Tribeza The August Makers Issue 2014

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T HE august 2014

Makers is sue

The Heart of Handmade Texas


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Contents

august

2 014

22

64

T R IBE Z A

90

54

44

features

d e pa rtm e nt s

Oxford Barnstorm 44

Communit y

on the cover: w o o d w o r k e r k at h r y n k e l ly d e w i t t o f k k d w c o . ; photo by j essic a pag es

Style

The Craft Behind the Curtain 54

Social Hour

16

Profile in Style

84

Perspective

22

Behind the Scenes

90

Hand-Tooled Texas 64

Exposed

28

Inspiration Board

96

TRIBEZA Talk

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The Spirit Makers 74

Arts

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Style Pick Last Look

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

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Gallery Spotlight

Dining

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The Nightstand

Without Reservations

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100 104

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: the spirit makers photo by kate lesueur; zach theater photo by annie ray; noah marion bag photo by bill sallans; david norman photo by jody horton; texas playboys photo by dave mead; bunglo photo by daniel brock.

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Editor’s Letter

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orking on our annual Makers issue, I found myself thinking about Guy Clark, the legendary Texas troubadour, and his talent for building guitars. Specifically, I thought of these lines from his song “Boats to Build.”

A perk of covering the Texas Playboys: I got to be a dugout groupie.

Days precious days

Roll in and out like waves I got boards to bend I got planks to nail

I'm gonna build me a boat With these two hands It’ll be a fair curve

Colorful spools of thread in the costume shop at Zach Theatre.

From a noble plan

As the song implies, there is much that we can’t make sense of in our chaotic world, but as any craftsman knows, there is refuge in the tactile pleasure and singular focus of making things with our hands. Most makers pursue their craft in solitude, in sawdust-covered workshops, steamy kitchens, or turpentine-scented studios. Take the theater—actors get the glory, but stage makers are the unsung talents who bring a set to life. In “The Craft Behind the Curtain” (page 54), writer S. Kirk Walsh takes us behind the scenes at Zach Theatre to meet the diverse talents who dreamed up their current production of Tommy. Earlier this month, our Tribeza team got a sneak peek of the show (and a sip of the Earl Grey–infused cocktail that’s served during intermission). Both are spectacular! In a sea of commercialized sameness, handmade wares with individual character have a growing audience. Luckily Central Texas has become a hotbed of artists who have returned to the art (and Texas heritage) of leatherwork. In “Hand-Tooled Texas” (page 64), we showcase their gorgeous satchels (prepare to swoon) and learn why they’re inspired by their work. I can’t think of a more compelling posse of Austin makers than the Texas Playboys, the sandlot baseball team founded by designer Jack Sanders (the cover star of our last Makers issue). So I joined the team and its enthusiastic boosters for the “Oxford Barnstorm” (page 44), and learned that their spirited pilgrimages are about much more than baseball. My husband, David Norman, is a flour-dusted craftsman. As the head doughpuncher at Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden, he bakes the most beautiful and deeply flavored loaves of bread that I’ve ever tasted. In this month’s Perspective column (page 22), he writes about the satisfaction of working with a living thing (fermented dough) and the ultimate fulfillment of making crackling loaves that are happily consumed every day. As an editor who spends too much time facing a computer screen and chasing deadlines, I feel a twinge of envy for those who spend their days immersed in the sensual world of brushes dipped into vibrant hues, clay shaped into smooth cups, or fermented grains distilled into a spirit that tastes like vanilla, butterscotch, tobacco, and wood. I can’t touch a sewing machine without breaking it. Don’t let me near a hammer. I make stories, another solitary craft reliant on caffeine and music. But when you get it right, it delivers its own satisfaction.

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Paula Disbrowe paula@tribeza.com

Paula disbrowe photo by wynn myers; hair + makeup by franchska bryant. instagram photos by paula disbrowe and carol mockbee.

