ATX, TX November 2022

Reasons To Be Thankful A R T S + C U LTU R E

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Reasons to be thankful

November 2022 PUBLISHER

Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Sarah Ivens | sarah.ivens@citylifestyle.com

Before I moved to America in 2005, I didn’t really understand what Thanksgiving was. My first Turkey Day dinner was eaten in New York with a hodge-podge group of displaced Americans, adventurous Argentinians and British colleagues from the magazine where I was working at the time.

As we sat at the table in front of the gluttonous feast, the Americans started sharing – the gratitude they felt for a brother’s sobriety, a mother’s negative test result, a pay rise that allowed them to finally move into an apartment with air conditioning…

When it was finally my turn to speak, repressed English me managed to share how thankful I was to have met such a warm group of people in this huge, strange city, and I thanked the host for welcoming me into her home.

Skeptical me got teary then, and has done every Thanksgiving since, as in a group or on my own, I’ve taken the time to muse on what I have to be grateful for, something we rarely take the time to do unless prompted. But we should.

Mentally, an attitude of gratitude reduces the amount of time we get weighed down and worried by toxic emotions. Experiencing feelings of awe and gratitude while spending time in nature leads to increased positivity and creativity. When we’re feeling grateful, we feel uplifted and our self- esteem is less battered by what other people are achieving or receiving around us.

Studies have also found that when we feel grateful for our lives, we take better care of our physical health, exercising regularly and going for regular check-ups, and writing down a few positive sentiments before going to bed helped people sleep deeper and longer, as well.

Even in the hardest, darkest times, there will be something beautiful to see, or listen to, or read. There will be someone who loves you. Look for those things, with gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving, and happy reading!

ACCOUNT MANAGER S

Shana Gerald | shana.gerald@citylifestyle.com David Harlan | david.harlan@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER

Salihah Saadiq

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

SARAH IVENS, EDITOR @AUSTINLIFEST YLEMAGAZINE

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/AUSTINT X |

Proverbs 3:5-6 ATX Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Austin area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in ATX Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

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F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

10 The cutest Austinites

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

10

Pet Friendly

12

Culinary Creations

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Artist’s Palette

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Local Limelight

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Hometown Hero

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Must See

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Giving Back

Austin is celebrating its 11th year as a no-kill city... with thanks to Pets Alive!

24 Stylist, survivor... success!

Shandi Nichelle is taking charge of her future to heal from her past

28 Let There Be Light

Artist Bruce Munro brings his unique glow to Austin

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Jody Domingue for Guitar Center Black Pumas share what they are thankful for

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HEA LT H + WELLN E SS FO O D + B E V E R AG E

A RTS + C U LT U R E A RTS + C U LTU R E B EAU T Y

EV ENT PLA NNI NG + S E RV IC E S EV ENT PLA NNI NG + SE RV IC E S

Brin g th e Outside In Through Superior Design

Desig nin g Austi n for 30 Years

B a rl ey P fe i f fe r.co m | 5 1 2 .476 . 8 5 8 0

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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1: The woman of honor, Stephanie Coultress O'Neill. 2: The Austin and ATX Lifestyle magazine team celebrate the September issue at Estilo.

3: Lauren Tyndall, Christie Ring, Catherine Fulmer, Stephanie and Heidi Marquez Smith. 4: Guests sipped beverages from Texas-based brands including William Chris Vineyards, Ranch Rider & Super Coffee. 6: Great vibes this September evening as guests gathered to celebrate Austin Lifestyle's cover featuring O'Neill. 7: Guest Lindsay Taylor Mabry loving her Vogue Vignette.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @austinlifestylemagazine

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Jean E. Schuler Author

Born and raised in Austin, Texas “A great look into the times and table of LBJ and Ladybird that will engage any history buff. And all politics aside, maybe a little bit more real deal Texas bar-b-que on the White House table would do us all well!”

— Guy Fieri NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / AUST I N T X

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ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AUSTIN PETS ALIVE!

IN 2022 AUSTIN PETS ALIVE! CELEBRATED ITS 100,000TH PET RESCUED AND AUSTIN IS CELEBRATING ITS 11TH YEAR AS A NO-KILL CITY

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P E T F R IE N D LY | HEALTH + W E LLNE S S

In 2022 Austin Pets Alive! celebrated saving their 100,000th pet since officially opening their doors in 2008, a Parvovirus survivor named Copper.

