Citizen Generation’s Second Annual Charity Bash and Masquerade Ball will be held Saturday, February 18 benefitting Capital Area Food Bank. The Winter Wonderland will include an open bar, food, entertainment, and art from Generous Art which donates 40% of each piece of art to nonprofits.

The dress code is black tie. Early ticket purchasers will be charged $80 or $150 per couple. Otherwise, the event is $100 per person at the door. VIP bottle service packages are available by emailing info@citizengeneration.org. Click here to purchase tickets.

The artists from Generous Art have also been making headlines. Six Generous Artists were filmed by KLRU during E.A.S.T.  TREND magazine featured Jennifer Chenoweth’s Heaven and Hell piece from the two-part show Hell and Heaven in Santa Fe. ART LIES magazine recently reviewed Virginia Fleck’s 2011 solo exhibition CONSUMED at the Holly Johnson Gallery in Dallas, Texas.

"CO2 Mandala" by Virginia Fleck; plastic bags and tape; 60" in diamter; courtesy of the artist and Holly Johnson Gallery, Dallas

Carol Haymen was selected as one of the ten winning artists of the Austin Art Board’s competition. Lastly, Southwest Art named Generous Artist Kerry Schroeder as their “Arist to Watch” in the November 2011 issue.

In 2011, the combined total donated to charity was $124,390. Generous Art has grown to represent 23 artists and 30 nonprofits in Austin.

Generous Art and Artists will be featured on an upcoming episode of Arts in Context on KLRU airing Thursday, Fenruary 23 at 7:30 pm. Generous Art will have a viewing party.

If you would like to help a Generous Artist raise money to attend a residency at the Vermont Studio Center in March, you can visit Emily Moore’s studio sale online. Additionally, a live event will be held February 5 at Texas French Bread at 2900 Rio Grande from 3 to 7 pm with refreshments provided.

"Home" by Emily Moore; monoprint and watercolor on paper; 10"x6.25"; $100 unframed

If you would like to see more work by the Generous Artists, many have their work on view in Austin. The 2012 People’s Gallery Exhibit at Austin City Hall will feature the work of Jennifer Chenoweth, Larry Graeber, Renee Nunez, and Sydney Yeager. Chenoweth will show her hanging steel sculpture titled Heaven and Hell. Renee will show her work titled Inertial Haze which consists of a reclaimed materials wall installation. She will also show Octofloss, a 7 foot cut canvas painting. The opening reception will be held Friday, February 24 from 6 to 9 pm.

Carolyn Kimball is a part of the upcoming Women Printmakers of Austin show. The juried Monoprint/Monotype Exhibit will take place at the Gallery at the J in Austin, Texas through February 28.

Two of Sydney Yeager’s paintings hang in the restaurant and bar of the W Hotel as a part of their collection. See them at 200 Lavaca St. in downtown Austin.

With Austin’s art scene taking off, these are great oppurtunities to see some of these masterpieces live in person.

The annual Dell Children’s Gala benefitting the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas will take place on Saturday, January 28 at the Austin Convention Center Grand Ballroom. Event chairs Kay and Eric Moreland invite Austinites to attend the first social event of the year in Austin, which raises approximately $1 million per year for the Medical Center’s area of greatest need.

Event guests will enjoy a cocktail party at 6 p.m. and an elegant dinner and program at 8 p.m. followed by dancing with live music by The Sauce and a Casino lounge from 10 p.m. to midnight. During the event, guests will enjoy bidding on live and silent auction packages including an unforgettable getaway at the Four Seasons Resort, Nevis, West Indies; a seven night stay at Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley; and a Viking Outdoor Kitchen with consultation and dinner prepared by award-winning Chef Kent Rathbun.

From the moment guests arrive, they are mesmerized by the vibrant and cutting edge lighting displays by Ilios Lighting. Stunning floral design and centerpiece arrangements are created by David Kurio Floral Designs. Once inside, the grand ballroom is brought to life by world-renowned projection designer, Bart Kresa, through his kaleidoscope-like art projections on the interior walls.

The evening concludes with an after party at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. with live music and late-night fare by Trio.

The theme of this year’s gala is The Art of Healing, which speaks to the holistic, patient-centered care that the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas offers. “Dell Children’s has made healing an art form through child life services, art therapy, pet therapy and more,” says Kay Moreland. The family-centered environment at Dell Children’s includes meditation gardens, areas for children to play and study, as well as a collection of more than 950 pieces of original art – the largest non-museum art collection in Central Texas.

