It may be a little tricky to make out the letters adorning the house in the photo to the left. These very important letters appropriately spell out the area of town where an exciting annual local event takes place and also represent the event itself: E.A.S.T.= East Austin Studio Tour. The East Austin Studio Tour happens during two– TWO– weekends every year, which means there’s no excuse for missing it! This is THE single event where local artists whose studios and creative spaces live on the East side of I-35 open their doors to share their works with Austin. And, the tour is self-guided. So, you can pick an area from the map of studios and view at your own pace.

Last year was my first year attending and I was exposed to so much diverse local art in just two days and loved how I was able to meet the artists themselves. Although local art festivals and events occur throughout the year, I find this event unique. In the same way that you can learn a lot about a person by seeing their home, there’s something authentic about seeing an artist in their natural setting– the place where they become inspired or put their inspiration to work, which you can then see coming through visually or conceptually in their final products. I even found that several studios where like a painted canvas themselves, or their own work of art made up of smaller works.

This event portrays the character, individuality, aesthetic nature, and inspirational spirit of Austin’s local artistic community.

This year, I’m on a mission to find a local piece of art for my living room! Let the fun begin!

Studios are open from 11 AM- 6 PM Nov. 13-Nov. 14 and on Nov. 20-Nov. 21. Check out the map with studios on the tour here, then pick a place to start and start touring!  Have an artsy weekend!

**For a preview of this year’s tour, buy tix to the Art Alliance’s Art Night Austin: E.A.S.T. preview event tonight! You can still purchase tickets until noon!

***Also, stop by Zhi Tea this weekend while you’re browsing local art. Located at 4607 Bolm Road. Receive 10% off during the tour– tea tastings will be happening too! They will have extended hours just for us art lovers! (M-F 9-6, Sat and Sun 10-5.)