Sarah M.
Yelp
I went to Yard Dog because it was recommended and because I was in the neighborhood. I am one of those people who knows absolutely nothing about art, but can appreciate the craft.
Since I can't speak with the jargon of an artist donning a critical eye, I'll speak on the logistics. Yard Dog is easy to find. It's a small studio sandwiched in between the also artsy Antigua and Avenue Gallery in the ultra-cool SoCo district of Austin (no sarcasm here...I really think SoCo is awesome!)
YDFA is mainly a gallery, although it can easily be mistaken for a shop, given its location. The front part of the building is essentially an open exhibit hall and I feel like they could have made better use of the space. You might disagree. Opened in 1995, the showroom started as a display venue for "folk art of the American South," but has since expanded to include...well....whatever the owners fall in love with.
The art is interesting to peruse, and I really appreciate how they put the artist's picture next to the work, so you can make up little images in your head of that person at home in their studio in overalls with paint splattered all over them and a cigarette hanging from their mouth. (Stick to the details, Sarah).
Anyway, if you are into art, definitely check out Yard Dog. If you're not, my bet is that you could still appreciate this slice of life. Street parking only. Free of charge.
Worth a visit if you're in the area.