Anyone Home?

Austin studio tour paints a picture with lineup of 520 participating artists this fall.

An artist in the Austin Studio Tour by Big Medium

Austin creatives welcome art lovers into their homes and collaborative studios to make organic connections every year.

The perfect crawl for art lovers and voyeurs alike, the Austin Studio Tour is turning 20 this year. It takes Austinites behind closed — or in this case open — studio doors across the city, showcasing the work of 520 artists, builders, and collectives in 2022. This time, the free self-guided tour runs from November 5-20.

Everything starts with a Group Exhibition and Kick Off at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, with organizing help from Black creativity collective Origin Studio House. On November 1, these two organizations join Big Medium, the organizer of the tour, in yet-unannounced activities to warm up curious visitors.

The tour has undergone several transformations since it was founded, starting as the East Austin Studio Tour with only 28 participating studios, eventually adding a West Austin counterpart, and absorbing both into one city-wide extravaganza in 2021. On September 21, Big Medium released a long list of participants, this time without any East or West designations.

There is no 2022 map yet, but a map of the 2021 tour stops shows a wide north-to-west spread east of I-35. The West Side tours reach as far up as Anderson Mill, where Clint Atkinson shows his graffiti-like black and white portraits, and as far south as Manchaca, where Brian Phillips makes geometric paintings on reclaimed wood. Both artists have committed to the 2022 tour.

East of the highway, where it all started, a dense clump of studios from around main roads, especially East Cesar Chavez Street. On this more compact side, participants reach as far north as Salvador Rodriguez, a hyper-detailed desert landscape painter near the Walnut Creek Greenbelt, and as far south as colorful jewelry and wallet maker Anne Marie Beard, right off East William Cannon Drive. Neither of these artists are on the 2022 list.

The map puts the adventure in Austinites’ hands the old fashioned way — it’s just a static image that can and should be printed out. Of course, for now tour attendees can comb through for artists of interest, but past experience has taught many that simply following street signs on foot provides a unique and minimally stressful experience. In denser areas, pedestrians could easily hit half a dozen studios in four or five blocks, and grab snacks or lunch on the way.

For those who simply do not trust their whims to deliver randomly great taste, there are curated collections by business partners. (These are called “themed tours,” which is a bit misleading in that there is no map or other organization tool included — just a few selected works with attributions that viewers can add to their itineraries themselves.) It is unclear if themed tours are returning this year, but last year included lists of artists by experience at previous tours (none or at least ten years), age, and materials.

Some artists also offer virtual tours, and if the tour continues the standard set last year, they will all have mini galleries on the website. Similarly, business partners have their own tab, and listings including a description of services and social media links. Even though seeing even a fifth of these studios in person would be a herculean task, there’s something fun about how impossible it is to see it all. Just like the Austin art scene at large.

A full list of 2022 Austin Studio Tour participants (without addresses) is available at bigmedium.org .

We will not share or sell your email address.

The voice of austin, faders up: the john aielli experience explores the eccentricities of austin's public radio icon.

To describe radio icon John Aielli is to list quirks that made him a staple of "weird" old Austin. He was a lover of whalesong, cherries, thrift stores, and all types of music (from The Beatles to Tuvan throat singing). He was a polarizing figure; loved and disliked across the Austin community for his eccentricities, on-air mistakes, and his unapologetic lack of preparation throughout his 55-year-career on KUTX 98.9.

Locals and SXSW attendees caught a glimpse of Aielli's legacy during the March 10 film premiere of Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience at The Paramount Theatre. Film distribution after the festival is not completely nailed down, but a shortened version is expected to air on KLRU on an undetermined date.

The documentary journeys through Aielli's life and career, starting with his humble upbringing in Killeen, Texas, through his eventual move to Austin and the beginning of his famed all-genres show, Eklektikos . Translated from Greek by Aielli as "chosen from the best," the program was an amalgamation of music that piqued his interest, including live performances, freeform interviews, and famously long stretches of dead air. The show spanned up to six hours a day, five days a week.

During the talkback after the film premiere — with co-directors Sam Wainwright Douglas and David Hartstein, plus more including composer Graham Reynolds — Douglas crowned Aielli "the voice of Austin" and shared why he believed his legacy would find a meaningful home in the outside world thanks to the film.

"I think people crave individual genuine culture," Douglas said. "When you have an individual like [Aielli], who is so open and embraces the city ... He was the real mascot of Austin. Think about it. He was on the radio for five decades, the period from the 60s to 2021. That is that is the Austin we know. When did Austin start getting cool? He was here for all of it. It was like a radio hug to the town."

The elements that made Aielli emblematic of the city and its weirdness were numerous: from his calming baritone voice that felt like a caress as he led listeners in between scenes and songs, to his reading hobby at Cherrywood Coffeehouse with his personal vintage banker's lamp lit on the table. Even his home was a museum of odds and ends found in local thrift shops.

Aielli's interview preparation technique was simply nothing at all, the documentary revealed. He relied instead on his love of culture and his enthusiasm. His unstructured approached differed greatly from the vast majority of radio shows, which are based on organization, research, and a smooth experience. Letting a few choice curses slip out on-air is another big no-no in radio, but that didn't stop them from flying on Eklektikos .