I got charts to make I got seas to sail



BE IN YOUR

ELEMENT IN DOWNTOWN AUSTIN

A u s t i n a r t s + c u lt u r e

PUBLISHER

George T. Elliman EDITOR-in-chief

Paula Disbrowe

art director

Ashley Horsley

Events + Marketing Coordinator

Maggie Bang

Senior Account ExeCutives

Ashley Beall Andrea Brunner Lindsey Harvey

principals George T. Elliman Chuck Sack Vance Sack Michael Torres Interns Mackenzie Dunn

Columnist Kristin Armstrong Illustrator Joy Gallagher WRITERs Dalia Azim Stephanie Derstine MacKenzie Dunn Jaime Netzer Claiborne Smith S. Kirk Walsh Elizabeth Winslow Photographers Miguel Angel Daniel Brock Julie Cope Kate LeSueur Dave Mead Charles Mead Leah Overstreet Jessica Pages John Pesina Bill Sallans Thomas Winslow mailing address 706a west 34th street austin, texas 78705 ph (512) 474 4711 | fax (512) 474 4715 www.tribeza.com Founded in March 2001, TRIBEZA is Austin's leading locally-owned arts and culture magazine. Printed by CSI Printing and Mailing Copyright @ 2014 by TRIBEZA. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of the publisher, is prohibited. TRIBEZA is a proud member of the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

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social hour

austin

Social Hour

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TRIBEZA July Neighborhoods Issue Release Party

TRIBEZA celebrated the release of the Neighborhoods issue with a party at the Criquet Clubhouse. Weather Up Austin served tomato peach gazpacho and other delicious hors d’oeurves, while L’Oca D’Oro assembled lamb-and-porchetta sliders. Drinks were provided by Deep Eddy Vodka, Dulce Vida Tequila, JuJu Juice, Hops & Grain, Corona and Modelo. Nulo Pet Food, which sponsored the party, kept the dogs in attendance well hydrated, and also gave guests sample pet food bags to take home. 1. Peter Pevoto & Daniela Lukomski 2. Gizzem Yilmaz & Dorian Colbert 3. Matt Cisneros & Adam Vehik 4. Marnie Duncan & Mandy Georgoff 5. Kevin Clancy, Timothy Clancy & Matthew Clancy 6. Dani Lachowicz & Laura Bowman 7. Maggie Mcintosh & Eric Hahn 8. Travis & George Elliman 9. Alvin Owusu & Matt Westey 10. Michael Hamp & Michele Loduca

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P h oto g r a p h y by m i g u el a n g el



social hour

austin

Hellion Reception Director Kat Candler and select cast members from Hellion were in Austin on June 30 for a special reception at Lamberts and a screening of the movie at the Violet Crown Cinema. Starring Aaron Paul and Juliette Lewis, Hellion has received several awards including the SXSW Gamechanger Award and a Grand

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Jury Prize at the Dallas International Film Festival.

Colin’s Hope Sirens of Summer Soiree Colin’s Hope, a local nonprofit that raises water safety awareness to prevent childhood drowning, hosted its annual Sirens of Summer Soiree. Guests enjoyed bites from Silver Whisk Cooking School and Cookie Fairy and sipped drinks from Deep Eddy Vodka.

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Voice & Exit VIP Lounge Voice & Exit is a new festival centered around the idea of bringing people together to explore ideas on how to enhance individual well-being. VIP guests nibbled on hors d’oeuvres from Pascal’s, sipped fresh-squeezed beverages from JuiceLand, and were treated to massages by Heal Your Body.

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Hellion: 1. Jonny Mars & Kat Candler 2. Kelly Williams & Andrew Logan 3. Mindy Raymond Benson & Nate Benson 4. Cathy Gretencord & Teri Pierce 5. Farhaneh Shirazee, Laurie Lehnert & Zoe Graham 6. Jeffrey Radice & Scott Hamilton Colin's Hope: 7. Carolyn Trowbridge & Bryan Sundermant 8.Tim Addante & Jenny Addante Voice & Exit: 9. Anna Stark & Kmele Foster 10. Elizabeth Dyar & Rachel Kopec 11. Henry Eliperia & Jesse Elder 12. Gavin Gillis & Christa Clark

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P h oto g r a p h y by j o h n p e s i n a & m i g u el a n g el


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social hour

austin

Texas Heritage Songwriters Association The Texas Heritage Songwriters

Association Hall of Fame Awards Show was held on June 22 at ACL Live at Moody Theatre. The annual awards show brings together songwriters who encapsulate the spirit of Texas, and a select few are inducted into the TxHSA

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Hall of Fame. It was the perfect ending to

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a weekend-long celebration. Performers

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included: K.T. Oslin, Lee Roy Parnell, Bonnie Bishop, Shooter Jennings, Jessi Colter, and Kris Kristofferson.

