East Austin Studio Tour Highlights City's Best Art

Visiting Austin in the autumn season is a great opportunity to take advantage of the cool weather, and enjoy several events that are gaining a large national following. While Austin City Limits and Fun Fun Fun Fest are becoming great music mainstays, the art scene in Austin has been growing quickly, and the East Austin Studio Tour provides a unique opportunity to look inside this world.

For two weekends each November, Austin's most creative minds take over Austin's east side to raise awareness about local art during the East Austin Studio Tour (E.A.S.T.), an annual celebration that brings together the community and art. This year's tour will take place November 13rd-14th and 20th-21st.

2010 marks the ninth year of the event. Last year, over 200 artists and 154 studios and galleries participated. Many of Austin's East Side businesses and homes served as impromptu galleries as well. The art at E.A.S.T. is as diverse as the artists themselves, ranging from traditional sculpture, photography, and painting, to installations and improvised art, visual (film) art, and mixed media. All studios are located on Austin's historic east side, making it easy to navigate from one space to the next on foot or by bicycle. Programs and maps of participating studios are available online and at many locations.

In addition to experiencing art, there are a variety of events featuring food, music, and entertainment for all ages throughout the weekend. E.A.S.T. is free and open to the public. On top of showcasing the best art Austin has to offer, it also allows visitors to get to know the East Site of Austin, an area that is quickly becoming the creative heart of the city.