Before APA!, Austin had a kill-rate of a staggering 87 percent. Today, in an incredible reversal, they say there’s a save-rate of 97 percent!

We reached out to APA! to learn more about their work and success. Suzie Chase shared…

We currently have over 1100 cats, kittens dogs and puppies in foster homes and approximately 350 animals at the Town Lake Animal Center location and Tarrytown location. Austin Pets Alive! is often the last chance for an animal that

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / AUST I N T X

AUSTIN PETS ALIVE!

has been on a euthanasia list at another shelter and Texas has one of the highest rates of euthanasia in the U.S, with many animals dying every day in many under-resourced shelters.

APA! has always answered the call when asked to find loving homes for pets on euthanasia lists and APA! doesn’t discriminate based on zip code. They’re a longtime partner with the City of Austin and have worked together to make Austin the largest and safest community for sheltered pets in the United States. When APA! and the City of Austin first partnered, over 50 percent of sheltered companion animals were dying.

The greater Austin community has assisted with APA!’s mission by adopting, fostering, volunteering and donating and in 2020, Austin FC leadership approached Austin Pets Alive! with a revolutionary concept - instead of choosing a costumed mascot for the inaugural Austin FC season, Austin FC would feature a Honorary Mascot at every home match. In 2021, all 18 Honorary Mascots were adopted, including dogs that were heartworm positive, senior dogs, incontinent dogs and those that worked with APA!’s Behavior Team. In 2022, ten of the Honorary Mascots have been adopted, including parvovirus survivors, a distemper survivor and a dog who is deaf. The Austin FC players, executives and fans have actively supported Austin Pets Alive! From adopting dogs to fostering dogs (when APA! has faced extreme weather conditions and needed dogs to be temporarily out of kennels) to donating bottled water when Austin was under a boil water notice.

If a pet is in your future for the holidays, go find your furry family addition at APA! To learn more go to: https://www.austinpetsalive.org

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SUSHI|BAR AT X

Head Chef Ambrely Ouimette

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

O-Ma-Kase, Sushi|Bar ATX is So Good ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

What started as a pop up omakase spot in what we’re told was once a broom closet in Bento Picnic, has become one of the hottest reservations in town. The original founders, Chefs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee, left to open Sushi by Scratch, but Sushi Bar is in good hands with Executive Chef Ambrely Ouimette.

Ambrely and her team serve up 17 courses of inventively dressed nigiri to three seatings of 10 people each night. If you don’t mind eating late, we suggest the 9:30pm reservation to give yourself the extra time and opportunity to indulge in ‘extra courses’

offered if there’s time. These can be chef’s choice or doubling down on one of the evening’s previous courses, which may have been Tasmanian trout, a Tex-Mex-inspired piece of salmon or Texas Wagyu. Whatever it is, they perfect each bite, and leave you craving more.

Reservations for Sushi Bar ATX are available on Tock at noon on the first of each month. The dinner is $145/person. It’s located at 2600 E Cesar Chavez St, East Austin, exploretock.com/ sushibaraustin

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Texas Book Fest Preview

WE CHATTED WITH SOME OF THE AUTHOR’S IN THIS YEAR’S STELLAR LINE-UP ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN

The 27th Annual Texas Book Festival returns in person November 5 and 6 after two years of virtual & hybrid programming.

Free and open to the public thanks to sponsors and volunteers, the weekend includes acclaimed authors at readings, panel discussions and book signings; exhibitor booths, food vendors and more. We caught up with a participating Austin authors Evan Griffith and May Cobb, best-selling author Janet Evanovich and actor Omar Epps, who will feature his debut young-adult novel Nubia: The Awakening, for a deeper dive into their books and process.

Award-winning actor Omar Epps, who had an eight-year run on “House,” is at the book festival with his debut work of fiction, Nubia, The Awakening, which he co-wrote with Clarence A. Haynes. Omar, who previously published From Fatherless to Fatherhood, an autobiographical book, tells Austin Lifestyle, “I’d been sitting with the notion of Nubia for over a decade and its inception came to me one day by form of a simple question: What if love itself

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

Omar Epps

Nubia, The Awakening

was actually illegal? The question kept bouncing around in my brain because I was so intrigued by what the world would look like if that were to be true. I kept diving deeper and deeper into the potential answers to that question, and subsequently created a universe of my own that I’m extremely proud to share with the world: Nubia The Awakening.”

