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Art Dinner Afterparty
While not everyone can be among the 300 art world luminaries attending the actual Art Dinner, this year marks the first time the Contemporary’s opening up a little of the magic to the greater public. For a cool 200 for non-members – or a discounted $160 for members – attendees may partake in an expansive cocktail and refreshment menu featuring local vendors like Luna Espresso and Dolce Bacio Gelato, served at a pop-up from Downtown parking palace Garage. There’ll also be performances from by J’cuuzi and DJ SuperNova of Pangea Sound, body painting, and palm and tarot readings available, all of which you’ll enjoy on the beautiful Laguna Gloria grounds. Pro tip from a guy who suffered for his foolishness last time: Just use a rideshare. Parking in that area just isn’t for the faint of heart. – James ScottFri., Oct. 25 -
Arts
Visual Arts
B Scene: Surrealism Soiree
You know what’s really surreal? That the surrealist art movement is 100 years old. Bet don’t be fooled, this old style is still the life of the party. Celebrate the centennial with Blanton’s epic birthday bash. Dress in daring, Dali-inspired costumes and enjoy a night of twisted takes. Tickets to the soiree grant more than access to drinks, plant-based sushi, and gallery viewing. They open the doors to music by the Octopus Project and DJ Near Mint, stream of consciousness writing and art workshops, dream interpretation, aura photography, and so much more. Ready for an eclectic experience? Melt your brain like a clock, find the layers of meaning within yourself, and get surreal with it. – Cat McCarreyFri., Oct. 25 -
Arts
Theatre
The Haunting of Hill House
Ghosts don’t live in shadows. They live in the spaces between, the places where we are not sure whether we have seen something or if our eyes have simply played tricks on us. Shirley Jackson’s peerless 1959 Gothic novel The Haunting of Hill House has inspired films and TV shows with its soul-piercing ambiguity, and now Bottle Alley goes back to the source material for a theatrical version of the doom that befalls a quartet of psychic researchers, of skeptics and true believers, as they become part of the house’s history of death and strange occurrences. – Richard WhittakerThrough Oct. 27Flower Hill Foundation, 1316 W. Sixth
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Arts
Visual Arts
"Native America: In Translation"
One thing I’ve loved about newer theatre or museums is the space given for land acknowledgement – statements about the ancestral roots of the space being used. Space that was not always ours, but taken. The Blanton’s latest exhibit tackles that question, but pushes the boundaries. It’s not just about what Native America was, but what it can be. Curator and lauded artist Wendy Red Star has assembled nine other Native artists to create a rich exploration of what life in America is today. Shown through a variety of mediums, something is guaranteed to resonate with the audience. Whether it’s the photos, paintings, videos, or multimedia works is up to you. – Cat McCarreyAug. 4-Jan.5 -
Arts
Theatre
Luna
Who doesn’t like having friends? They’re great! So great, in fact, that Ramón Esquivel’s play for younger audiences is all about how to make friends. Luna follows Soledad, a daughter of migrant farm workers whose nomadic life makes stable friendships a difficult prospect. Though books, the stars, and her namesake – aka, the moon – keep her company, the play centers on Soledad’s meeting two peers who, much like her, are searching for connection. Bring the kids to this wonderful stage production directed by Mateo Hernandez, but be warned if you’ve got fidgeting young folks: This here play’s an hour without intermission. – James ScottThrough Nov. 16 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Art & Parks Tour
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. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Atelier Dojo: Remote Studios
The local powerhouse of figurative painting, the art school that's the smart school for artists of all kinds, they've got a painting-along-at-home series going to help you keep your skills honed in these socially restrictive times, featuring live costumed models posing on camera and a thriving community of creatives rendering that lovely human biotecture from their separate studios. "Join us for a three-hour costumed-model drawing session. Use any supplies you wish, listen to music, share your work, chat with others. It’s a great way to stay connected with your art community!"Tuesdays, 1:30-4:30pm; Fridays, 6:30-9:30pm; Saturdays, 9:30-12:30pm. $5. -
Arts
Visual Arts
“A Path of Impermanence: life along a highway expansion”
