First Ever Austin Art Mercado

Some of Austin's most creative minds have joined forces to put together the first Austin Art Mercado. This Saturday, the self-described "anarchic open market" will provide an opportunity for artists and art enthusiasts to showcase and appreciate art in a fun environment. Set in a historic landmark home, the event will include live music, refreshments, and dancing, in addition to art for sale and temporary visual art installations. Mercado organizers and participants hope to make art more accessible while helping artists make a living.

Artists contributing to the first Austin Art Mercardo include Bryan Keplesky, the screenprinter behind the mural at the original Birds Barbershop and one of the creators of Misprint Magazine, Matthew Rodriguez, a mixed-media/street artist whose candy corn wheatpastes and anthropomorphized objects are scattered throughout Austin, and Austinist's own photography editor, Justin Cox. The event will also feature live music from a variety of local groups including Sunset, NBD, and VC Childkraft.

Artists Dustin Walker and Sam Sanford and event/gallery curator Lindsay Muse, organizers of this unique event, aim to provide an opportunity to show, appreciate, and purchase art directly from the artists. Those interested in contributing work to this or future Art Mercados are encouraged to write to info@mercadoaustin.com.