After the initial idea, he says it took a village to bring it to life. “Honestly, this has been one of the most challenging projects in my entire life thus far in every way you could imagine. Overall, it’s been a learning experience that’s enriched me in more ways than one,” he says, shouting out his co-writer, who he calls an incredible writer and a great human, team at Penguin Random House (Delacorte Press, Get Underlined) and Aevitas Creative, for all helping bring his dream to fruition and believing in his vision.

“I’d been sitting with the notion of Nubia for over a decade and its inception came to me one day by form of a simple question: What if love itself was actually illegal?”

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Evan Griffith Manatee Summer

This Austin-based author writes middle-grade fiction novels, which he explains are written for kids between the ages of 8 and 12 with common themes including self-discovery, navigating friendship and facing the dangers and wonders of the world. This year he released Manatee Summer and Strange Wonder of Roots is slated for 2024.

Evan says he enjoys writing for kids of all ages (his first published book was Secrets of the Sea, a nonfiction picture book for younger kids), but “middle-grade-aged readers are curious, passionate about reading and it’s often during these formative years that kids develop a lifelong love of reading, and it’s an honor to create content for kids at that point in their reading journeys.”

Evan also teaches online creative writing classes through The Writing Barn. We asked him for three tips aspiring writer and he says: 1. Read as much as you can. Reading makes us better writers.

2. Experiment with forms of writing you haven’t tried before.

If you mainly write realistic stories, try writing fantasy or science-fiction. If you mainly write prose, try writing poetry or songs. Exploring across form and genre expands our creative horizons and leads to the discovery of new passions.

3. Embrace messy first drafts. Don’t be afraid to write something unpolished. Much of the work in writing happens in revision.

Speaking of drafts, he says people are always surprised to learn how long it takes for a story to make it from a first draft to a published book. “At the minimum, there are usually four or five heavy revisions to a manuscript before it’s published, but sometimes it’s much more. I know authors who went through 30 or 40 drafts of a novel before it was published…the whole process takes at least a couple of years.”

Although he often writes in his home office, complete with a dry erase board and sticky notes for plotting, on a nice day you can find Evan writing in local coffee shops like Radio, Cosmic, and Opa. And, you can connect with him online at www.evangriffithbooks.com or on Twitter: @Evan_Griffith

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

Janet Evanovich Going Rogue

The author of over 70 books, 42 New York Times bestsellers, it’s no surprise the NYT called Janet “the most popular mystery writer alive.” She’ll be presenting Going Rogue, the latest book in her popular Stephanie Plum series, at the festival. We asked her how she manages to be so prolific and she says, “It turns out if you stop writing books, the publisher stops sending you money. Even more to the point, I love getting up in the morning and going into a world that I’ve created. I love moving forward with the story.” As far as if she’s ever stumped by the dreaded writer’s block, she says, “I’ve never believed in writer’s block. I think you show up for work and get the job done.

Some days are better than others, but I make sure that I always get at least one sentence on the screen --even if the sentence sucks.”

May Cobb

My Summer Darlings Lauded Austin-based suspense writer May Cobb will be at the festival talking about 2022’s My Summer Darlings, already has next thriller, A Likeable Woman, slated for released next summer and says a non-fiction book is percolating. Whether fiction or non-fiction is easier for her, she tells Austin Lifestyle, “I find it much easier to write fiction, simply because the man I’m writing about, late jazz great, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, was so utterly phenomenal that I want to do him justice.” On being a writer in Austin she says, “Austin has such a rich, vibrant literary scene and the few times I’ve moved away I’ve missed it so much I was heartsick. From the Texas Book Festival to the Writer’s League of Texas, to events like Owen Egerton’s fabulous live reading series, One Page Salon—one could never leave Austin and still be surrounded by literary riches. At the core of this community are the writers, which I have found to be the most supportive souls anywhere.”

For more information on the Texas Book Festival visit www.texasbookfestival.org and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @texasbookfest.