Sponsorships for the Dell Children’s Gala start at $2,500 and individual tickets are $500. To purchase either, contact Judah Crossland, jlcrossland@seton.org or 512-324-0170. Tables or tickets are also available for purchase at the event website.

Do you have what it takes?

America’s Got Talent is holding auditions this weekend, January 14th and 15th, at the Austin Convention Center. Doors open at 8am and close at 7pm on both days.

What promises to be very competitive auditions are to be a contestant on the 7th season of the NBC talent show hosted by Nick Cannon and judged by the likes of  Sharon Osborne, Howie Mandel, and Howard Stern. Show Creator Simon Cowel (of American Idol and X Factor fame) has promised that, moving into the 7th season, the show will undergo a top-to-bottom makeover, including the addition of a mysterious fourth judge and a big move from LA to NY.

The team of judges have already scoped out the talent in New York, St. Louis, Washington D.C., Anaheim, and Tampa. After giving the mic to the folks in Austin, they will be moving on to Charlotte and San Francisco.

If you’re ready to show off your mad skills to the world, be sure to pre-register for you audition, download the paperwork, and check out the FAQ for audition tips and preparation advice.

Austin Convention Center 
500 East Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701

No matter what your idea of the perfect way to usher in the New Year, Austin has an incredible amount of options if you’re ready for a night out! Several bars, clubs, and restaurants are offering special menus, party favors and entertainment.

Lambert’s BBQ Downtown is hosting a black/white tie optional party with an open bar, champagne toasts, late night tacos, and performances by the Black and White Years and Ritzz.

Not every place is over $100 either. J. Blacks has individual tickets to their New Years Eve 2012 Party for $40, where DJ Arsenal will spin from 7 pm to 2 am.

Parties will be happening literally all over town, with events held at Seaholm Power Plant, Speakeasy, ND at 501 Studios, Republic Live, the Mansion, Dogwood, the Omni, Kung Fu Saloon, Scoot Inn, Mohawks, Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Austin Music Hall, La Zona Rosa, Spiderhouse Ballroom, and Uncle Billy’s BBQ. Click here for a full list of events.

If music is a little more up your alley, there will be some real stand-out shows with some local favorites. Gary Clark Jr. will play at Antone’s. The Black Angels will also put on a show at Emo’s East and T Bird and the Breaks play Stubb’s.

For some foodies, a meal with multiple courses may be your key to a perfect New Year. If this is the case, several restaurants have made special New Years menus. On the upscale side, TRIO at Four Seasons will offer a four course menu and brunch the following day.

The Carillion, Parkside, Max’s Wine Dive, Aviary, Trace, Asti, Carmelo’s, eleven plates, Finn and Porter, Fino, and Perry’s Steakhouse will all have special menus.

The NYE menu at Fleming’s boasts steak and seafood with Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne served from magnum bottles all night long!

Cheers and Happy New Years!

Don’t miss out on a unique chance to do some holiday shopping – Austin-style! The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is the city’s hub for seasonal shopping, live music, and all-around fun. Back for it’s 36th season, this year’s Armadillo will feature even more new artists and bands alongside longtime favorites, making this the coolest shopping scene in town.

The event is a music festival and an art fair all rolled into one, with over 160 artists and more than 30 live acts over an 11-day period. At least three bands will take the stage every day. Bands encompass all sorts of genres, including country, rock & roll, salsa, bayou, gospel, and soul. See the full music line-up below.

Discover one-of-a-kind gifts, ranging from funky to sophisticated, at the veritable pop-up museum of art. Click here to check out the artist gallery for a full listing.

The fun begins on December 14 and runs through Christmas Eve, with daily festivities from 11am to 11 pm. Food and drink will be served from open to close, with new brews and faster service available at multiple stations.

Admission is $5 on weekdays before 7 pm, and $8 on weekends. Children under age 12 can get in free.

Live Music Lineup

Wednesday, December 14
12:00pm Kyle Park
3:30pm  Brian Keane
8:00pm  Band of Heathens

Thursday, December 15
12:00pm  The Drakes

3:30pm  Deadman

8:00pm  BoDeans

Friday, December 16

12:00pm  Sahara Smith
3:30pm   Hank & Shaidri Alrich w/ Special Guest Andrew Hardin
8:00pm  Patricia Vonne
9:15pm  Del Castillo

