Spunky Monkey Ranch is shutting down, and owners David Pratt and Susan Maynard are leaving South First for the country. This husband-and-wife team has given a lot to the art scene over the years and is proof that artists are good for the economy. They helped make that area on South First a cool, artsy spot, first with Alternate Current ArtSpace and, after that closed, with Spunky Monkey. Their presence attracted creatives like Laughing at the Sun Gallery, Eeka Beeka Gallery, and the Escapist Bookstore. Over the years, the ACA showed Stella Alesi, Scott Stevens, Penny Van Horn, Stanislav Grezdo, Tom Besson, Grady Roper, and Philip Trussell. “White Trash/Black Helicopters” is an example of a show they did that still inspires me — art with a great sense of humor. A moving sale and going-away party will be held Friday, Aug. 10, 7-11pm, at Spunky Monkey Ranch, 2213-B S. First. For more information, call 462-2431.

This article appears in August 10 • 2007.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US