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AUSTIN’S BELOVED BLACK PUMAS SHARE THEIR STORIES FROM THE LAST YEAR… AND HOW THEY’VE LEARNED THANKFULNESS FOR THE FUTURE. Adrian, one half of the Grammy-nominated Austin band, Black Pumas

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING AS 2022 DRAWS TO A CLOSE, WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST GRATEFUL FOR, PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY? ADRIAN QUESADA: I’ve been very grateful for the opportunity to travel the world playing shows as Black Pumas. The perspective of having almost two years without performing really heightened my appreciation for the magnitude of it. On a personal level, I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to work on my physical and mental health.

ERIC BURTON: Our journey together as a band started late August 2017, our debut album released to critical acclaim two hours later and then we’ve gotten the opportunity to produce a second effort. Before all of this I lived in California, where I struggled to find a sense of rootedness or home - as a musician, a dreamer and a songwriter. This year, I’m most thankful for the sense of purpose I found professionally, in the eyes of those who found my songwriting and guitar playing worthy of fueling their positivity and lives as a whole.

I’m proud to show my family that their love for me is touching the world at the moment.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR IN 2023?

ADRIAN: The future is always so uncertain nowadays. I’m just excited that we seem to be - hopefully - learning from the perspective of the past couple of years.

ERIC: I don’t get to see my family as much as I’d like at times so I’m most excited to embrace them with a new sense of f lexibility, and freedom for the healing that has been so needed given the circumstances of the pandemic.

DESCRIBE HOW IT FEELS RETURNING TO AUSTIN AFTER BEING ON THE ROAD OR ON A PRESS TOUR? WHAT IS IT YOU MISS MOST ABOUT AUSTIN WHEN YOU’RE AWAY AND ARE HAPPY TO GET BACK TO? ADRIAN: First, I miss my family in Austin and I’m always happy to get back to them. The city itself just feels like home and is always warm and welcoming. There are so many things we take for granted about living in this city - the music, the food, the people, and nature and the outdoors.

ERIC: Before I was a part of Black Pumas, I was working odd jobs and playing solo gigs just to get some sense of stability - emotionally, physically, and spiritually. When Adrian and I linked up, it seemed like non-stop action from the get-go… to the degree that I look forward to continuing to get to know Austin from a place of relaxation and curiosity. The city is rich with talent and beautiful people, and I’m excited to see my friends.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JODY DOMINGUE FOR GUITAR CENTER NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / AUST I N T X

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WHAT IS IT ABOUT AUSTIN THAT STILL MAKES IT SUCH A SPECIAL PLACE FOR MUSICIANS AND ARTISTS? HOW CAN WE AS A COMMUNITY PROTECT THAT FOR THE FUTURE? ADRIAN: Austin’s culture of appreciation for music and art is one of its main, defining characteristics. It used to be folks came here because it was affordable but that’s no longer the case, so hopefully we can still hold on to the fabric of what attracted people to Austin in the first place. People could come here and let their freak flag fly and be embraced.

ERIC: Austin feels like a big city in a small town to me. It’s the community! In the last year Austin experienced a freeze that put the state out of commission on multiple levels. It warmed my heart to see the neighborly community of Austin come together to ensure that people who were hungry were fed, families that were divided united and people who were in unsafe positions placed in safer conditions. You’d have to have been there to fully feel the gravity of the support on ground level.

Maintaining a sense of honesty and connectedness is the best way to protect Austin.

DESCRIBE HOW YOU COLLABORATE – DO YOU EACH HAVE PARTICULAR TRAITS OR SKILLS THAT BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN THE OTHER? ADRIAN: The collaboration is always evolving with time and experience. We are very yin and yang and provide balance as what we bring to the table is very different which is why it works.

ERIC: For the most part we are fairly different individuals with many of the same likes and dislikes music wise.

The connection kind of goes unspoken for. He does his thing and I do mine! Recording feels like going over to a neighborhood buddy’s place to play in the sandbox for a bit, uninhibited and/or undistracted in our own individual processes.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, YOU PARTNERED WITH GUITAR CENTER FOR GUITAR-A-THON TO ENCOURAGE AND INSPIRE PEOPLE OF ALL AGES TO PICK UP THE GUITAR - WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY INSTRUMENTS? HOW DID IT HELP YOU? ADRIAN: When I was growing up, I was an introvert; still am in many ways - and often kept to myself. The guitar was a good way to find my voice when I was young. It was a way to express myself when I couldn't any other way.

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

ERIC: The guitar is a big inspiration for me. I was attracted to the guitar at an early age, eight or nine.

