Paige M.
Yelp
This is my favorite gallery in Austin for the following reasons:
1. The curatorships, collaborations, and openings are inspired and well thought out.
2. The gallery celebrates Texas women artists as well as women artists in general, two subjects that have vastly been overlooked for centuries upon centuries by art circles. I've discovered remarkable talents such as Lisa Ludwig and Sarah Lasley through a show called "Sugarcoated" back in May, which, pointing back to point #1, served pink champagne, frosted animal cookies and doughnut holes instead of the stuffy wine and cheese fare more typically associated with a gallery opening.
3. They encourage new talent, giving several opportunities a year to participate in showings alongside relatively established artists. For $40 you can join as a friend of the organization and have four images of your own art included in their online slide registry project. I believe there is a discounted rate for students and educators.
4. The giftshop kicks ass. Can I say ass? Most of it is tangible, practical art made by local artists or women artists elsewhere. Some of it is less than practical, such as the felt orange bird with pink feathers spewing out of the tail I purchased last Saturday. There's a fantastic selection of books on women artists and some really unique jewelry. Why would you buy anything from a department or corporate store again with such quality, and the money going directly back into the hands of the lady that made them?