Austin’s arts scene is vast and varied. Beyond the finished products, it’s a supportive community of entrepreneurial and skillful individuals that host workshops, share inspiration and turn our mundane walls into dazzling works of art. That’s why Big Medium’s 31st annual Austin Studio Tour is such an invaluable resource and a perfect place to discover something new.
Returning for two weekends over November 9-17, featuring about 500 galleries, home studios, museums and more will open their doors to the public for free. The first weekend takes over West of IH-35, before moving to East of IH-35 the following weekend.
First things first: it’s a comprehensive, self-paced tour that gives you the freedom to choose your own adventure … which can be a little overwhelming. The easiest way to navigate the citywide event will be to download the Austin Studio Tour app, which comes with a mobile map and more info on each numbered stop. Also make sure to keep an eye out for separate opening hours and tons of unique pop-up events and activities, which can be found listed by date here.
With hundreds of phenomenal artists and destinations to discover, here are a few favorite stops we’ll be making along the way!
George Washington Carver Museum
It can be a lot to navigate, but The Carver Museum makes a perfect starting point. They’ll be showcasing the Group Exhibition during the event, which features a piece of work from the almost 500 participating artists from the entire event. It’s also the location of the official Launch Party, open to the public on November 2.
Big Medium
“Once More, With Feeling,” Big Medium’s exhibition curated by Coka Treviño and Shea Little, is open to the public during the Austin Studio Tour and runs from October 25 through December 14. This show marks Little’s final exhibition with Big Medium after 22 years, featuring artists he has collaborated with throughout his career, including Akirash, Arielle Austin, Elizabeth Chapin, Emily Eisenhart, Manik Nakra, and more, each contributing unique perspectives to this reflective exhibit.
West Chelsea Contemporary
You can’t head west without checking out the eye-catching West Chelsea Contemporary. They’re hosting “Concrete to Canvas,” their annual exhibition celebrating the evolution of urban expression. This year’s show marks the Austin debut of internationally acclaimed street artist Joe Iurato, known for his mixed media assemblages capturing urban life. Featuring works from influential artists like Swoon, Banksy, RETNA, Cey Adams, and more, the exhibit runs from November 8 through December 1.
1211 Ravine Dr.
There’s nothing like visiting an artist’s place of inspiration, and Valerie Fowler’s exquisitely trippy paintings of nature will be on full display at her very own studio in Southwest Austin. A regular face at galleries around town, her depictions of familiar spaces are reimagined with entrancing inverted colors and textures, creating an unsettling feeling of urgency and wonder. Get a sneak peek of Valerie Fowler’s latest work at a casual kickoff and open studio preview on November 8, 6 p.m.
Wally Workman Gallery
Step into the vibrant world of America Martin at the Wally Workman Gallery from November 2 to December 1. This solo show features Martin’s bold, Columbian-inspired works that celebrate form and figure, drawing from her heritage and the mid-century masters. Her large, colorful subjects exude joy and humanity, seemingly bursting from the canvas with expressive lines and rich, flat colors.
Canopy
This complex is filled with a bunch of fascinating studios and galleries, making it easy to knock out multiple stops in one. Among the list of visiting and residing artists, we’ll be checking out Jade Walker’s stunning textile-based work. It’s also a great opportunity to see Keith Kreeger’s enviable ceramic goods in-person; view gorgeous travel and street photography at the studios of photographer Sarah Frankie Linder; take in the varied and acclaimed work of mixed media artists B Shawn Cox, Yasmin Youssef and Bradley Narduzzi; or run through some of the top-notch onsite galleries and trailers including Yard Dog, ICOSA, SAGE Studio, Wyld Gallery and Modern Rocks. (When you’ve had your fill of artwork, pop into delicious Japanese cafe Sa-Ten.)
Something Cool Studios
Discover “Still Motion” at Something Cool Studios in East Austin, a photography exhibition exploring themes of motion with works by Luis Angulo, Lauren Slusher, and others. This artist-run collective supports local creatives with studio space, workshops, and a platform to showcase and sell their art.
The Cathedral
Known for regularly hosting its own fun gatherings, this creative coworking facility is the full-time home of female and non-binary arts collective, atxGALS. Join atxGALS for their E.A.S.T. Preview Party on November 15 at the stunning East Austin gallery, in a refurbished 1930s church. With a $35 all-inclusive ticket, enjoy early access to shop art from 13 local women and nonbinary artists, plus live music, entertainment, and an open bar. The celebration continues on November 16 and 17, from 12-6 p.m., with curated exhibits, artist meet-and-greets, complimentary drinks, and vibrant works by artists like Claire Naylor, Mónica Ceniceros, Sari Shryack, and more.
Co-Lab Projects
Co-Lab Projects teams up with guadalajara90210 to present “Collective Tales in a Concrete Garden,” an outdoor and indoor exhibition that blends nature with urban landscapes. Featuring sculptures by artists like Justo Cisneros and Sara Vanderbeek, each piece explores the balance between organic forms and industrial elements. The exhibit is open for the Austin Studio Tour on November 16-17, 12–6 p.m., with an opening reception on November 9 from 7–11 p.m.
Cloud Tree Gallery
Cloud Tree Gallery presents an exciting exhibit from November 9 to November 24, featuring works by talented artists like Zari Etemadi, Amy Long, Graham Franciose, Jesse Sublett, and more at the Cloud Tree Auxiliary gallery, open daily from 12-6 p.m. During EAST weekend, November 16-17, Christine Fail will showcase a special jewelry collection, and visitors can explore additional pieces from tenured artists Lee Barber, Laura Lynn Johnson, and Isabel Glatthorn in the main gallery.
DORF
DORF Gallery has moved to a new home at 218 Zilker Point, secured with a $1-per-year lease from the City of Austin. Join them during the Austin Studio Tour on November 9–10 from 12–6 p.m. for “Soft Opening,” an exhibition exploring “softness” through works by artists like Eepi Chaad, Michael Anthony Garcia, and Rebeca Proctor. Don’t miss the special ceramics workshop with Proctor on November 10 from 2–4 p.m., hosted in collaboration with East Side Pot Shop.
Good Dad Studios
Good Dad is definitely not your typical cubicle-covered office space. This complex holds more than 140 artist studios throughout its 42,000 sq ft building — the largest in Central Texas. On November 9 from 12 to 3 p.m., Art for the People Gallery hosts the opening reception for “Revelry is Our Specialty!”, featuring works by over 40 Austin artists. The celebration continues during the Austin Studio Tour on November 16-17, with both the Good Dad Open Studio and Art for the People boutique welcoming visitors.
Springdale General
What can we say? We like to be efficient, and this coworking complex houses the studios of some of our favorite makers. From celestial gems by jeweler Shelley Moon of Clover + Maven to the striking handmade ceramic designs from Eliana Bernard and Settle Ceramics’ Samantha Heligman, there’s more than enough inspiration to be found at Springdale General.
Visit austinstudiotour.org for more information including a detailed view of the artists and event map.
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