I used to play the violin, and I have some history with strings in general, but the guitar is just pretty much the most accessible instrument. Learning to play the instrument is immediate.

YOU’VE BEEN NOMINATED FOR GRAMMY AWARDS THREE YEARS IN A ROW NOW. DOES THAT EVER GET OLD? WHAT IS THE SWEETEST PRAISE OR RECOGNITION SOMEONE CAN GIVE YOU FOR YOUR WORK? ADRIAN: It will never get old. We get more comfortable with it all, but none of it gets old. We’ve had people tell us that our music has gotten them through dark times, or been the soundtrack to moments full of love, and that is the best praise we can get.

ERIC: It never gets old receiving some reciprocated appreciation at such level. We make music because we love to make music. When people decide to make it their duty to talk about it and honor it that’s something of a cherry on top. The sweetest praise someone can give is to give our music a chance to uplift them and challenge them. The streams, purchases, morale support never goes unappreciated.

HOW DID YOU EMBRACE THE SHUTDOWN AND SLOWDOWN OF COVID? DID IT BRING FRESH PERSPECTIVES ON THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR LIKE PLAYING LIVE, TOURING, GOING TO SEE OTHER MUSICIANS PERFORM? ADRIAN: I was thankful at first to have a break from a potentially crazy year of non-stop touring and really embraced the opportunity to spend time with family and find time for projects I otherwise wouldn’t have had time for. It also really provided perspective and much deeper appreciation for the opportunity to perform live with Eric and the Pumas and tour the world to appreciative audiences.

ERIC: Though the pandemic is and was heart wrenching for most of us to hear about, and experience the level of loss involved during quarantine, it was also the first time I’d ever really given myself a chance to completely rest and slow down. I learned more about the kind of friends I want around me and I got to get quite introspective about my responsibilities to myself, my family and associates altogether. Coming back for our five sold out nights at Stubbs Bar-B-Q was cathartic. I strive to recreate that sense of gratefulness at every show now.

“The city is rich with talent and beautiful people,” Eric says of Austin

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Overcoming adversity, Shandi knows too well how hard it can be

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H OM E TOWN H E R O | BEAUTY

Proceeds from the sale of Power Gloss go towards helping others

Stylist, survivor... success!

SHANDI NICHELLE IS TAKING HER CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AND USING IT TO INSPIRE OTHER WOMEN TO FEEL POSITIVE FOR THE FUTURE Freewell founder Shandi Nichelle has created powerful, clean personal care products to free customers from time consuming self-care routines, toxic ingredients - and to donate to organizations that supports the recovery, rehabilitation, and resilience of survivors of human trafficking.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH POWER GLOSS? It started four years ago. I was seeing twelve clients a day in a salon in downtown Austin. I was making a ton of money but had no life. At that time, I had a client whose hair was thinning and I suggested she try castor oil because my esthetician had suggested it for my eyebrows. I thought if it could make eyebrows grow, it could help hair.

SO YOU GOT INVENTIVE...

I put it in a bottle with a tip like we use for hair dye to help her apply it to her roots. She came back eight weeks later and her hair was so much thicker!

I realized castor oil was thick and sticky and thought it would be better mixed with jojoba oil. At the time, I was training for a triathlon. I thought, “What if I put it on my hair before I get in the water, while my hair is dirty, and just wear it under my cap?” I did and my cap didn’t slip off, my hair was conditioned while I exercised and my hair grew increasingly healthier as I trained! After that, I started to research other clean ingredients and played with formulas for a year to get it just right and Power Gloss came to be!

BUT… ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS

But this coincided with my darkest moment. I was struggling with my purpose, and repressed trauma from my childhood was coming to the surface.

CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / AUST I N T X

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Better times ahead

Then COVID hit and I got real still. I watched a documentary on human trafficking and I saw myself in the survivors.

HOW HAD YOU BEEN MANAGING YOUR CHILDHOOD TRAUMA BEFORE THEN? I held in my anger for years. My Mom was a survivor of assault, too, and she told me I had to move on because that’s what she had to do. She buried it. I tried to. But it was killing me. I was like, “This stops with me.” Now, my mom and I come together as survivors and support one another. It’s been a big healing journey for us; one that took many years.

