero from New Orleans who's provocative work definitely stood out in the crowd. (I'm hoping Chris might visit him locally <hint>) See more at tonynozero.com

Sarah Bean's work is an interesting mix of original poetry and collage. Like a good wine pairing; each stood alone well but together was so much more. Very lyrical. www.artandpoems.com 

The windy day showed off Andrew Carson's fabulous Kinetic Sculptures. Check out this video and his website for more info: windsculpture.com

Andrew_Carson_Kinetic_Sculpture_-_Computer.m4v Watch on Posterous

Last but definitely not least, I was pleased to meet Andrew Fletcher, who's tremendous ability to capture light on canvas had many admirers. Working from life (en plein air) his oil paintings made me want to visit his home state of Wisconsin! I was really moved by his paintings and will write a longer post on him. www.andrewclairfletcher.com

There were WAY too many artists and wonderful work at the show to discuss in a couple of blog posts, but hopefully this gave you a little flavor of what was there. Do check out their work - and also have a look through the work of the other artists - the full list of exhibitors and their URLs is HERE.  

Let me know if you think this is useful information and how I can improve the blog...currently working on a calender of events and an artist roster :)

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I heard from several people how impressed they were with the caliber of the art presented at the fine art show this weekend. It really was a treat especially with the great springtime-in-Austin weather. People were buying art (yay!) and having fun with all the food, music, drinks and kids zone. There seemed to be a larger crowd than last year, although I think it was partly due to the better organization of the stalls. Let's hope more and more people learn about this great show for next year!

A quick shout-out to some of the artists I met this year: 

Toronto artist, Marjolyn van der Hart and her interesting combination of impressionist, figurative painting and the patterns of wallpaper. www.marjolyn.com BTW - I have a printed catalog if you're interested in seeing more.

Yvonne Miller - my sister from another mother, American/Chinese artist who goes by Mei Mei (little sister) and who's infectious happiness and adorable smile just make you happy. As does her art. www.yvonnemiller.bigcartel.com/

Stephen Dickerson from Houston TX - and his pencil & paint pieces. (You can see more in one of my artist spotlight posts) www.stephendickerson.com/index.html

I deliberately didn't take in the jewelry at close range for fear of needing to get my credit card out - but from a safe distance of five feet it looked like some really innovative design and beautiful creations. I do have to give a shout-out to Russell Smith who was at the show, and his wife Barbara Samuelson of Scattered Light Jewelry - since I'm always wearing one of Barbara's necklaces :) Did you know that latest musical sensation Sahara Smith is Russell's daughter? ...he was proudly telling me of all the awards she has won recently - nice one! They've also recently opened their new store in Smithville, TX. www.scatteredlightjewelry.com

OK - how can you not love Duncan the cat? It was good see several local Austin artists at the show, including photographer Kip Holm. And, it seems that Duncan the cat has a facebook page - and you can FRIEND Duncan - just search for "Duncan Holm" in FB. :) kipholm.com

I did fall in love with a man at the show; the cowboy depicted in one of Austin artist, Helen Buck's paintings...and then never went back for him. I gotta get me a cowboy! helenbuckstudio.com/gallery.html

This is New Mexico artist, Kate Barrere who's Assemblages are at once charming and edgy. www.katebarrere.com

That's it for now - more art from Art City Austin in Part II. 

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Misty is from Frisco TX and works in mixed media. Her lovely warm personality is mirrored in her art.

This one is called Trio, 16x20 and $480.  You can find more at www.moliverfoster.com

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Stephen Dickerson is from Katy TX and uses pencil & paint on wood board. I admired his work last year & walked straight into his booth (204) near the Guadalupe entrance of the Art City Austin show this weekend.

This piece is called "thorn tree" - 20"x20" and is $850.

(Stephen with a new piece)

You can see more at www.stephendickerson.com and "LIKE" him & stay up to date on Facebook.

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I'm getting my comfy shoes ready for Art City Austin on Cesar Chavez this weekend! The weather is going to be gorgeous and I'm really looking forward to seeing who's going to be showing their work this year. Hope to see you down there!