Saturday, December 17

12:00pm  Terri Hendrix
3:30pm  Eliza Gilkyson
8:00pm  Jimmy LaFave

Sunday, December 18

12:00pm  Kat Edmonson
3:30pm  Ruthie Foster
8:00pm  James McMurtry

Monday, December 19

12:00pm  Biscuit Brothers
3:30pm  Robyn Ludwick
8:00pm  The Eggmen

Tuesday, December 20

12:00pm  Kalu James
3:30pm  Albert & Gage
8:00pm  Marcia Ball

Wednesday, December 21

12:00pm  The Trishas
3:30pm   Suzanna Choffel
8:00pm   Twangbangers

Thursday, December 22

12:00pm  Hot Club of Cowtown
3:30pm  Warren Hood and the Goods
8:00pm  Ray Wylie Hubbard

 Friday, December 23

12:00pm  Sons of Fathers
3:30pm  Shelley King
6:30pm Mary Hattersley’s Blazing Bows
8:00pm  Slaid Cleaves

Saturday, December 24

12:00pm  Cienfuegos
3:30pm  Jitterbug Vipers
8:00pm  Texana Dames

"Painting of John" by Denise Prince

If you haven’t already attended the first weekend of EAST, the East Austin Studio Tour, this is your final chance to check it out! This event is free and open to the public taking place on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. East Austin Studio Tours will have showcased over 300 artists in 154 different studios by the time the weekend’s out.

“Often we have craftmakers, ceramicists, woodworkers and masons who don’t normally get to show their work available to the public. This is an opportunity to get to see those artists and artisans and their work. The other side of the East Austin Studio Tour is for artists to see this big list of fellow artists together to connect and network with one another, interacting to know people’s names and to meet and say hi,”  commented Shea Little, organizer and Big Medium Studio’s director.

East Austin’s art aficionado, Jennifer Chenoweth’s Fisterra Studio is stop #8, and a definite must! Complimentary posole and beer will be offered until it runs out.  However, you might want to bring your wallet because Pie Fixes Everything will have dessert for sale.

"Temple of Flesh 5" by Jennifer Chenoweth

Jennifer Chenoweth also has two new pieces at the Wells Mason Gallery at 727 Airport Road (entrance off Levander Loop) along with Wells Mason, Virginia Fleck, Andrew Anderson, Monique Capanelli, Larry Graeber, and Jim Huntington. This event will be open the same hours as the E.A.S.T. tour and is listed as #29 in the events section of the E.A.S.T. catalog. Wells Mason Gallery exhibits art with a contemporary style emphasizing abstract expressionism and deconstructivist art. Beverages will be provided and almost all the artists will be in attendance!

Besides the weekend, there are a few EAST-related events beforehand.

Thursday, November 17 is Pecha Kucha Night Austin #12 with an amazing lineup. The event will be held at 916 Springdale from 8:30-11:30 in a great space (the former Goodwill by Blue Geanie) where the EAST hub art show is hanging.  Presenters include Katy Vine, Robert Kraft, Connie Arismendi, Bale Creek Allen, Herman Dyal, and more.

Eyes Got It art-critique contest featuring American Idol-style “yes-no” voting will be hosted by Art In Public Places panelist Jaime Castillo at 1319 Rosewood from 6:30 to 9:30 pm on Friday, November 18.

Can’t attend EAST this year but want to stay connected to the local art scene? Austin-based website artmuse.com offers a curated gallery with affordable, limited-edition museum-quality prints of both Austin artists and international artists.  Artmuse.com is now exclusively featuring five Austin artists during East Austin Studio Tour including: Jennifer Chenoweth, Anne Genung, Jon Windham, Caroline Wright and David Leonard.

"Demoiselles" by Caroline Wright

This year, Artmuse will provide a framed print for each artist mentioned above to display in their studio. Additionally, Artmuse has set up a Give Away entry box for a free $25 print at each Artmuse artists’ studio. Founder Bonnie Glendinning plans to give away a print for each Saturday and Sunday of the tour.

Glendinning’s firm belief that art makes life more enjoyable, drove her to launch a website to reach the widest possible audience for artists, while serving as a curated selection for collectors to easily discover and purchase art.

Her interactive website allows visitors to discover artists by browsing the artist profiles, posting reviews, and sharing their favorites through social media. In-depth interviews with both artists and hand-selected curators give buyers expert advice on collecting and insight into current art and design trends.

Look no further for holiday cheer than the new ice rink at the Oasis Texas. Celebrate the Grand Opening of the rink on November 18. The party will start at 7 pm and will feature performances from some of Austin’s best amateur ice skaters along with a show from the Chaparrall Ice Girls. From November 17 through January 1, the 1,760 square foot ice skating rink will create a true “Holidays on Ice” backdrop.

“This is the first of what’s to become a holiday tradition at Oasis Texas,” stated Robert Axelson, President of Isis Investments, L.P,  and partner in the development. “With the various dining options, Austin-centric shopping and entertainment, not to mention the view, this is a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.”

