5 Can’t-Miss EAST Stops
Don’t skip these five East Austin Studio Tour destinations.
Words by Sam Lauron Photo of The Cathedral
East Austin Studio Tour is back and better than ever. For its 18th year, the free, self-guided tour will feature the work of more than 500 artists throughout studios, exhibitions, events, and galleries in East Austin. Spanning two weekends, November 16-17 and 23-24, there’s plenty of time to make it to as many stops as you can squeeze in. But since that would be nearly impossible, here are five can’t-miss stops.
Six Square
Kick off the festivities with Six Square: Austin’s Black Cultural District. The nonprofit is hosting Cocktails & Conversations on Thursday, November 14, just before the first weekend officially begins. The event will give attendees an opportunity to connect with fellow creatives while noshing on food and drinks. There will be plenty of conversation centered around creativity, community, and history.
1152 San Bernard St. | sixsquare.org | Thursday, Nov. 14, 5-8pm
EAST Group Exhibition
Before you head out for a day of studio visits, consider popping into Big Medium’s hub to check out the EAST Group Exhibition. The Group Exhibition features the work of more than 400 EAST artists and is displayed by tour number and organized by category, making it easy to plan your tour. You can also grab an EAST catalog and map at the hub to fully prepare for the tours.
916 Springdale Rd., Bldg. 2, #105 | east.bigmedium.org
Cement Loop
Opened in 2014, Cement Loop is home to artists across a range of mediums like acrylic paintings, mixed mediums, and ceramics. The Windsor Park studio space and gallery will feature the work of 27 artists during both weekends of the tour. One of the standout artists includes Giant Letter, an artist collective that creates large scale sculptural objects that encourage human connection.
5811 Berkman Dr. #140 | cementloop.com
The Cathedral
A new co-working space and event venue from the women behind atxGALS, The Cathedral is located in the Chestnut neighborhood in a refurbished church that was built in the 1930’s. atxGALS hosts pop-up art events all over the city, but with The Cathedral as their new homebase, they now have a permanent gallery to display art. For EAST, the space will showcase the work of 16 emerging female artists during both weekends. They will also be hosting a launch party on Saturday, November 16 from 6-11pm.
2403 E 16th St. | thecathedralatx.com
Cloud Tree Studios and Gallery
Located in a vintage quonset off East 5th Street, Cloud Tree Studios and Gallery is a must-see if you want to explore unique local art and jewelry. The studio is home to wood artist Brian David Johnson, who remodeled the space, as well as watercolor artist Lydia Garcia, jewelry designer and urban beekeeper, Anna Gieselman, painter Lucas Aoki, and jeweler Victoria Michelle Gottschlich. Visit the studios during tour hours or join them for a preview reception on November 15 from 7-9pm.
3411 E 5th St. | cloudtreestudiosandgallery.com