Basic event info:  When: April 2-3, 2011. Saturday, 10am to 6pm & Sunday, 11am to 6pm Where: Cesar Chavez Street from Lavaca Street to just east of Lamar Boulevard, including the 1st Street Bridge | FREE parking + shuttle from AISD lot on West 5th Street  Admission: $8 contribution for adults at the gate | FREE kids 12 and under | FREE admission + shuttle to Austin Museum of Art + The Blanton included | FREE admission when you park your bike at the Mellow Johnny's Bike Valet (1st Street Bridge)   I found Soung Lee (left) at last year's show. This is one of his fabulous woodcuts. Amazingly I had bought one of his pieces 15 years ago in a park in San Francisco!

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I just had a conversation with another friend who's looking for art...and eugh, her office walls are all empty! Here's one I pointed her to. I love this place, but for some reason I don't get down there often enough. 

The Austin Art Garage is on South Lamar just after Oltorf if you're heading South (behind Strut). Started by a couple of chaps - Jake and Joel, they have lots of interesting work by Austin artists. Very varied, changes frequently and affordable. Here's one of Joel's that I have at home :)  It just makes me happy. 

(Standing Tall by Joel Ganucheau) 

I'm super happy to see they've got Judy Paul's work in there - on my wish list! 

Get down to the Austin Art Garage soon and check it out. Tuesday-Saturday's 11-6 and Sunday's 12-5. 

Like/Follow on Facebook & Twitter 

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This year was my first organized journey through E.A.S.T and much like SXSW, it takes some homework effort. Even though it was two weekends worth, there was SO much to see that frankly, just like SX you wind up having just enough energy to focus on a few places and hope to see some good stuff.  In it's ninth year and with over 300 artists & 150 studios represented, I'm still surprised by how many people I've met who have never heard of it. What is up with that?

(above painting by Karen Maness)

Great website, book & map this year - very helpful if you could somehow get one early enough to pour through and plan! Great job to the organizers!

I'll highlight some specific artists and studios that we discovered on the tour in other posts but amongst them were: 

Big Medium (great nucleus of artists there) on Bolm Rd where Judy Paul was showing.

Jennifer Balkan who invited visitors into her charming studio.

Roger Foster's beautiful wood sculpture and Karen Maness's paintings. 

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Now THIS was a truly inspiring art show. Held at St. David's Trinity Center over the weekend of November 6-7, the Art from the Streets show is an exhibition and sale of the works by Austin's homeless community. I bought several pieces that are now up on my walls and they stand toe-to-toe with pieces by celebrated artists.

It was awesome to see and talk to the artists themselves. We don't usually get the opportunity to talk to each other in our society, not to discuss our lives and inspirations in such a positive way, but these guys proudly wore the badge of "Artist" and were happy to share their tales. Apart from a small mounting fee (around $3) the rest of the proceeds went straight to the artists and the art ran from $35 to several hunderd dollars. I know my mum went home to England proudly clutching her Dennis Williams piece, and I have my Pat Bailey in my office for inspiration. 

(Dragonfly by Pat Bailey)

You can learn more about the event and it's history by watch the documentary made by Layton Blaylock: http://www.artfromthestreets-themovie.com/home.html 

It's an annual event (18 years so far!) so, LIKE them on Facebook and follow on Twitter to find out more about next year's event

(Talking with Benny "Mjumbe" Sorrels)

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"Where do you find your art?"  I've been asked this several times in recent months. It was a question I asked when I first returned to Austin and then spent the better part of a year trying to answer. Maybe it's because all the mindshare in this town is occupied by music, but for some reason "where art is" seems to be a little more mysterious - unless you're in the know.

(On the road by Soung Lee - woodcut)

I love art, artists and am always on the look out for new and inspiring things. I've had a whale of a time this past year finding and acquiring art - and it really wasn't that hard, but I was kinda dedicated to it. That's why I started this blog; to share this information with my friends. I'm neither writer nor critic - so forgive my english and my lack of analysis.

I am passionate, however, about the idea that there is an incredible amount of accessible and affordable art out there. So, instead of filling our walls with prints from Michael's, we can ALL hang original art from $40 upwards, feed our souls and support local artists. 

(Girl with Cat by Jeanne Philquist)

I'm focusing primarily on Austin to begin with but will hopefully be joined soon by my good friend Chris who's moving to New Orleans and has a great eye for emerging art. If you come across new artists, feel free to drop us a line about them too!

Maysoon

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