Exhibits
A Celebration of Tenant Power
A Celebration of Tenant Power
BASTA; Building and Strengthening Tenant Action or Buscando Acción y Soladaridad que Transforme el Arrendamiento
May 15, 2024
- August 4, 2024
Central Library - 710 W. César Chávez St.
Living Room (6th Floor)
About the Exhibit
The imbalance of power between landlords and tenants must be corrected to secure housing justice for all people, but most especially for communities of color and low-income, marginalized communities. Building tenant power is the only way to make this change happen, and tenant power is only built by bringing more renters into a housing justice movement that is led by those most impacted. The images shared in this series- images of tenants association meetings, protests, creative organizing tactics, community vigils honoring those lost in the struggle, negotiation meetings with managers, disaster supply distribution, and more- tell the story of growing tenant power in Austin. But to truly build power and address the housing crisis in Austin, the movement needs all of us, and there is a role for everyone. Will you join us? -BASTA
About the Artist
BASTA - (Building and Strengthening Tenant Action or Buscando Acción y Soladaridad que Transforme el Arrendamiento) - ) is a nonprofit project started in 2016 that builds tenant power by bringing underrepresented Austin renters into a housing justice movement fueled by tenant-led organizing, community education, and outreach. Our work is centered on dismantling the systems that prevent tenants from living in dignified and healthy homes. Learn more at bastaaustin.org
Image credit
Spirit Animals - An Inspiration
Spirit Animals - An Inspiration
Deesha Agrawal
June 14, 2024
- September 14, 2024
Central Library - 710 W. César Chávez St.
Children's Area (3rd Floor)
About the Exhibit
Central Library proudly hosts emerging young artist, Deesha Agrawal for an exhibit of artwork in our Tween Lounge, located in the 3rd floor Youth Area.
My art is inspired from animals and nature. Texture and symmetry are always considered for each art inspiration, making the painting come to life. I use watercolors, modeling paste, acrylic paints and many household materials in creating my artwork.
This exhibit focuses on a "Spirit Animal book series" that has 15 great beasts, 4 of whom are reborn as spirit animals to 4 kids. Images in the exhibition will also include Briggan the Wolf, Uraza the Leopard, Jhi the Panda, and Essix the Falcon, the Evertree, Mulop the Octopus, Dinesh the Elephant and Nianani the Swan.
About the Artist
My name is Deesha Agrawal. I am 12 years old, born in Dallas, Texas and I have loved art since I was born. I would create jewelry, paint on canvas, and knit. I sold my first art creation when I was 6 years old. My art is inspired by patterns, textures, nature and animals.
I love reading books. I want to create an art installation from my imagination and the description of the book - Spirit Animals. I like this series as kids work together to save the world. I hope my art will inspire kids to read and think that each one of us can save the world.
Image credit
Soy Austin Soy Travis County
Soy Austin Soy Travis County
Celebrating Latine Artistry in Our Community
June 30, 2024
- October 31, 2024
Austin History Center - 810 Guadalupe St.
About the Exhibit
Celebrating Latine Artistry in Our Community:
The vibrant cultural tapestry of Austin and Travis County is rich with the stories and artistic expression of Latine artists who have shaped our community's identity. "Soy Austin, Soy Travis County" is an initiative by the Austin History Center to recognize and preserve significant contributions of Latine artists in our region.
This exhibit showcases a diverse group of artists, nominated by the greater community, whose work and lives have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape.
Each piece in this exhibit is more than art; it's a testament to the enduring spirit and creativity of these artists. Their diverse expressions and narratives enrich our understanding of the community's cultural landscape.
In conjunction with this exhibit, we are proud to announce the expansion of the Austin History Center's Biography Files. These files have been enhanced to include more individuals from Austin's Latine community who have made impactful contributions.
As you explore this exhibit, we invite you to engage with the histories, dreams, and realities represented by these talented individuals. We are proud to document and share these vital narratives as a part of Austin's collective history. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the rich artistic heritage of our Latine community.
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Celebrando El Arte Latine En Nuestra Comunidad
El vibrante tapiz cultural de Austin y el condado de Travis está lleno de historias y expresiones artísticas de artistas latinos que han moldeado la identidad de nuestra comunidad. "Soy Austin, Soy Travis County" es una iniciativa del Centro de Historia de Austin para reconocer y preservar las significativas contribuciones de artistas latinoamericanos o de raíces latinoamericanas en nuestra región.
Esta exposición presenta a un grupo diverso de artistas, nominados por la comunidad en general, cuyo trabajo y vidas han dejado una marca indeleble en nuestro paisaje cultural.
Cada pieza en esta exhibición captura un aspecto único de los procesos creativos de los artistas, desde entornos íntimos de estudio hasta vibrantes actuaciones en vivo. Mientras que algunos artistas han incluido representaciones directas de su obra, muchos han compartido documentación de su trayectoria artística. Juntas, estas expresiones y narrativas diversas ofrecen una comprensión más rica y matizada del paisaje cultural de la comunidad.
Nos enorgullece anunciar que esta exhibición contribuye a la expansión de los Archivos Biográficos del Austin History Center. Los Archivos Biográficos sirven como un recurso crucial para investigadores al catalogar las vidas y legados de aquellos que influyeron en la historia de nuestra comunidad. Hemos curado nuevos Archivos Biográficos para cada artista, que incluyen artículos, biografías escritas y otros documentos efímeros que ahora son buscables a través del Catálogo de la Biblioteca Pública de Austin y están disponibles para consultar en nuestra Sala de Lectura.
Mientras explora la exhibición, lo invitamos a involucrarse con las historias, sueños y realidades representadas por estos talentosos individuos. Descubra los rostros y voces que continúan inspirando, desafiando y transformando nuestra comunidad. Nos enorgullece documentar y compartir estas narrativas vitales como parte de la historia colectiva de Austin. Gracias por acompañarnos en la celebración del rico patrimonio artístico de nuestra comunidad latina.
About the Artist
Artists included within this exhibit:
- Andrea Muñoz Martinez
- Cat Quintanilla
- Eduardo Martinez
- Frederico Salles do Mar
- ire'ne lara silva
- Jean-Pierre Verdijo
- Natalia Sylvester
- Rosario Baxter
- Victoria Baltierra
- Zeke Castro
Travelling Exhibit of Bookmark Art
Travelling Exhibit of Bookmark Art
Celebrating the Freedom to Read: A Community Mural Project
July 1, 2024
- July 31, 2024
Old Quarry Branch - 7051 Village Center Dr.
About the Exhibit
This community mural in three panels contains a total of around 250 bookmarks created by Austinites of all ages, expressing their thoughts about what “the freedom to read” means to them, and showing love for their favorite books - especially those that are being challenged or banned across the state and the U.S. This is a travelling exhibit and will be visiting different locations around Austin. See below for the schedule.
TOUR SCHEDULE 2024
- JANUARY - Teen Central @ Central Library
- FEBRUARY - Twin Oaks Branch
- MARCH - Southeast Branch
- APRIL - Pleasant Hill Branch
- MAY - Hampton Branch @ Oak Hill
- JUNE - Teen Central @ Central Library
- JULY - Old Quarry Branch
- SEPTEMBER - Windsor Park Branch
- OCTOBER - Little Walnut Creek Branch
- NOVEMBER - St. John Branch
About the Artist
250 bookmarks created by Austinites of all ages!