ATX Art Beat • July 2022
O’er The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave
When’s the last time you heard the national anthem? How did it make you feel?
We live in challenging times, where the nature of our Union is in question, and many of us find ourselves feeling less than patriotic. Whenever the Fourth of July rolls around, I like to take the opportunity to reflect on what it means to be an American. We live in an imperfect society, where freedom is felt unequally, and our values aren’t always well represented.
Even when freedom’s in flux, we will always have the brave. Lighthouse people who lead the way, restoring our optimism by helping us see the light in the dark. If nothing else is true, we are in this together. We bring insights and perspectives from across the globe — as a nation of immigrants, we are a mosaic of people each with our own unique cultures and traditions, persisting for a more inclusive, and real definition of freedom.
One thing I love about our nation’s capital is the massive wealth of art & culture against the backdrop of our government institutions. Earlier this month, I flew out to DC to host an innovation workshop for one of my clients. As a big fan of ‘bleisure’ (business + leisure) travel, I found time to check out the beautiful new show at The Corcoran called “Framing Fatherhood” — featuring 14 Black photographers from across the nation.
This show felt like a portrait of America — the joy, the grief, and the keen sense of intergenerational responsibility. Curator Imani Cheers has assembled a stunning array of photojournalism from some real contemporary legends. If you happen to be in the DMV this month, this show is a must-see (info here). Otherwise — as always — I’ve got a few local recs for this month for anyone looking to witness the power of community right here in Austin, Texas:
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Monthly Celebration @ Open Canopy
Saturday, July 2nd, 1–4pm | 916 Springdale Road
Community. Togetherness. 50+ artist studios and ephemeral activations, and a casually wonderful place to make new friends. Go mingle and buy some art!
Bodies of Work @ Something Cool Studios
Opening Saturday, July 2nd, 7–11pm | 1717 E Cesar Chavez St
Multi-artist show centered around the human body with a whole range of artistic mediums, curated by Leah Bury and Loria Mendoza. Opening night will include live painting, small business vendors, figurative models, and more. Catch you out on the Something Cool patio.
Community Mural Day hosted by Raasin in the Sun
Saturday, July 9th, 8:30am — 12pm | 4700 Bolm Rd
Democratic, participatory, imaginative — need I say more? Head over to the Eastside and leave your mark during this cool event hosted by local legend Raasin in the Sun, and featuring artists Jair Piña and Daniel Escobar. No experience required, and all ages welcome.