Photographer Liz Moskowitz spent the last year – as we all have – driving through the guts and gore of TXDOT’s I-35 expansion. All along the frontage road are businesses bearing “we’re still open!” signs, while others are empty husks bearing their new location’s address – or have been leveled completely. (R.I.P. old Chron building and its many rat occupants.) In her new show opening this Saturday at Future Front House, Moskovitz collects half a year’s worth of photographs chronicling the expansion’s impact on the Austin community between Manor Road and 51st. This represents the beginning of a longer project wherein Moskovitz plans to develop the story of I-35 through the people who it impacts, both through her own research and audience contributions – all of which will be donated in its final form to Austin History Center. : – James ScottOpens Oct. 19, runs through Oct. 29 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Elevate”
Visual texture does more than garner interest – it ignites the brain, allowing for overwhelming emotional reactions. Artist Anya Molyviatis is a master at creating exactly that with her exploratory weavings. According to the exhibit statement, the work is designed to transform “material and color into expressions of weightlessness.” Indeed, the woven panels typically work in one hue, or a slightly related color story, the variations in thread tone precisely placed to make the panels feel like a portal. Where do they go? That’s up to the viewer. Float along a blue wave into depths of sky or ocean. Enter into an orange and pink sunscape. Sink into the woven world of Molyviatis. – Cat McCarreyThrough Nov. 23 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Enclaves”
Imagine a world where humans didn’t exist. No, not like Pixar classic Wall-E, but instead a society in which human life is completely absent. Now you’ve got the idea behind ICOSA’s new exhibition by Matt Rebholz and Jenn Wilson Shepherd, which conjures a flourishing and vibrant world of flora and non-human fauna. Rebholz uses film stills as a jumping-off point for his works, while Shepherd uses a post-humanist lens to create animal-first imagery. Imagine the possibilities. – Amaya AustinThrough Oct. 26 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Floral Realism”
Artists have attempted to capture the natural elegance of flowers for centuries, but the flora in this exhibition have seen some shit. Natural droopiness, common species, and photorealistic imperfections define this series. Through watercolor, oils, and colored pencils, Carol Dawson, James Andrew Smith, and Molly Smith (respectively) showcase the effortless construction and everyday beauty that doesn’t want to be ignored or adored, only appreciated. – James RenovitchThrough Oct. 27 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Heirlooms” by Sara Hirneisen
Reader, I must be honest: I am writing about this event 99% because the photo the gallery sent me is fascinating. In keeping with artist Sara Hirneisen’s sculpture use of casting, the object in question bears 10 plaster-cast fingers piked onto metal prongs and carries the title Finger Rake. I’m obsessed with Finger Rake, which makes sense given Hirneisen’s show is all about holding items in reverence. Playing with gendered objects, Hirneisen reimagines the contents of a hope chest as not so much jewelry and baubles but practical tools. Many of these objects include molds cast from herself and her own children. This process, she writes, stands in opposition to thoughts of marriage and motherhood: Rather, she is “making tools that set them [her children] up for independence and self-sufficiency.” – James ScottThrough Nov. 17 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Hiba Ali: Lullabies for the stars in our eyes”
This new exhibit soothes the body and soul with interactive sculptural installations. Run your fingers through sand and gaze into metallic pools evoking the Swahili-Indian Ocean. Watch videos, sense sonic vibrations, and meditate in VR. Pakistani artist Hiba Ali uses the phrase “digital somatics” to describe how her works lead people on a body-processing journey using digital art. Now more than ever, it’s time to immerse yourself in Ali’s lullaby. – Eden ShamyThursdays-Sundays. Through Nov. 17 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Let Her Rip” by Ellen Crofts
Paper! You are reading these words off paper right now: the very material most of my and my co-workers’ livelihoods depend on. Local artist Ellen Crofts takes the material to new levels of creative expression in her show, where the ripping, puncturing, gluing, painting, and otherwise remaking of paper conveys an active participation in the art. “Most people are intimately familiar with paper in their everyday lives,” displaying gallery Link & Pin writes of Crofts’ chosen tool. “Her organic constructions invite the viewer to re-engage with and imagine the feeling of the paper in her artwork and what it would be like to handle and work with the materials.” Rip it up, girl. Rip. It. Up. – James ScottThrough Oct. 27 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Soft Opening”
