Today we're talking to Sean Gaulager, one of the founders of Co-Lab, a community based art space in East Austin. Gaulager started Co-Lab in 2008 when he saw a void in gallery space for non-traditional artists. The focus here is on providing space for constantly rotating collaborations, screenings, performances and installations - and making it possible for new media artists to show their work more frequently. An on-site community garden furthers the connection to this East Austin community. Gaulager spoke with us about Co-Lab's current exhibitions (including an impressive miniature city contained within a sand box, installed in the main gallery), what excites him about the Austin art scene, how Co-Lab has changed in the short two years of its existence. We love that Co-Lab was inspired by creating a community space for Austin-based artists. Can you tell us a little about the history of Co-Lab - what was the catalyst for creation? Basically Co-Lab was created as an extremely accessible model for artists working in new media to engage and exercise their ideas and as a space that could facilitate other community oriented activities (i.e. community garden). We saw many artists (myself included) exploring non-traditional ways of art making and felt that a dedicated venue could really help these artists execute these projects. more ›

It was announced last night that Gallery Lombardi will close on January 15th, 2009. The contemporary art gallery, currently located on West 7th Street, has existed in Austin since 1996. Proprietor Ron Prince and Director Rachel Koper cite not making "nearly enough money this year" as a reason for closing the gallery. The sad news broke at last night's opening reception for Lombardi's current show, the Xmas Expo. Prince debuted a collage informatively titled "The Gallery Will Close in January". The celebration of the last show went on as scheduled and featured music by Coma in Algiers and Leila Bela among others. As is typical of Gallery Lombardi openings, the space was packed to overflowing and art appreciators spilled out into the gallery's parking lot. more ›

Join the good people at the Salvage Vanguard Theatre on December 7 for a very special evening of holiday celebration, art and - why not - Tom Waits' birthday. more ›

http://www.brainold.com/">Bryan de la Garza, Matt Rodriguez, Monica Vidal, Anna Krachey, Dave Bryant, Jonathan Marshall, Tim Brown, Sterling Allen, Nathan Green, Ryan Hennessee, Justin Goldwater, Josh Rios, Peat Duggins, Corkey Sinks, and Michael Sieben. more ›