Austin Studio Tour: Cross-Pollination and Creative Possibility
I’m on a high after spending the last two weeks fully immersed in Austin Studio Tour, a citywide treasure hunt to discover 500+ artists working across a ridiculous range of styles, mediums, and inspirations.
This is my fourth tour, and I swear it gets better every year. Back in 2019, I showed my photography from a West Texas trek with a few girlfriends on the Eastside. We lovingly set up our art show in the garage, and gathered around sipping tea and whiskey to stay warm. The drizzly day was lulling us into dreamland, when all of a sudden — a lightning strike! Two women in colorful fur coats bolted through the door, brightening the whole space with their contagious smiles. Tamz and Creature had an insatiable curiosity spanning poetry, art, music, fashion, and travel. So just like that — we became friends. In recent years, we’ve became collaborators, confidants, and cheerleaders for each others projects and performances.
The energy at Studio Tour this past weekend was equally electric. 6 months ago, I decided to rent my own space at 2324 Studios after the whirlwinds of paint, paper, and fabric in my living room had gotten too wild to manage. This year, not only do I have dedicated space to make a mess, but I also have neighbors. Hosting alongside a dozen other artists and entrepreneurs in the heart of the Eastside has really elevated the whole tour experience.
This past weekend, a steady stream of Austinites in hoodies and sweaters wandered into the gallery, their cheeks a bit rosy from the rain, eyes lighting up at surprises around every corner. The hallways were blooming with conversation, and folks lingered to talk about nature and mindfulness, staying playful as wel age, digital culture, songwriting, brain science, and human potential. Interactions like this are what keep me going — meeting thoughtful, curious people who are out in the world, staying optimistic, and doing a whole range of incredible things. It’s refreshing too when folks really take the time to slow down, share ideas, and learn from one another. Being intentional and present helps us see each other, discover shared values and passions, and celebrate the layered identities that make each of us shine. We contain multitudes.
Taking time to step back and appreciate the journey is key to my gratitude practice. Who knew that the dream job that moved me to Austin in 2018 would fade and be replaced by something better…? 5 years later, I’ve found myself right in the mix of one of the most vibrant creative communities in the nation — feeling more inspired than ever.
Y’all have inspired me to overcome the mental hurdles that kept me creatively quiet for so many years, ideas stowed away in notebooks.
Y’all have motivated me to push past perfectionism, reframing gaps as opportunities for learning, feedback, and collaboration.
Y’all have emboldened me to make the ideas real, and get collaborative to the make the vision bigger and better.
Y’all have expanded me to think expansively, leading by listening and bringing others into realms of opportunity.
Y’all. My heart sings.
Every creative expression that makes it into the world is a point of possibility — for others to see you, for others to feel seen, and for you to see your role in the world more clearly. For several years , I’ve felt a growing responsibility around creative community— centered on my belief that cross-pollination yields creative flourishing. The more we share our gifts, keep an open mind, and invite our community into our creative process, the more possibilities we will have as we elevate. To quote DAWA founder Chaka Mahone, “community is our greatest technology.”
So here’s to experiencing more of these mutually expansive moments. Whether it’s out on the Studio Tour, or taking someone who inspires you out to coffee… let’s put our heads together to create the world we want to live in. For people and planet. ❤
To learn more about Austin Studio Tour and the 500+ artists participating this year, check out the website or download the app for interactive maps and features. Huge thanks to Big Medium for making this magic happen year after year — we appreciate you! If you feel so inclined, consider becoming a member to continue supporting the great work they do to foster creative community here in Austin.
P.S. If you made it this far, please consider this your invite to 2324 Studios for the final weekend of Studio Tour (Nov 18–19). As you’re planning out your day, make sure to add Stops 455 and 456 to your map! We’ve got several shows going on in the space and events happening throughout the tour. Shoutout to Tobar Rodriguez for curating “Show and Tell” in the main gallery, with some very cool storytelling. Our doors will be open from 12–6.
