Home Events Arts

Right, so you’re reading this because you saw “nude modeling” in the title, but then noticed the “sketching” and were still interested, because you’ve actually been wanting to capture an unclothed human figure on canvas or paper with pigments of one sort or another? Excellent – because this three-hour session happens at Atelier Dojo, the finest school of artistic realism in the city, run by painters Jennifer Balkan, Denise M. Fulton, and Karen Offutt. You don’t even have to be a student there: Show up anytime, use whatever supplies you need, and there’s only a $10 drop-in fee. – Wayne Alan Brenner

The story of Black women in ballet does not begin and end with the marvelous Misty Copeland; indeed, the groundbreaking prima ballerina references that incomplete history in her blurb for Karen Valby’s new nonfiction book (“This is the kind of history I wish I learned as a child dreaming of the stage”). The Swans of Harlem profiles five trailblazing ballerinas – Lydia Abarca, Gayle McKinney-Griffith, Sheila Rohan, Karlya Shelton, and Marcia Sells – who made history at the Dance Theatre of Harlem but faded from renown after retirement. Valby’s book is a giant step in recognition of these artists, who are all still alive to tell their stories and, happily, inspire new generations of Misty Copelands to come. – Kimberley Jones

Between gallery installations, ICOSA Collective utilizes their window space facing the Canopy thoroughfare to showcase short-running art shows. These artists often experiment with the limits of their window framings while their work remains displayed 24/7. ICOSA Collective is proud to present this week the latest multimedia work from visual artist/curator Rebecca Marino, “DOGSBODY IS DEAD.” The Austinite takes inspiration from author Kathrine Dunn’s semi-autobiographical work Attic, which delves into life as a young woman incarcerated in the 1960s Midwest. The displayed art, ICOSA Collective promises, will unpack “the emotional/ behavioral standards placed upon women and the often tragic results that ensue.” – James Scott

This sweet opportunity comes to us from the Downtown Austin Alliance, the Pease Park Conservancy, and Ride Bikes Austin – so we know it's a damned good thing indeed. Take the self-guided Art & Parks Tour to explore the best of what Downtown Austin art and parks have to offer through this selection of curated murals, artworks, and green spaces. You can sign up anytime, so click that URL and get ready to learn the most vibrantly visual parts of your city soon – live and in person.

Use your smartphone to access self-guided tours of the outdoor public art sited by UT's award-winning Landmarks program any time you feel like it. BONUS: There's also a free, docent-led tour starting at Marc Quinn's "Spiral of the Galaxy" (1501 Red River) on Sun., Jan. 8, 11am.

Enter the fascinating world of illusions in this new venue that boasts a stunning array of intriguing visual, sensory, and educational experiences among new, unexplored optical wonderments.