NEST Modern’s Big Ten Party

NEST Modern celebrated its 10th anniversary with a storewide sale and a huge celebration on June 28. Amid the festivities and burlesque dancers, they enjoyed food and drinks by Deep Eddy Vodka, Austin Beerworks and Max’s Wine Dive. Akina

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Adderley and the Vintage Playboys brought the tunes, and a few lucky partygoers walked away with unique furniture pieces from NEST.

Jeffrey’s Supper Club

The final installment of TRIBEZA’s Supper Club Series, sponsored by SWBC Mortgage and Frost, was held at Jeffrey’s on June 30. Guests were greeted with a glass of sparkling Rosé and passed hors d’oeuvres before sitting down to a four-course summer meal with wine pairings prepared by chefs Larry McGuire and Rebecca Meeker.

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Texas Heritage: 1. Blake Salle, Jennifer Salle & Jason Guest 2. Jamison Stewart & Anne Barnard 3. Kathi & Roy Seiders 4. Brittany Simpson & Jordan Daugherty NEST: 5. John Allison & Douglas Galloway 6. Rebecca Clayton Loehr & Gilbert Martinez 7. Courtney Brock & Matthew Lagarde 8. Ashley Sawyer, Lillianne Steckel & Joanna Wilkinson Jeffrey's: 9. Benjamin & Erica Volkmer 10. Danielle Nieciag & Mark Ashby 11. Joe & Brittaney Kerby 12. Kristin Salyer, Kristin Stouffer & Lutie Butler

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P h oto g r a p h y by j o h n p e s i n a & M i g u el a n g el



community

perspective

i n h i s ow n wor ds

David Norman H e a d D o u g h p u n c h e r a n d Pa r t n e r , E a s y T i g e r B a k e Sh o p a n d B e e r G a r d e n

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n the early nineties, I spent a couple of years making pastries and cakes at a Minneapolis neighborhood bakery, before the winters got the better of me. I remember reading Carol Field’s The Italian Baker at that time and thinking how fantastic it would be to create a bakery that would make the rustic, slow-fermented breads she describes, breads that were different from anything I had made so far. When I headed west to Seattle, thinking that I wanted a pastry position at a restaurant or hotel, someone recommended that I check out Grand Central Bakery, and I discovered that there was already just such a bakery—and they had a job for me. Though I had made bread before, at my first bakery job (right after college in Gainesville, Florida), this was a whole new world that included sourdough and yeasted starters and bread that took time and required a different level of care. It was exciting for me, as it was the great bread I enjoyed eating in Europe that got me interested in baking as a career in the first place. What GCB was making was what we would soon come to call “artisan” bread, though I do not recall hearing the term quite that early. In the ensuing decades we have sure heard it— to the point that it has become so widespread and so diluted that you can find “artisan” rolls advertised at Jack in the Box. Yet in its truest sense, the label is rooted in a very real idea: that there is a person, an artisan, with a trade skill, making the bread. It assumes craftsmanship. As much as anything, craftsmanship is what I strive to bring to Easy Tiger. Although one of

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my favorite things is still to have my hands on the dough, making bread at the level and volume that we produce at Easy Tiger means that I obviously cannot be the sole artisan behind every loaf. So, much of my job now is about teaching others and training new craftspeople. To come in to work in the morning and see the shelves full of beautiful bread that I didn’t touch is a reward in itself. We make things. We make a lot of them, and because the things we make get consumed daily, we make them over and over again each day. Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of the craft in all that repetition, baguette after baguette, 120 per batch, then the next batch is ready, another 120, and the next batch, and so on. Each baguette needs to be rolled out from about 12 inches to 24 inches long, in an even cylinder gently tapered at the ends. Light, even pressure is crucial so as not to press out too much of the fermentation gases that have built up, which are necessary to achieve the open, irregular crumb that is the hallmark of a great baguette (take a look at just about any baker’s Instagram stream and you will see baguettes split in half the whole length—not for making a submarine sandwich, but to show off the crumb). After rolling thousands of them, you develop a feel, a muscle memory, for sure, but they still demand attention and care; you can’t go completely on autopilot. One thing I remind the bakers of is that even though we are rolling hundreds of baguettes each day, our customers (or the customers at the restaurants we serve) usually get only one bread at a time, so each one must be up to our standards.

