The Awesome Austin Art Affair is an interactive, multidimensional experience where artists and the Austin community can engage in beauty and peace.   It is an opportunity for people to come together in creation and celebration of culture while also developing social capital.

Taking place on Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 10:30am to 5:00pm at Fulton and Mayfield, the Awesome Austin Art Affair will increase visibility, participation, relevance, and support for the arts and culture in Austin. Participants of all ages and skill levels can explore creativity and culture.

ART GALLERY

The Villagers by Shirley Hudson

The Pop-Up Art Gallery, located in the featured artists tents, will feature the works of several local Austin artists, Among them is Shirley Hudson, Joe Hardy, Demetrius  and Alderman Chris Taliaferro.

Shirley Hudson, a self-taught artist, is inspired by the colors of nature and faces, leading her to create abstract and figurative paintings. She writes that painting is an essential element of self-discovery along with her poetry. She has been featured at art shows and in literature around the country, including Oak Park and other Midwestern cities. Read more in this feature article in the Austin Weekly. http://www.austinweeklynews.com/News/Articles/10-24-2007/Hudson-paints-her-way-out-of-life’s-hardships/?utm_source=EmailShare&utm_medium=EmailShare&utm_campaign=EmailShare

Joe Hardy, a self-taught artist, works in stainless steel. He creates abstract sculptures. Demetrius specializes in re-creating ancient artifacts. The Alderman of the 29^th Ward, Chris Taliaferro, who is also an artist, is creating a piece just for this event.

ART FAIR

The Art Fair segment, taking place on 5900 Block of W. West End Ave. between Mason and Mayfield , will feature the work of young as well as established artists. Artists can exhibit for free. Attendees can view and purchase art that speaks to them.

Some of the artists create socially engaged art with an awareness of the social, cultural and political context of the community. Their art has the capacity to inform, challenge, transport and connect us.

ART CLASSES

Creative activities for all ages

In addition to selling their work, several of the artists will conduct demonstrations that will help connect artists more deeply with the community. Participants can take a class led by an artist and take home something tangible from the event, creating a more lasting impression.

The schedule includes, but is not limited to, the creation of mobiles, fabric art, and anti-violence yard signs. One class will allow participants to create their names in Egyptian symbols.

COLLABORATION ART PIECE

Acting together on creating art, a common goal, can make a great difference in the health and well-being of the community. It can provide a sense of connectedness, which counters feelings of alienation. Engaging creativity can be a powerful healing experience, aiding in mental and emotional well-being.

77894291 – a collection of well used art paint brushes in an old jug in front of a white background

Participants of all skill levels will be invited to add their input to a large, scale original piece of art. Artist Shirley Hudson will prepare the framework for this creative, community building collaboration.

PEACE GARDEN

We are creating a garden space where participants can learn new coping skills. A yoga instructor will lead stretching and meditation classes during the day in the garden. Chair massage minutes will be made available through purchase or as incentives or raffle prizes.

PEACE  DANCE

Participants will be led in a peace dance by Dancemakers are Peacemakers, another Safe and Peaceful Communities grant recipient. This class will provide a platform for participants to develop self-confidence, relationship skills and social awareness through a group dance activity. Participants will learn a collaborative circular dance form will be based on culturally relevant dance patterns from popular urban social dances of the past and present.

The Awesome Austin Art Affair was developed by Serethea Reid at Redevelopment Management Resources, Inc., a not-for-profit organization based in Austin. Artists and others seeking more information can visit the website www.chicaac.org or visit the Facebook page @chicagoaac. Emails can be sent to sreid@chicaac.org.

The Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities provided funding.  Support has also been provided by Austin Coming Together, Central Austin Neighborhood Association and CAPS. Links to other articles about the event are provided below.

http://www.austinweeklynews.com/News/Articles/6-12-2018/Austin-art-fair-in-the-works-/

Austin residents to host art fair this month