Musings on The East Austin Studio Tour

I can hardly wait for the next East Austin Studio Tour (EAST), which will take place in November 2008. Some may wonder why I am writing about the East Austin Studio Tour now, when it is nine months away, but I have my reasons. The most important reason is because there are many women who are trying to make a living as artists, and I want to encourage them to succeed. As a matter of fact, I would like to see them as well as other artists make some money from opening their studios to the public.

Currently, the EAST is a gift from the artists. They make no money from opening their studios, which are often also their homes, to the public, unless those on the tour buy their art. I would like to suggest to the organizers of the EAST, that artists be paid for the privilege and honor of visiting them. Perhaps they could sell tickets or wristbands for the EAST, and the proceeds could be split among the participating artists.

Last November, (November, 2007) I went on the EAST, and I was very impressed with the high levels of creativity and skills displayed. I did the EAST, in November 2004, but at that time, it seemed that there were many more crafts, such as pottery, and glassware, rather than art.

Artist Marilyn Fenn

Marilyn Fenn, a friend, opened her studio and home for the EAST. I think of Marilyn as the Monet of Austin, because like Monet, she has a keen sense of color. Marilyn’s work has evolved over the years and has become more abstract.


Artist Dalana Castrell

I also had the pleasure of meeting Dalana Castrell, the Arthouse of Ionic Futurism. She had recently moved to Cesar Chavez and was not listed as being on the tour, but she decided to open her studio to the public any way. I was glad that she did, because I loved the visceral style and colors in her work.

Dalana told me that she was encouraging her young daughter, AllexosQ, to work as an artist, by becoming her apprentice. She told me that she thought that it was very important for children to learn from their parents and to participate in important activities. Dalana has selected mandellas from AllexosQ to incorporate into her own art.


Decleration of Indipendance (Misspelled) by Josh Rios

Although this is a blog devoted to improving the images and circumstances of older women, I also must mention that I thoroughly enjoyed the work of okay mountain's Josh Rios, The Decleration of Indipendance (Misspelled) especially struck my fancy. Oh Josh, Your mom called. Please call her back. ;)