"I never got fired for it, how about that?" Aielli quipped.

Faders Up is not just a tribute to Aielli's legacy. It also draws a stark comparison between two different Austins: the polished facade we have come to know and expect today, and the imperfect, experimental city that Austin used to be decades ago.

As many Austinites are quick to point out nowadays, Austin is no longer as "weird" as it claims to be. In the documentary, KUTX podcast host and producer Elizabeth McQueen speculated that if Aielli were beginning his career now, it's not likely he would get the six hours of daily airtime that he had in the 1960s.

"There are many parts of me that wish not only that John Aielli was still alive, but that Austin was still a city that wanted six hours of John Aielli a day," she said.

If we're taking anything away from the film, it's that we all need to unapologetically embrace the "weird" in our own lives, like Aielli did. It's time to look beyond our established tastes and welcome new experiences, whether it be in music or other activities that bring us joy.

Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience will have two additional screenings on Wednesday, March 13, at 11 and 11:30 am at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. These are open to SXSW badge-holders. Stay tuned with KUT and KUTX for announcements about film distribution after the festival.

The Austin Chronicle

East and West Sides Converge at the Austin Studio Tour

Here are a few recommended events to get you started on your arts odyssey, by wayne alan brenner , fri., nov. 11, 2022.

austin studio tours 2022

Dear Diary Market Days 

The progressive coffeehouse Dear Diary and arts collective Creative Cuties have teamed up again to present live art, yummy eats, and a huge craft market during the tour's final weekends, featuring gifts from a diverse lineup of local creatives. Foodie tip: Try the oat milk in your favorite java. Sat.-Sun., Nov. 12-13 & Sun., Nov. 20, noon-6pm; Sat., Nov. 19, noon-4:30pm 1212 Chicon #103 deardiary.coffee

Swoop House: J. Michelle Galek Live Painting 

Be transfixed while abstract artist Galek demonstrates her unique "paint-dragging" technique that results in "acrylic zen gardens," a process that's been called "ASMR for the eyes." Sat., Nov. 12, 2pm 3012 Gonzales swoopevents.com

Aluminum Pour Demonstration

A live demonstration where you can witness the process from start to finish through the mastery of Erin Cunningham, and learn more about this metal art that's fueled by fire. Sat., Nov. 12, 5pm 4909 Hilldale erincunninghamart.com

austin studio tours 2022

Tambores! Drum Circle and Fire 

Join artists Rosy + Yareth at this BIPOC-centered drum circle hosted by Wolfshield Records in South Austin. Bring a drum or any percussion instrument and help create music around a campfire. Sat., Nov. 12, 7-9pm 7315 Cooper rosycampanita.com

Prizer Arts & Letters: "May You Open" Opening Party 

The ceramic sculptor Alejandra Almuelle's newest work is celebrated here, its powerful figurative manifestations accompanied by literary readings inspired by the art, free chili and cornbread and drinks, and much Eastside camaraderie. Sat., Nov. 12, 6-9pm 2023 E. Cesar Chavez prizerartsandletters.org

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

Support the Chronicle  

Austin Studio Tour 2022 Is All Over the Map

Wayne Alan Brenner, Nov. 11, 2022

Five Things to Appreciate on the West Austin Studio Tour

Wayne Alan Brenner, Nov. 5, 2021

Five Free Art Exhibits for Your Aesthetic Delectation

Wayne Alan Brenner, Jan. 12, 2024

Five Themes at This Year’s Texas Book Festival

Kimberley Jones, Nov. 10, 2023

Austin Studio Tour , Dear Diary , Creative Cuties , J. Michelle Galek , Swoop House , Erin Cunningham , Rosy Campanita , Prizer Arts & Letters , Alejandra Almuelle , Wolfshield Records

austin studio tours 2022

Austin Insider Blog

This blog, written and curated by Visit Austin staff, shares the things that visitors love and locals can't get enough of.

Austin Studio Tour 2024

The free, self-guided Austin Studio Tour – an annual  Big Medium  program – invites visitors to discover new artistic talent, see working studios, learn about artists' tools, techniques and inspirations, and explore galleries. A combination of the popular East Austin Studio Tour and West Austin Studio Tour, Austin Studio Tour takes place over two weekends in November 2024.

East Austin Studio Tour 2016 2

Studios & Exhibitions

In 2023, Austin Studio Tour featured over 550 local artists and collaboratives. The 2024 lineup of artists will be announced on their website closer the the event date. Here are just a few studios and exhibitions featured in previous tours:

Artist and graphic designer  Judy Paul  creates mixed media paintings with acrylic paint, collage, pencil and screen-printing.  Rachel K. Bury  practices involves playful manipulations of flat material and the intricate balance of sculptural construction.  ArtUs Co  (formerly Pump Project) a North Austin art space that provides working studios and gallery facilities to emerging and established artists.