Of course, part of the appeal of handcrafted bread is that it bears the stamp of the people who make it instead of being factory-made and uniform. For many types of bread, machines simply cannot duplicate the texture and flavor that an artisan baker can achieve. Dough that is as wet and well fermented as we make for our pain au levain, a very traditional French-style sourdough bread, is too delicate for automated bakery machinery and would be destroyed in an industrial bakery. Still, consistency in our products is important. Size, shape, flavor, doneness—all these elements need to be consistent from loaf to loaf and from day to day. Our wholesale customers certainly count on that. They have built their dishes and sandwiches on the basis of a product they sampled and approved; a roll that is twice that size or half that size from one day to the next will not work. Yet, because bread dough is a living thing, achieving this consistency is the most challenging part of baking a variety and volume of handmade bread on a daily basis. One comparison I like to make for the bakers is that of a woodworker. Even the most beautiful, finely finished chair wouldn’t be too useful if one of the legs was shorter than the others. So much of my days (and nights, frankly) are spent working with, training, and teaching the next generation of artisans. When I succeed, it is as rewarding as pulling out an oven load of beautiful bronzed and crackling miche, as fine and flavorful as any found in the great bakeries of France. P h oto g r a p h y bY j o dy h o rto n



community

perspective


From left clockwise: dusting board

with flour so pretzels will not stick; flaky croissants cooling in the morning light; twisting a pretzel with a flick of the wrists; miche made from a natural levain, a French-style sourdough; pretzels sell out quickly, shaping them is an all day affair.


G F F b

h F B b H S S E


1406 Wooldridge Drive

Mary Catherine Woodward Realtor Local Experts, Global Reach. 512.560.4524


community

profile

exposed

Kathryn Kelly Dewitt k k dw co. wo o dwo r k i n g

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oodworker and designer Kathryn Kelly Dewitt, 25, has been creating things with her hands as long as she can remember. “I’ve always had an innate curiosity for how things worked and how to make them,” says Dewitt, “and loved the process of figuring it out for myself.” As a child, she spent hours teaching herself how to play instruments, use a sewing machine, and paint. “From a young age, creating came naturally to me. I wasn’t sure how my passion for hands-on creative work

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would play out in my life as an adult, but I knew that I would incorporate creativity into whatever field I went into—even if it was a more traditional desk job.” Like so many transplant Austinites, Dewitt arrived in the city from her hometowns of Houston and New Orleans six years ago by way of the University of Texas. With a passion for teaching and writing, she transferred to UT from American University in Washington, DC, her sophomore year in order to pursue these academic and professional interests. As an avid reader and student, Dewitt logged many hours at the Harry Ransom Center and eventually worked in marketing and membership there. “My favorite thing that I’ve come across within the Ransom Center’s archives is Stanley Marcus’s collection of Sicilian marionettes,” says Dewitt. “They’re kept safe on a high floor of the center and hang along racks, each marionette covered by a custom-made bag, which of course adds to the feeling that you’ve just stumbled upon some fantastic treasure.” At the same time, she developed a deep interest in working with wood and started her woodworking business, KKDW. “I studied woodworking as far as I voraciously consumed books on the subject and carefully eyed and analyzed the construction of every piece of furniture I came into contact with,” explains Dewitt. That said, the young woodworker never underwent any formal training, with the exception of studying with cabinetmaker Travis Norman (who is also her boyfriend). “Jumping in and figuring things out for myself created an environment of experimentation, of course,” she says, “but what appeals to me most is the sense of freedom that not always having a right way to do things can foster.” Today, Dewitt’s furniture and other stylish pieces, such as hanging planters and cedar boxes, can be found in use by local businesses, such as Folk Fibers and Hotel San José. Other one-of-a-kind items range from a vanity mirror with a hand-built walnut frame that rests elegantly in a welded steel base to a beautiful coffee table with distinctive brass feet. Her current line is titled “Throwing the Wild,” which is inspired by the artist’s ultimate goal of creating beautiful objects from her own intuition versus following the rules, so to speak. (Dewitt’s work can be purchased via her website, and she is also available for original commissions.) Currently, Dewitt works out of two different locations—her woodshop in northeast Austin and her studio/shop on a three-acre homestead in Webberville, where she moved two years ago with her boyfriend, Travis. Her dog, Ellie, a white shepherd/golden retriever mix, can often be found by her side as Dewitt works. Webberville is a small town (pop: 413) that sits along the Lower Colorado River east of Austin, on the way to Bastrop. Dewitt’s home, with an expansive porch, rests on a hill with an unbroken view of Austin’s skyline in the distance. “It’s a dream, still,” says Dewitt. “It’s a permanent retreat where I can work and feel inspired by the woods that surround us.” k . wa l s h p h oto g r a p h y by j e s s i c a pag e s


