6 Best Art Galleries
Take a Trip to the Right Side of Mind.
Words By Jessica Devenyns Photo courtesy of Gray Duck
When high summer strikes, ideas to combat the heat become few and far between. However, instead of languishing in dark movie theaters waiting for October to roll around, explore the bright creativity that flows through the streets of east Austin by dipping your toes into the lifeblood that makes the community so vivid and varied – its art scene.
1. Court Lurie
On occasion, you’ll stumble into the pocket gallery of an artist on the eastside that will prompt an internal meditation on the meaning of art. Court Lurie’s paint-splattered floors flow seamlessly into her highly abstract canvases to make you wonder where art begins and where it ends. In this small one-room gallery, you’ll be exposed to the raw emotions that this long-time Eastsider communicates through her mixed media oeuvres d’art.
ARTPOST Studios, 4704 E. Cesar Chavez St. | courtlurie.com
2. Gray Duck
Cozied up in a 100-year-old, white-washed bungalow on Cesar Chavez, the Gray Duck Gallery is more than just paintings. With a belief that art is integral to everyday life, the Gray Duck Gallery calls itself home to all forms of artistic expression including artwork, poetry readings, film, music, and performance. Watch for their rotating exhibitions.
2213 E. Cesar Chavez St. | grayduckgallery.com
3. Pump Project
In a bright yellow warehouse reside dozens of artists and craft makers. The premise has 23 studios for creation and 1,000 square feet of gallery where artists proudly display their work. Both emerging and established artists as well as curious passersby are welcome into this space where they will be encouraged to explore and express themselves. From cutting-edge exhibitions to a studio dedicated to a live-model drawing group, walking through the doors of this sunny little facility will reveal a new surprise every time.
702 Shady Ln. | pumpproject.org
4. Dimension Gallery
Calling an industrial warehouse home, the gallery is dedicated to showcasing sculpture and three-dimensional art. With eight resident artists, the gallery not only exhibits a curated selection of pieces but also works to empower artist to fund the creation of their works. Naturally, with a single-minded emphasis on 3-D works, the exhibition space seamlessly flows outdoors where you will find a sculpture garden and covered seating to enjoy the occasional performance piece.
979 Springdale, Ste. 99 | dimensiongallery.org
5. SprATX
When empty spaces need to be filled with color and positive energy, SprATX is there to infuse the blank city canvases with creativity and increase awareness of the beauty of public spray paint artworks. Opened in 2013 and based on the eastside, this collective decorates city walls, hosts #ATXFreeArtFriday, and sells prints and original pieces in their shop. 2400 East Cesar Chavez St., Ste. 316B | spratx.com
6. Imagine Gallery
Established in 1997, the Imagine Gallery is a small creative incubator that focuses on art from disabled artists. This little house-sized gallery encourages community development through artistic exhibition. With 10,000 square feet of studios and galleries, on a visit here you are just as likely to see artists in the midst of creating as you are finished products hanging proudly on the walls.
2830 Real St. | imagineart.net
