The Sand Mandala is a Tibetan Buddhist tradition involving the creation and destruction of mandalas made from colored sand.  Each step in its creation and destruction is accompanied by rituals, ceremonies and chanting symbolizing the Buddhist philosophy in the transitory nature of material life. During January 9-13, 2013, Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery constructed a sand mandala in the Blanton Museum’s Rapoport Atrium spreading compassion, wisdom and healing from this location outward.

Music: “Completion” by Willits + Sakamoto
Procession Footage courtesy of The Blanton Museum

In September of 2012, the Austin Area Quilt Guild presented Quiltfest “Wild Texas Flowers” to promote this traditional art form. With exhibits, vendors, appraisals, children’s activities, demonstrations and conservation information, the 2012 Capital of Texas Quiltfest showcased quilting in its original, handmade forms through modern techniques.

Music: “Calling Me Names” by Good Old War

At EAST 2012, artists & studios often share the same building to help them inspire & create. The building at 507 Calles Street in Austin serves as one of those spaces. Here meet artists from the East Side Glass Studio creating glass sculptures & providing lessons to public on glassblowing. At Sky Candy, we see artists glide down silk sashes & share their passion for aerial performances. One building, many forms of creation.

East Austin Studio Tour 2012 Site #146, 147 & 148
Music: “Face of Light” by Rival Sons

The People’s Gallery at City Hall is a free, annual exhibition designed to showcase regional artists and to encourage public dialog, understanding, and enjoyment of visual art. Each year, visitors are asked to vote on their favorite pieces, and the winning piece is bought by the City of Austin and continues to be displayed.

Music: “Bad Street” by Twin Sister

The Rules of Basketball is rare pairing of James Naismith’s 1891 “Original Rules of Basket Ball” document with an exhibition of works by contemporary artist Paul Pfeiffer.  This juxtaposition of the authentic rules document and Pfeiffer’s works considers the sport from a historical perspective and explores the phenomena and spectacle that surround it.  With this exhibition, the Blanton Museum has inspired cross-campus collaboration that unites art and sport.

The Rules of Basketball is on exhibit at the Blanton Museum from September 16 – January 13, 2013.

Music: “No Particular Night or Morning ” by Deadhorse

Gay Fay Kelly is a painter that believes “our eyes need the food too.” She creates art that has “narrative content” and is interested in the “meeting point of an aesthetic conversation.”

East Austin Studio Tour 2012 Site #166b
Music: “Sea of Keys” by Videoing

William Cauthern’s recent works exploring texture and repetition are produced from observation and photos. His printmaking and sculpture focus on the personal symbolism of these items and environments

East Austin Studio Tour 2012 Site #164
Music: “Disguise (D)” by Videoing

Rebecca Rothfus creates industrial landscapes using a vareity of 2D mediums. She is interested in the visual, physical and imagined impact cell towers have on their surroundings.

East Austin Studio Tour 2012 Site #161
Music: “You’re Over” by Videoing

Griffon Ramsey is one of the four artists at The FORT creative workshop.  Inspired by video games and the totem poles of the Pacific Northwest, Griffon Ramsey creates sculptures by carving large pieces of cedar wood with a chainsaw.

East Austin Studio Tour 2012 Site #162                       Music: “Under The I” by Videoing

“Weaving Space and Color” are colorful, intricate compositions carefully painted by Erin Elizabeth Curtis. She  finds inspiration in textile art and collage from around the world and is presenting new work in progress and older completed works.

East Austin Studio Tour 2012 Site #60

Music: “Death To The Storm” by Joe Henry