Out of the garage and into much fancier digs, community-minded art gallery DORF celebrates its new home at South Lamar’s Zilker Point with the cheekily named group show “Soft Opening.” Amble in before January 11 to see what insights participating artists Eepi Chaad, Michael Anthony Garciá, Nitashia Johnson, Bárbara Miñarro, Natalia Nakazawa, Rebeca Proctor, Libby Rosen, James Viscardi bring to the concept of softness, or get in on the ground floor at Friday’s opening reception, featuring a performance by Garciá and music by DJ Apanda. – Kimberley JonesThrough Jan. 11 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Texas Artists/Texas Music”
Art and music? Name a more iconic duo. For this exhibit, a dozen local artists created pieces inspired by a song, musician, or style of music associated with the Lone Star State. Influences could range from Selena to Willie to Beyoncé, from Houston rap to Tejano to blues. Come see what inspired participating artists Amitai Plasse, Billy Ray Mangham, Carl Block, Denise Elliott Jones, Greg Barton, Jess Wade, Jamie Lea Wade, Karen Woodward, Liz Potter, B Shawn Cox, Sylvia Troconis, and TVHeadATX. – Kat McNevinsThrough Oct. 26 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“We Shall Be Monsters” Art Show
Arise! You are summoned to Guzu’s latest gathering of the eerie and uncanny. It’s their biggest show to date, with new works highlighting ghastly ghouls and creepy creatures from 35 artists including Dan Brereton, Half-Human, Francisco Salinas, Holly Hansel, Robert Zavala, Mia Burwitz, and Cody Schibi. Terrors of all kinds will be available to adorn your walls, from classics like xenomorphs, Leatherface, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon to modern nightmares such as Longlegs and Art the Clown. Crawl your way to Friday’s opening night gala for nibbles from Chef Matt Zepeda, and a chance to pick up an exclusive cover edition of the new issue of Gore Noir. – Richard WhittakerThrough Nov. 25 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Zugzwang”
Developed by artist Ata Mojlish, who comes to Austin by way of Bangladesh, this show at the garage-based gallery centers on the German word “zugzwang.” Translation: an obligation to move regardless of unfortunate outcome. It is often used, as GLHF states in the show copy, to describe a chess player forced to “make a move that will worsen their position.” Such is the inspiration point for “Zugzwang,” whose pieces composed from “desynchronized text, images, audio and interactive motion elements” attempt to recreate the sensation of continuing onward despite assured misfortune. We’re all operating from that point a little these days, anyways. – James ScottFridays-Sundays. Through Nov. 2 -
Arts
Dance
Ballet Austin: Classes
Learn your way to physical grace with a dance class at Ballet Austin. There are so many varieties to choose among – ballet, barre, contemporary dance, hip-hop, tap, cardio dance fitness, Pilates, and more – and all taught by professional instructors. See website for details.$3-7 per class. -
Arts
Theatre
Bunnicula
Wait, you might say. Bunny business? During Halloween? Isn’t that more of an Easter-type deal? Not so with the titular hare in this classic children’s chapter book turned theatrical tale, taking to the ATX stage under the direction of Deanna Belardinelli. James and Deborah Howe’s story about a curious cat, bumbling dog, and a suspicious bunny found in a movie theatre remains a great introduction to horror for kiddos. They’ll delight in solving the “mystery” of just who is exsanguinating all the carrots and cackle at Bunnicula’s many antics. Look: Either you come see this, or be subjected to another screening of Hotel Transylvania 3 – the weakest of the franchise. Make the right choice: See Bunnicula. – James ScottThrough Oct. 27 -
Arts
Comedy
Cap City Comedy Club
That's right: Cap City Comedy Club, the longtime cornerstone of Austin's comedy scene for nearly four decades is at a new venue in the Domain. And here's Valerie Lopez with a closer look at what's in store for the scene via the venue. Click for details! -
Arts
Visual Arts
Carl Cheng: “Nature Never Loses”
The California-based artist, known for combining visual art and industrial design, uses media including photography, sculpture, simple machines, and more to explore both the art world and corporate culture and other themes during this exhibition’s six-decade span. While tackling often serious subject matter, Cheng’s work retains a sense of playfulness on display at the Jones Center. Get a first look of the collection at the public opening reception Friday at 6pm. – James RenovitchSept. 6 - Dec. 8 -
Arts
Comedy
ColdTowne Theater
ColdTowne's new brick-and-mortar place is totally open, and who knows what they'll shake this city with next? But one truth remains: ColdTowne is a designated den of gold, baby, sweet comedy gold. -