exposed

8 Questions f o r k at h r y n Is there a particular woodworker or artist who inspires you? I’m always thinking about the Shakers and am endlessly in awe of their considerate designs and practice of stripping a piece down to its most fundamental elements, as well as their dedication to building an item to last for thousands of years. Especially when I’m working on new pieces, I find myself referencing the beauty, simplicity, and engineering of Shaker furniture and objects, informing myself about the masterful design principles, and feeling inspired by the techniques. Is there anything particular about Austin and its surrounding landscape that inspires you and your work? I’m very much drawn to the natural textures, shapes, and colors of Central Texas. A large part of my design process is sitting on my back porch with my notebook and taking in all the noises and movements within the woods behind my house. The natural landscape of Central Texas is also important to me because I feel rejuvenated and motivated by the water and geological formations around here. The Lower Colorado River near my house and Enchanted Rock are two specific places that come to mind. What is the most satisfying—or fulfilling—aspect of working with your hands? Creating a utilitarian piece that’s also a work of art. I build everything by hand, so each piece tells a story—no two are exactly the same, but I spend time planning out my design, my cuts, my construction, ensuring that all aspects of a project are rooted in longevity. It never leaves

my mind that I’m building a piece of furniture that will last a lifetime and beyond. The point at which I’m most fulfilled by my work is when I’m able to take a step back from the final product, reflect on the time and energy I put into the design and construction, and begin thinking about my next piece. How would you describe the design ethic of your current line of woodwork? In the grand scope of my current collection, I’m using traditional woodworking techniques to build pieces that also incorporate materials that are more modern, like brass and steel. My current line is called “Throwing the Wild,” a phrase that, to me, describes my own process of playing by the book but ultimately going with my gut and throwing all my wild, untamed, organic energy into the work. I think the collection reflects that process while still being true to my fundamental goal: an heirloom-quality, thoughtfully designed product. What is your creative process? Do you design first on the computer or by hand before building? I design and build everything entirely by hand— first with a pencil and paper, then with tools. Sometimes I’ll have an idea for the purpose I want a new piece to serve; other times I have a design in mind first—lines or shapes that I want to build. Most of the time, though, it’s a beautiful mix of the two. For example, I had an idea for my plant stands a couple of years ago, and every time I imagined the stands they were in these subtle geometric shapes. The design never changed much from conception to reality. What’s your favorite kind of wood to work with and why? I don’t have a particular wood species I favor over others, but I do spend a lot of careful time sorting through piles of wood, choosing the boards that have an especially beautiful grain, perfectly

Kathryn Kelly Dewitt

positioned knots, or other natural characteristics that inspire me. Do you ever find it difficult being a woman in this business? There are certainly hurdles I face as a furniture builder and a business owner, but I don’t attribute those obstacles to my gender. I’ve found that by taking my craft and myself seriously, I never have an excuse for not overcoming a problem. While it’s tempting to chalk up a challenge to being a female in a predominantly male industry, that’s a slippery slope. Above all, I know that I am producing the best work I can. The rest falls into place. What do you like to do during your free time? Exploring the roads, hills, creeks, and small towns around our house on the back of Travis’s motorcycle is one of my favorite things to do after quittin’ time. It’s a chance for us to be together after a long day of sweat and sawdust, and I always come back feeling refreshed and inspired by what we did or saw. Plus, there’s usually always cracking open a cold beer involved. And especially at this time of year, I love to have our close pals over to cook dinner together and share in the beauty of a usually breathtaking sunset on the back porch. What do you like most about Austin? That I’m able to see and experience nature in a very meaningful way every day is something that I can’t take for granted; it’s such an important aspect of Austin, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. I also love the community of folks I have come to know and grow close to here. The array of people who are immensely talented, hardworking, and near and dear to my heart constantly inspires me.


