East Austin’s Art Galleries
An Insider’s Look into Eastside Galleries
Words by Tejal Thakkar
Take a peek into Austin’s art scene and explore all that the local galleries have to offer. Maybe you will discover your next favorite piece for your home or even a community of like-minded people while meandering through this lively and eclectic art scene.
Austin is known for many things, most notably its live music and art scenes. Furthermore, East Austin is smattered with a number of local art galleries, each with their own niche and mission. In addition to being a beautiful art gallery, The Cathedral is a co-working space by day and an event venue by night. Set in a beautiful refurbished church, this women-founded gallery aims to “provide an inspiring space to work and gather.”
For an insight into Native American art, stop by Wyld Gallery on Springdale Road, a gallery located inside Canopy that specializes in featuring Native American artists. Patrons can explore unseen perspectives and unique techniques that deserve to be celebrated.
Also located in Canopy, Ivester Contemporary is another local favorite, lauded by visitors for their expert art knowledge and commitment to connecting people to artists. The team at Ivester believes that “through the arts, we are offered the space and opportunity to form a deeper relationship to ourselves, to each other, and to the world,” and their space and exhibitions illustrate this in every way.
Who says art galleries are just for visual art? Prizer Arts and Letters specializes in bringing artists and writers together, hosting a number of discussions, readings, and workshops. The team works hard to live up to their mission to “exhibit socially-engaged art and literature, foster dialogue, and pollinate creativity” by fostering community through their activities and exhibits.
ICOSA Collective prioritizes empowering artists, “providing exhibition space free of the constraints of the traditional gallery model.” Through their programming, the collective also aims to help local artists maintain a sustainable lifestyle.
Located in a spectacular refurbished 100-year-old house, grayDUCK has an inviting space that is perfect for “artwork, poetry readings, film, music, and performance.” Highlighting work from a broad range of local and international artists, the grayDUCK team strives “to exhibit the work of exceptional artists while creating a welcoming place for everyone: viewers, artists, and neighbors.”
Whichever gallery catches the eye, the Eastside art scene is diverse and ever-changing. Now is a better time than any to explore this colorful art world splattered with talent.
Things to do while gallery hopping in East Austin:
1. Explore the outdoor Dimension Sculpture Gallery across the street from Canopy.
2. Head to Cherrywood Coffeehouse to fuel up and peruse the local art on display—and maybe even buy a piece to take home!
3. Indulge in traditional French food at Justine’s or hit up local favorite Mour Café for elevated, globally inspired farm-to-table offerings.
4. Pick up handmade gifts at The Paper + Craft Pantry or some custom jewelry at Fail.