Arts
Comedy
East Austin Comedy Club
Founded by comedians Raza Jafri and Andre Ricks, this club that operates out of Tiger Den on the Eastside is the city's only BIPOC-owned comedy venue. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Epiphany
“I live to have my mind turned inside out.” So says curator and artist in her own right Alyssa Taylor Wendt. She’s gathered a slew of art to do just that – wrinkle your brain, shed new light, and yes, maybe even lead to your own epiphanies. The collection pushes borders, featuring work that spins through the eyes and mind like those magic-eye books for kids. Every piece takes a slight skew on familiar topics. It might be a new take on a pattern. Or an unexpected use of color. Or a sculpture with a detail that just pops. Somehow, somewhere, something will reveal itself. It’s just a matter of whether you’re looking closely enough. – Cat McCarreyFridays-Sundays. Through Oct. 26The Culvert Gallery, 5419 Glissman Rd. -
Arts
Comedy
Fallout Comedy
This hotbed of local performance is carrying on even more than usual, with an eclectic mix of live, mind-rocking comedy from some of Austin's best, all week long. Hey! The place is our cover story, as reported by Valerie Lopez! And, srsly, who would ever disagree with the sentiment of Monday night's Fuck This Week show? Check the website for details. -
Arts
Theatre
Flood of Spirits
As the waters of Hurricanes Helene and Milton subside, we are reminded more than ever how close to disaster we all are. Rebecca Maag’s powerful and immersive experimental theatrical experience Flood of Spirits connects us to an oft-forgotten disaster from Austin’s own history, the Great Flood of 1900, through a tale of spirits and spiritualism. Become part of the story as the line between actors and audience blurs, with Maag on hand to recount the lives and histories of the real people behind the drama.: – Richard WhittakerOct. 21-29 -
Arts
Theatre
Into the Woods
The last time Zach Theatre staged Steven Sondheim’s not-so-happily-ever-after, delicious deconstruction of the fairy tale was at the height of the pandemic, in an all-fresco production where the audience was seated on office chairs. Now the show returns in a new and fun-filled incarnation, courtesy of the Zach Academy training program. – Richard WhittakerThrough Oct. 27 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Laguna Gloria
This local treasure of a venue, run by those Contemporary Austin folks who also bring us the Jones Center shows Downtown, is all about the outdoors – which is perfect for these trickily navigated times of ours, n'est-ce pas? Recommended: Stop by and breathe in the air, enjoy the lawns and gardens and the many examples of world-class sculpture arrayed across the property, and (as Frankie used to say) r-e-l-a-x.Thu.-Fri., 9am-noon; Sat.-Sun., 9am-3pm -
Arts
Visual Arts
Landmarks: Self-Guided Walking Tour
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. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Long Live Surrealism! 1924-Today
Ceci n’est pas une exposition d’art: 100 years since its inception, and Surrealism is still getting under our skin with its dream illogic and witty non sequiturs. Featured artists include Hans Bellmer, Leonora Carrington, Max Ernst, René Magritte, Wifredo Lam, Man Ray, and Dorothea Tanning.Sept. 7-Jan. 12 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Martha's Contemporary: Hokey Pokey + What You See Is What You Get
Here's a two-person exhibition that features painting, installation, videography, and sculpture by Moll Brau and Wes Thompson. It's a deep dive into a pool of loneliness, triumph, and rebirth. It's a forest of mazes where fireflies provide the light. It's a show of creations from a pair of terrific, hardworking local artists and you don't want to miss it. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Museum of Illusions
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.$20-24.11010 Domain #100 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Nicole Awai’s “In the thick of it”
Trinidad-born artist Nicole Awai’s work centers around “the ooze.” What is the ooze, you ask? Both material and metaphorical, it encompasses the viscous media Awai uses, like synthetic polymers, and evokes the blurred boundaries of cultural, historical, and personal identity that she references in her work. “Awai’s practice ‘overflows’ traditional boundaries as it often interweaves elements from her Caribbean heritage with broader themes of globalization and diaspora,” writes Phillip A. Townsend, curator of UT’s Art Galleries at Black Studies. Awai’s work has referenced history ranging from Civil War monuments at UT-Austin and Grand Army Plaza in New York to Trinidadian folklore about the La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles, all while “foregrounding the transformative potential of the ooze,” writes Townsend. – Lina FisherThrough Dec. 7Art Galleries at Black Studies, 201 East 21st St., Jester A232 -
