Weekend Block Parties: Saltillo Lofts, North Loop

East Austin's Saltillo Lofts will host its first annual "Sidewalk Celebration" this Sunday, kicking things off with the official opening of the New East Arts Gallery. New East is the latest venture by DiverseArts, a local nonprofit producer of multidisciplinary art and culture projects such as East End Fourth Fridays and the former Downtown Arts Magazine.

Their inaugural exhibit, entitled "Fresh Black Paint," features works by New Orleans artist/musician Terrence Moline, who relocated, post-Katrina, to Austin in late 2005 after extensive travels around the country. Having spent the last year painting full-time and participating in last November's East Austin Studio Tour (E.A.S.T.), Moline will debut his first proper collection of canvas, panel, and wall paintings. "I took a little over one year to check the pulse of Austin's art scene before deciding to participate in a gallery exhibition," says Moline. "DiverseArts New Arts East Gallery was the best logical choice for my first large show in this city."

The Saltillo Sidewalk Celebration will also feature art and craft vendors, live music by Manteca Beat and DJ Manny, and various grand opening specials at all Saltillo shops -- Constructive Ventures, Method Hair, Myo Massage and more. Ten percent of the day's proceeds will benefit Any Baby Can.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, North Loop will once again play host to a massive block party, with a portion of sales benefiting Project Transitions. They're offering music, food, a performance by Austin burlesque troup Kitty Kitty Bang Bang, and door prize drawings from North Loop shops (Room Service Vintage, Forbidden Fruit, The Peddler, Hog Wild, Sound on Sound, Austin Modern, and Monkey Wrench Books). “We’re very excited that the North Loop Strip is involved with Project Transitions,” says LuCretia Sysk, owner of Room Service Vintage. “Nonprofit organizations need the support of the community, and so do local businesses. I’m glad the North Loop Strip can provide a fun way to bring people together to help people living with AIDS.”

Saltillo Lofts Sidewalk Celebration and Opening Reception for New East Arts Gallery
1601 East 5th Street [map]
Sunday, April 1st
2-6pm

North Loop Strip Block Party
53rd Street and Avenue F [map]
Sunday, April 1st
Noon-8pm