The admission fee for the rink is $10.00 plus tax which includes skate rental. Discounts are offered for groups of 15 or more as well as to military, police and fire department employees. Regular skating rink hours will be Monday through Thursday 4-11 P.M., Friday and Saturday 11 A.M.-10 P.M. and Sunday 11 A.M.-8 P.M.

Over the holidays hours are: Christmas Eve, 11AM–7PM, Christmas Day, 1PM-10pm, New Year’s Eve, 11AM-10PM and New Year’s Day, 11AM-10PM. During school holidays, the rink will open an hour earlier at 10 A.M. Monday through Thursday.

Not quite ready for a triple-lutz? Private or group lessons are available by reservation. Call 512-761-5302 or email icekateoasistexas@yahoo.com for reservations and more details. The rink is also available to rent out for private functions. Oasis Texas will be hosting holiday music to get skaters in the spirit. There are still openings for a few more holiday performers, so interested schools and organizations with choirs or bands should contact talent@OASISTX.com.

Just west of Austin on the shores of Lake Travis, the Oasis originally started out as a burger joint with amazing lake views. Over the years, the Oasis has transformed into a veritable village of Austin-based retailers. Currently there are five restaurants, four retail shops, including the new Blue Genie Art Store, entertainment outlets and office space. Some of our favorite restaurants include Uncle Billy’s BBQ on the Lake who brews their own beer, Mediterranean-themed Soleil, and Austin Java.

The rink puts the icing on the cake for making the Oasis Texas the perfect winter village ambiance to celebrate the holidays.

Be divine and wicked! Come party down with other ghosts and ghoulies for a good cause. All of the proceeds from the Ghoulwill Ball will directly benefit Goodwill Industries of Central Texas. Not only is this the ultimate Halloween costume party, but there will be an open bar and delectable treats from the executive chef of the W Hotel.

As far as entertainment goes, there will be tricks and games throughout, and the evening will be capped off with music from the main performer, Soul Track Mind. While Soul Track Mind started out in an East Austin juke-joint, the Austin Music Awards  named them as a finalist for Best New Band, Best Funk/Soul/Blues Performance, and Best Male Vocals in 2011. Soul Track Mind consists of an eight-piece ensemble with a sound that can be described as both modern and jazzy. Don’t miss out on one of your last chances to see Soul Track Mind up close and personal.

Of course, what’s Halloween without the costumes? Celebrity judges will be giving extra points to party-goers that stay true to the theme of “Divinely Wicked at the W.” Don’t forget to start looking at Goodwill locations all over Austin for your costumes. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Click here to purchase your tickets!

It is the mission of Goodwill Industries of Central Texas to strengthen the community through the power of work.

Booths featuring the works of 14 local artists will have artwork for sale including painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, woodwork, mosaics, and more.

Music and entertainment will be held on the main stage by Sara Hickman, Joe McDermott, Low Expectations and Isadora Duncan dancer Meg Brooker with students from The Girls’ School of Austin. In addition, performances  will be held throughout the garden by Circus Chickendog, Anthropos Arts, Tiny Tails to You, and Storytelling by Karen Hodges.

Children activities presented by Abrakadoodle will include paper flowers, origami, model magic animals, face and cheek painting and Paint Me a Garden murals.

Save some room! Amy’s Ice Cream, Bananarchy, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, Boss Hogs Kitchen, Hot Dog King, and Sugar Shack BBQ will all be serving up their specialties.

Come celebrate the birthday of one of Austin’s most beloved artists and support the arts with a weekend of community fun!

Click here for further details on the artists, music, directions, and tickets. Hours are from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday and noon to 5pm Sunday. Save $3 when you buy your ticket in advance.

'Icarus' by Charles Umlauf; bronze; 1965

Home grown and grass roots, here comes UTOPiAfest! Not only will there be music all weekend but there will be free camping in the beautiful Texas Hill Country between Garner State Park and Lost Maples. This event is BYOB and there are only 1,500 total tickets available.

“Like” or “follow” Launch 787 on Facebook or Twitter for your chance at winning a pair of tickets!

 Yoga, disc golf, hoop-dance classes, hiking, art and other activities will be included in the mix. Master Texas artists will be transforming the Hill Country meadow into a 3-D canvas during the fest. Just down the road, funky little towns provide some local fun while the rivers will give you a chance to cool off!

Headliners include Blitzen Trapper, Keller Williams, Dawes, and Grupo Fantasma.

This event is kid-friendly with a variety of music set in a dramatic natural amphitheater in the middle of the 1,000-acre Four Sisters Ranch.