Arts
Theatre
Nightfall with Edgar Allen Poe
Enter a world of gothic mystery as Mr. "The Raven" himself, Edgar Allan Poe, introduces stage-play versions of his most macabre tales. Perfect for midnights dreary when you mean to ponder, weak and weary.Oct. 19-27 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Old Bakery Gallery: Fantastical Flora
This multimedia exhibition is a comprehensive exploration of the beauty of botanical forms, expressed realistically and in the abstract, featuring the work of local artist Francine Funke.Opening reception: Sat., Jan. 20, 1-4pm. Free. -
Arts
Theatre
POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
Just in time for Election Day, Jarrott Productions shares a potent political reminder: Politicians are people, and people are stupid. In the world of POTUS, an unnamed male president has made a public gaffe, and it’s up to seven women on the White House staff to avert potential world war. It’s been compared to Veep or the best biting bits of Saturday Night Live, as the increasing stakes can’t help but be met with hard-headed hilarity. Listen, we’re all in need of levity in this trying time. And while the truth of our political situation is definitely stranger than fiction, join POTUS and remember that wise women can probably carry us through. – Cat McCarreyThrough Nov. 3 -
Arts
Theatre
Real Ghosts: A Halloween Adventure
Want to put the “haunt” in “haunted house”? Original Austin Ghost Tours and Haunted Texas are bringing all their evidence of the Other Side to Austin’s most haunted theatre in a completely unique Halloween experience that will have you questioning whether there’s something beyond the veil. – Richard WhittakerOct. 18-27 -
Arts
Comedy
Snail Haven's Comedy Pregame
This is a weekly stand-up comedy showcase to help you pregame your Friday night on the town. (Snail Haven also features music shows, film screenings, and general hangs. Best bet: Follow @SnailHavenShows on Instagram and DM them for event details.)Fridays, 8pm. Free. -
Arts
Comedy
South Austin Comedy Club
South Austin’s first dedicated comedy venue is spearheaded by local comics Martin Henn, Andre Ricks, and Raza Jafri, and brings top-notch acts to South Austin every Wednesday through Saturday. Note: The upcoming comics – including nationally touring acts, local sweethearts, and everyone in between – will be listed on Instagram each night.Wed.-Sat., 7:30pm -
Arts
Visual Arts
Stephen L. Clark Gallery: Kate Breakey
This exhibition of new work by Kate Breakey showcases hand-colored photography of the natural world, particularly of Texan and Australian landscapes, animals, and insects. -
Arts
Comedy
The Creek and the Cave
This snazzy spot for local and national stand-up acts has shows almost every night of the week. -
Arts
Comedy
The Hideout
The diverse lineup of hilarious, always surprising improv shows continues, with Pgraph and Maestro and the Big Bash and more, for the most unexpected delights of in-person entertainment.$10 and up. -
Arts
Theatre
Undead: Haunted House of Dances
Their name – Ventana Ballet – references the Spanish word for “window,” which makes sense given this local contemporary dance company’s penchant for showing audiences new viewpoints on the art form. As such, you’ll find their Halloween offering quite “window”-opening. An immersive experience, Undead utilizes pro theatre and dance artists to create mature-audience-only style creatures and scares. Chills abound – literally, as they promise this year the venue has air-conditioning. Join the troupe at any of their performances from now until All Hallows Eve as show director AJ Garcia-Rameau puts on a real creep show. – James ScottOct. 24-31 -
Arts
Comedy
Velveeta Room
The legend of Ronnie Velveeta lives on at this storied 'stablishment of a stand-up stage, where some of the country's hottest comics come to make the floorboards quake with laughter every weekend on Dirty Sixth. Brandie Posey: Sat., May 20, 8 & 10pm. Jake Flores: Sat., May 27, 8 & 10pm.$10. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Visualizing the Environment: Ansel Adams and His Legacy
Time to upgrade from your Ansel Adams wall calendar and instead appreciate the legendary landscape photographer’s black & white pictures of the American West where they belong – on a gallery wall.Aug. 31-Feb. 2 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Wyld Gallery
This is Ray Donley's gallery of art by Native Americans, located in that company of artistic glory called Canopy and resplendent with creations from the original people of our struggling country.Call for appointment -
Arts
Visual Arts
Yard Dog: Paul Rodriguez
Yard Dog presents the vibrant works of Paul Rodriguez, a printmaker from San Miguel de Allende. "And some very cool new paintings by Harry Underwood."Opening reception: Fri., Jan. 19, 7-9pm