One of the original hosts of East Austin Studio Tour, Jennifer Chenoweth displays her own work as well as the work of several other artists in her space, Fisterra Studio . Chenoweth specializes in drawing, metal and mixed media. She gave a 2017 TedMed talk about her project  XYZ Atlas , a hedonic map that portrays the feelings, stories and life experiences of people living in and visiting Austin.  Cement Loop , a creative studio with a focus on exploring and supporting the diversity in the Windsor Park community, hosts creators with various artistic focuses.

Since  Ted Carey 's sculptural work often relies on the context of the given environment, the documentation proves as important as the object itself. Carey utilizes found objects and experiments with themes of tension (both physical and mental).  Cynthia Pierce 's   deepest desire is to make things, and her studio becomes a playground where each bowl and painting can stand complete. She works with Grolleg Porcelain in search of the perfect bowl.

Discover even more Austin galleries and studios .

Christine Felton comic_sm

Christine Felton

Christine is the Director of Content & Digital Marketing at Visit Austin. She is a graduate of the University of Texas, proud South Austin resident and native Texan. She is passionate about travel, classic film, grammar, vegan cooking and live music. On the weekends, you may find her in her garden, at a nearby yoga studio, visiting a craft brewery or exploring a local nature preserve with her two pups.

austin studio tours 2022

Virtual Exhibition Opening

WHEN:  Saturday, November 14th at 7PM-9PM Central | WHERE:  Instagram Live

Join us for the (virtual) opening of Weird Amalgamation, Featuring a live DJ set from Arie Cole and multimedia experience of the exhibition.

austin studio tours 2022

Austin Studio Tour 2022

We're stop #108 on Austin Studio Tour this year, with weekend opening hours from 1pm–5pm. Come by and see the new and expanded gallery space, and explore the temporary residence of Tim McCool's studio. Large works, small works, and prints will be available.

Come by during open hours on the weekend, or make your appointment to see the show.

Take the virtual tour

About the artist(s).

Timothy McCool is an Austin, Texas-based artist and educator. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, McCool received his Master’s of Fine Arts from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and Tufts University located in Boston, MA. McCool has exhibited his work at locations such as the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Montserrat College of Art, Carroll & Sons Gallery, and Room 68. He has been the artist in residence at the Boston Center for the Arts, the Studios Program at MASS MoCA, and at the Arteles Creative Center in Finland.

Ready to come visit ?

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Austin Studio Tour 2022

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November 12, 2022 @ 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Austin Studio Tour graphic. Text reads, "Austin Studio Tour November 5-20, 2022."

We are participating in the 2022 Austin Studio Tour, a free, self-guided art event that provides opportunities for Austin artists to connect with each other, showcase current work, and for the public to experience the cultural vibrancy of our city. Showcased artists: Kemi Yemi-Ese and Christina Culverhouse. There will also be other art-related activities.

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Call for Art- Community Exhibition Spaces

An event every 2 weeks that begins at 10:00 am on Tuesday, repeating until December 31, 2024

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East Austin Arts District’s Third Thursday

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Feb 7: Texas Sculpture Group Artist Talks: Art + Social Issues 

Feb 1, 2024

Texas Sculpture Group Artist Talks: Art + Social Issues  February 7, 4:30pm - 5:30pm  Gallery 2000 (HLC 2.2450) at ACC Highland Campus  Artists Yousif Del Valle (faculty, ACC) and Hollis Hammonds (faculty, St. Edward's University) will give tandem artists talks in...

Feb 8: Stories of Collaborative Printmakers and Their Artists: Print Expo Panel Discussion

Feb 8: Stories of Collaborative Printmakers and Their Artists: Print Expo Panel Discussion

On February 8th at 6 p.m., Arts & Digital Media + The Art Department + Flatbed Press will be hosting a panel discussion titled "Stories of...

Feb 1 & 3: Music: Andrea Clearfield’s Women of Valor Concert

Feb 1 & 3: Music: Andrea Clearfield’s Women of Valor Concert

Women of Valor is a celebration of women from the Old Testament. The cantata was inspired by a midrash (biblical commentar) on Proverbs where each line of the biblical text from Proverbs 31 represents a biblical woman. Women of Valor highlights the stories of Sarah,...

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COMMENTS

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    Art Spark Texas. 1152 San Bernard Street. Austin, TX 78702 United States + Google Map. Phone. (512) 454-9912. View Venue Website. Distinguished Artist Veterans 13th Annual Exhibition. We are participating in the 2022 Austin Studio Tour, a free, self-guided art event that provides opportunities for Austin artists to connect with each other ...

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    Weekend 1 November 12-13Weekend 2 November 19-20. Join 520 Austin artists participating in the 2022 Austin Studio Tour - the popular city‑wide art event that offers the public an opportunity to meet local artists. Art Spark Texas is very excited to be part of the tour this year for the first time!

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    Austin Studio Tour 2022. November 5, 2022-November 30, 2022. We're stop #108 on Austin Studio Tour this year, with weekend opening hours from 1pm-5pm. Come by and see the new and expanded gallery space, and explore the temporary residence of Tim McCool's studio. Large works, small works, and prints will be available.

  19. Austin Studio Tour 2022

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