— OV E R 1 0 0 S TO R E S & R E S TAU R A N T S — Join us for the FREE Saturday Night Concerts starting August 30th Visit hillcountrygalleria.com for event calendar and store listings. 12700 Hill Country Blvd. Bee Cave, TX • Located on Highway 71 between Bee Cave Road and Highway 620 • 512-263-0001


- S. Glasgow

- P. Bessette

512.947.9684 • POSHPROPERTIESAUSTIN.COM


august Calendars arts & entertainment

Entertainment Calendar Music RAY LAMONTAGNE

August 1, 7pm The Long Center

SARAH MCLACHLAN

August 2, 8pm ACL Live at the Moody Theater MICHAEL BUBLE

August 3, 7:30pm Frank Erwin Center

ACL LIVE TV TAPING: WHITE DENIM

August 4, 6:30pm ACL Live at the Moody Theater CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH

August 11, 6:30pm Mohawk MAXWELL

August 12, 7pm The Long Center SARAH BRIGHTMAN

August 13, 8pm ACL Live at the Moody Theater RUBY JANE

August 14, 9pm Mohawk

THAO AND THE GET DOWN STAY DOWN

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August 16, 8pm Mohawk SYLVAN ESSO

August 17, 7pm Emo’s

DESIRE

August 12-13, 7:30pm Paramount Theatre 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY

WOOD & WIRE

August 12, 7pm Bob Bullock Texas Spirit Theater

NICKEL CREEK

SOUND & CINEMA: RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

August 22, 8pm The Parish

August 23 & 24, 8pm ACL Live at the Moody Theater CROSBY, STILLS & NASH

August 28, 8pm The Long Center

MOTHER FALCON

August 30, 8pm Mohawk

ROGER SELLERS

August 31, 7pm Records Room at W Austin

Film CASABLANCA

August 2, 7pm Paramount Theatre AFS PRESENTS: THE LADY EVE

August 7, 7:30pm Marchesa Hall and Theatre A STREETCAR NAMED

August 13, 7:30pm The Long Center AFS PRESENTS: THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM

August 15, 10pm Marchesa Hall and Theatre AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL – MADE IN TEXAS: HENRY, PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER

August 20, 7pm Bob Bullock Texas Spirit Theater IMPOSSIBLE LIGHT

August 21, 7pm The Contemporary: Jones Center AFS PRESENTS: BIG JOY: THE ADVENTURES OF JAMES BROUGHTON

August 27, 7:30pm Marchesa Hall and Theatre

Theatre

AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE

August 1 & 2, 8pm The Vortex BRIGHT NOW BEYOND

August 1-23 Salvage Vanguard Theater CIRQUE DU SOLEIL – MICHAEL JACKSON THE IMMORTAL

August 5-6, 8pm Cedar Park Center GODSPELL BY AUSTIN THEATRE PROJECT

August 15-31 Dougherty Arts Center THE WHO’S TOMMY

Through August 24 ZACH Theatre

Comedy RYAN STOUT

August 6-9, 8pm Cap City Comedy Club CHAD DANIELS

August 20-23, 8pm Cap City Comedy Club PAULA POUNDSTONE

August 22, 7pm One World Theatre

ERIN FOLEY

August 27-30, 8pm Cap City Comedy Club

Children FAMILY FILM SERIES: “HOOK”

August 3, 3pm Bob Bullock Texas Spirit Theater AUSTIN ICE CREAM FESTIVAL

August 9, 10am Fiesta Gardens

AUSTIN BAT FESTIVAL

August 23, 4pm Congress Avenue Bridge

Other WORLD GELATO TOUR PARTY

August 13 | Téo

LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER SEED SALE

August 23, 9am Wildflower Center ICE BALL 2014

August 23, 6pm Hyatt Regency

COME DANCE!