HOW DID YOU HEAL? I went to therapy. I did EMDR which is a specific type of therapy to address trauma and PTSD. I started volunteering with sexual assault and human trafficking survivors and doing their hair. The minute I sat down with them we had a bond. I was trying to help them believe in themselves, find confidence and feel beautiful, but I was really saying it to myself. I had to go through some hard work to get to the other side but it was all worth it. The best part now is I get to help others still struggling, and now combining that with my business is a dream come true.

HOW DOES POWER GLOSS SUPPORT SURVIVORS? We donate to a different organization every quarter. We donate money and we also try to volunteer in some capacity with each organization, we have really enjoyed volunteering in different ways. One of my favorites was teaching business classes to survivors in Chicago.

HOW DO YOU FIND GRATITUDE IN THE DARK TIMES? My empathy for other survivors makes finding gratitude in dark times much easier. I have a roof over my head, food in my fridge, and the freedom to choose the kind of life I want. I thank God for those privileges every day. When I am feeling down, I turn “woe is me” into “What am I doing with this amazing opportunity?” The greater our understanding of and compassion for others, the easier it is to access our gratitude.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR TODAY? I am thankful to live the rest of my life free from the bondage of assault, for family and friends who have loved me and supported me through it all, and for the opportunity to empower other survivors. That is priceless.

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H OM E TOWN H E R O | BEAUTY

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LET THERE BE LIGHT! World renowned artist Bruce Munro brings his unique glow to Austin

ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS

London-born artist Bruce Munro has been creating artistic experiences around the world for decades... and at the moment, it is Austin’s turn. Illuminating 16 acres of the Wildflower Center with a stunning display of 28,000 solar-powered spheres, his exhibition celebrates how art, nature and technology can work together to create beauty. We asked the beloved artist a few questions about his Field of Light.

YOU’RE KNOWN FOR YOUR IMMERSIVE, LARGE-SCALE INSTALLATIONS… ART THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WAY. WHAT HAS IT MEANT TO YOU TO CREATE AND SHARE YOUR WORK WITH PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD? Prototyping is all part of the creative process, which always begins with the Inspiration. To be able to share and convey thoughts and emotions by making art is a privilege.

TELL US ABOUT THE INSTALLATION YOU’VE CREATED THAT WILL BE AT THE WILDFLOWER CENTER IN AUSTIN, AND WHAT DO YOU HOPE THE PEOPLE OF AUSTIN WILL THINK AND FEEL AS THE WANDER THROUGH IT? The installation at the wildflower centre is an iteration of the Field of Light. It was inspired by my travels in the Australian Outback in 1992. My hope is that visitors will feel uplifted in spirit and connected to their surroundings. If they leave the exhibition with a smile on their face then my job is done!

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A work of staggering genius, Bruce Munro's latest installation

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World-renowned British artist Bruce Munro brings his magic to Austin

Insp ire d H o m e De co r Cu ra ted wit h T h o ug h t f ul Sty le Mid - cent ur y Mo de rn Co n te mp o ra r y St a geha us | A Re side n t ia l St a g in g Co mpany www.t h e st a g e h a us.co m

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Breathtaking view

“I am most thankful to continue to have opportunities to make art. I try to take every day as it comes and not get overwhelmed by the bigger picture.”

LIGH TS FANTASTIC

DESCRIBE SOME OF THE FEEDBACK YOU’VE HAD FROM ART LOVERS THAT HAS MADE YOU FEEL HAPPY, POSITIVE AND GRATEFUL FOR THE CREATIVE LIFE YOU LEAD? Creating art has taught me that nothing can be achieved in isolation. Feedback is part of the “whole” experience; everything is connected.

YOU’RE TALKING TO US FOR OUR NOVEMBER THANKSGIVING ISSUE. YOU’RE BRITISH, AND LIVE IN ENGLAND, SO DON’T CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING LIKE WE WOULD HERE IN AUSTIN, BUT WHAT ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL AND HOPEFUL FOR AS 2022 DRAWS TO A CLOSE? I am most thankful to continue to have opportunities to make art. I try to take every day as it comes and not get overwhelmed by the bigger picture. I have hope and trust that the young will guide us all to a better future.

WHAT MUSIC AND LITERATURE HAVE YOU HEARD OR READ THAT HAVE INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE? Art is an expression of my life, which is continually enriched by music and literature. Siddhartha by Herman Hesse and Orlando Gough’s choral compositions have inspired works.