August 24 Ballet Austin


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arts & entertainment

C A l e n da r s

Arts Calendar WALLY WORKMAN GALLERY

Anne Siems: Flora and Fauna Opening Reception, 6pm Through August 30 august 10 NORTH HILLS GALLERY

event pick

The 24th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival

I

t’s a unique kind of torture that the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival typically falls on one of the most sweltering days of the summer. But let’s face it, the 15,000 or so enthusiastic fans who show up each year (and the more than 350 entries of red, green, and “other” pepper sauces) aren’t daunted by heat. I’ve been a judge for this fiery festival for the last eight years (sharing tortilla chips and indigestion with Houston food writer Robb Walsh, who founded the event, and local chefs like David Garrido, Alan Lazarus, and Tyson Cole), and trust me—there are stories to tell. For instance, there’s a hazy memory of the year that judge (and famed cowboy chef) Grady Spears woke up on Pat Green’s tour bus, arrived late at the festival, and ordered everyone morning margaritas, with floaters. We’ve had to consume blistering habanero sauces for national television crews, and dodge the “ringers” that the larger group of preliminary judges always pass our way for laughs (they are perhaps angry that they have been required to taste an even greater number of contenders before my group selects the winners). This year the festival takes place on Sunday, August 24, at Fiesta Gardens (2100 Jesse E. Segovia St.). Come on out to devour spicy food, hear live music, buy one of the awesome T-shirts (designed by a new artist each year), and help raise funds for the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (last year's festival raised more than 45,300 meals for the Austin area in a six-hour period). Admission is free with a donation of three healthy, nonperishable food items or a suggested $5 cash donation to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas). For more information, see austinchronicle.com. p. disbrowe

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An Artist’s Lineage Opening Reception, 12:15pm Through September 1 AUGUST 15 GRAY DUCK GALLERY

Chimaera Opening Reception, 6pm Through September 14

Ongoing THE HARRY RANSOM CENTER

The World at War, 1914-1918 Through August 2

BIG MEDIUM GALLERY AT CANOPY

Kasey Short: 5 Plus Hearts Through August 8 LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER

Linda Calvert Jacobson Painting Exhibition Through August 17 BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART

Between Mountains and Seas: Arts of the Ancient Andes Through August 17 In the Company of Cats and Dogs Through September 21 THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN

A Secret Affair

Through August 24 Orly Genger Through August 24 PHOTO M´ETHODE GALLERY

Texas Soil Through August 29 WOMEN AND THEIR WORK

Akiko Kotani: Soft Walls Through August 29 DAVIS GALLERY

All Summer Long Through August 30 BOB BULLOCK MUSEUM

The 1968 Exhibit: The Year That Rocked Through September 1 When Austin Got Weird Through September 14 TEXAS FOLKLIKE GALLERY

Patterns by Susan Morehead Through September 1

LORA REYNOLDS GALLERY

Summer Show Through September 6

MEXIC-ARTE MUSEUM

Young Latina Artists 19: Y, qué? Through September 7 Women of the Serie Project Through September 7 FLATBED PRESS

Flatbed Summer Selections Through September 13 LBJ PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

Sixty from the ‘60s Through January 4

photo courtesy of the hot sauce festival

AUGUST 9


#B42025 #CFC6B7


arts & entertainment

m u s e u m s , g a l l e r i e s & t h e at e r

Art Spaces The Contemporary austin: laguna gloria

3809 W. 35th St. (512) 458 8191 Driscoll Villa hours: Tu–W 12-4, Th-Su 10–4 Grounds hours: M–Sa 9–5, Su 10–5 thecontemporaryaustin.org. the contemporary austin: Jones Center

gallery pick

grayDUCK Gallery

G

rayDUCK Gallery emerged in 2010 as a space in South Austin focused on exhibits that capture the artist’s individual perspectives, ideas, and experiences. Jill Schroeder, a Minnesota native and owner and curator of grayDUCK, opened the gallery after living in Austin for four years, volunteering at museums and working at marketing firms across the city. Along the way she had discovered that she felt most at ease when she was interacting with artists. Early this year, the gallery relocated to East Austin. Schroeder knew the neighborhood switch would bring a new element to what grayDUCK would have to offer. “In our art-energized neighborhood, we strive to exhibit the work of exceptional artists while creating a welcoming place for everyone: viewers, artists, and neighbors,” Schroeder says. grayDUCK calls a refurbished 100-year-old house home. The space is clean and inviting, and the crisp white walls allow the artwork to take center stage. “The space is a hybrid of new and old,” Schroeder says. The gallery has a “modern sensibility and is a beautiful place for artwork, poetry readings, film, music, and performance. This is a place where art is integral to everyday life.” The work featured at grayDUCK, in a variety of media, is both memorable and accessible. The upcoming exhibit, “Chimera,” by Michael Anthony García, exemplifies these characteristics, as García’s work is made up completely of found objects. The exhibit, García’s first solo show, focuses on themes of duality, described by the artist as a way “to understand where ‘I’ ends and ‘you’ begins.” “Chimera “ opens on Friday, August 15, with a reception from 6 to 10pm. m. dunn