For more information on Bruce’s installation, go to fieldoflightaustin.com Photos: Copyright © 2022 Bruce Munro.

All rights reserved.

WE BRING OUR EXPERTISE, IDEAS, AND U N I Q U E P R O D U CT S TO S H O W YO U W H AT

LIGHTING CAN DO

I N WAYS T H AT YO U N E V E R I M AG I N E D CALL TO SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN CONSULTATION

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The Magic of Giving!

EVERY HOLIDAY SEASON, THE SALVATION ARMY PROVIDES GIFTS TO MORE THAN 8,000 CENTRAL TEXAS CHILDREN THROUGH THE ANGEL TREE PROGRAM. ARTICLE BY SARAH IVENS

Here, Major Lewis Reckline, the Austin Area Commander, explains how to get involved… and just how magical the program is.

HOW CAN PEOPLE HELP THE SALVATION ARMY THIS FESTIVE SEASON? “We need people every step of the way! It’s a great way for individuals, families, and groups to get into the spirit of the season and a tangible way for everyone to make a difference. Specifically, we have three main avenues for Central Texans to help this year: adopt angels, make a financial donation, and volunteer time,” says Major Lewis Reckline. “There’s something for everyone.”

Adopt: The Salvation Army partners with hundreds of corporations, organizations, and individuals to adopt angels every November. To fulfill adoptions, partners are given a child’s first name, interests, and clothing sizes. Partners purchase new toys and clothing for their angel and drop off gifts in early December.

shelters in East Austin, and the downtown shelter for adult men and women. In 2023, we expect to once again successfully case manage hundreds of men, women and children from crisis to stability and self-sufficiency,” explains Major Reckline. “Our staff works tirelessly 24/7, all year long to change the lives of those who come to us for help. They are the real heroes and the foot soldiers of our Army.”

WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONL GOALS FOR THIS FESTIVE SEASON …

“Personally I enjoy playing Santa at family Christmas parties for our Austin Shelter for Women and Children and The Rathgeber Center for Families. Handing out gifts – donated by the community for those specific children – is one of the most rewarding things I do all year. Children don’t choose to be homeless. They can be easily forgotten but we don’t forget them. A visit from Santa is a joyful and exciting time all children should experience.

We make Christmas extra special for those in shelter.”

AND FOR THE SALVATION ARMY …

Donate: Don’t have time to shop at a store but still want to participate? Donors can make a financial contribution to the Angel Tree program. We also have an online store with Walmart’s Registry for Good and a wish list on Amazon where people can select specific toys and have them shipped straight to us.

Volunteer: From October through December, hundreds of volunteers collectively work thousands of hours at our magical Christmas warehouse in south Austin. This year we are in the Brodie Oaks Shopping Center in the old Toys ‘R Us space.

Volunteers can help process client applications as well as sort, organize, and inventory gifts in preparation for Angel Tree client distribution in mid-December. There are several workday shifts with some evening and weekend options.

WHAT DOES THE SALVATION ARMY HAVE PLANNED IN AUSTIN IN 2023?

“Inspired by our Christian mission, we offer the resources and support to lift up our neighbors in crisis. We are the largest non-profit provider of emergency shelter in Central Texas. We run two family

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“We raise nearly 50% of our annual revenue during the holidays.

Through Thanksgiving and Christmas campaigns, the red kettles at stores, and year-end giving, we are very fortunate to have thousands of donors give to us during the holiday season. They know we are strong stewards of their donations. We are grateful The Salvation Army shield is so trusted by this community. Through the support of decades of stakeholders, we have been serving Central Texans for over 133 years, and we will continue to do so far into the future.”

To get involved, go to doingmostgood.org/Angel

SPREADING LOVE “Gifts are distributed to families between December 13-17, allowing clients enough time to pick up and wrap gifts before Christmas. During distribution, Spanish speaking volunteers are highly encouraged – although everyone is welcome. By mid-December, more than 8,000 children will have gifts under the tree come Christmas morning!”

Major Reckline

Gifts of love!

Christmas morning!

The volunteers get as much out of it as the gift getters NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / AUST I N T X

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Tickets at www.joliesoiree.com $30 Early Bird | $40 General Admission TICKET PROCEEDS GO TO SAFE ALLIANCE!

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