2213 E . Cesa r Ch av ez | g r ayduckg a llery.com

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700 Congress Ave. (512) 453 5312 Hours: W 12-11, Th-Sa 12-9, Su 12-5 thecontemporaryaustin.org Blanton Museum of Art

200 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. (512) 471 7324 Hours: Tu– F 10–5, Sa 11–5, Su 1–5 blantonmuseum.org

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

1800 Congress Ave. (512) 936 8746 Hours: M–Sa 9–6, Su 12–6 thestoryoftexas.com Elisabet Ney Museum

304 E. 44th St. (512) 458 2255 Hours: W–Sa 10–5, Su 12–5 ci.austin.tx.us/elisabetney French Legation Museum

802 San Marcos St. (512) 472 8180 Hours: Tu–Su 1–5 frenchlegationmuseum.org

George Washington Carver Museum

1165 Angelina St. (512) 974 4926 Hours: M–Th 10–9, F 10–5:30, Sa 10–4 ci.austin.tx.us/carver Harry Ransom Center

300 E. 21st St. (512) 471 8944 Hours: Tu–W 10–5, Th 10–7, F 10–5, Sa–Su 12–5 hrc.utexas.edu LBJ Library and Museum

2313 Red River St. (512) 721 0200 Hours: M–Su 9–5 lbjlibrary.org

Mexic–Arte Museum

419 Congress Ave. (512) 480 9373 Hours: M–Th 10–6,  F–Sa 10–5, Su 12–5 mexic–artemuseum.org O. Henry Museum

409 E. 5th St. (512) 472 1903 Hours: W–Su 12–5 THINKERY

Austin Children's Museum

1830 Simond Ave Hours: T-Fri 10-5, Sa-Su 10-6 thinkeryaustin.org Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

605 Robert E. Lee Rd. (512) 445 5582 Hours: W–F 10–4:30, Sa–Su 1–4:30 umlaufsculpture.org

image courtesy of grayduck gallery

Museums


arts & entertainment

Galleries Art on 5th

3005 S. Lamar Blvd. (512) 481 1111 Hours: M–Sa 10–6 arton5th.com Artworks Gallery

1214 W. 6th St. (512) 472 1550 Hours: M–Sa 10–5 artworksaustin.com

austin galleries

5804 Lookout Mountain Dr.

(512) 495 9363 By Appt. Only austingalleries.com

Austin Art Garage

2200 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. J (512) 351-5934 Hours: Tu–Sa 11–6, Su 12–5 austinartgarage.com Austin Art Space Gallery and Studios

7739 North Cross Dr., Ste. Q (512) 771 2868 Hours: F–Sa 11–6 austinartspace.com capital fine art

1214 W. 6th St. (512) 628 1214 Hours: M-Sa 10-5 capitalfineart.com

Creative Research Laboratory

2832 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. (512) 322 2099 Hours: Tu–Sa 12–5 uts.cc.utexas.edu/~crlab Davis Gallery

837 W. 12th St. (512) 477 4929

Hours: M–F 10–6, Sa 10–4 davisgalleryaustin.com Flatbed Press

2830 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. (512) 477 9328 Hours: M-F 10-5, Sa 10-3 flatbedpress.com Gallery Black Lagoon

4301-A Guadalupe St. (512) 371 8838 Hours: Sa 1-5 galleryblacklagoon.com Gallery Shoal Creek

2832 MLK Jr. Blvd. #3 (512) 454 6671 Hours: Tu–F 11–5, Sa 10–3 galleryshoalcreek.com grayDUCK gallery

2213 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78702 (512) 826 5334 Hours: Th -Sa 11-6, Su 12-5 grayduckgallery.com La Peña

227 Congress Ave., #300 (512) 477 6007 Hours: M-F 8-5, Sa 8-3 lapena–austin.org Lora Reynolds Gallery

360 Nueces St., #50 (512) 215 4965 Hours: W-Sa 11-6 lorareynolds.com Lotus Gallery

1009 W. 6th St., #101 (512) 474 1700 Hours: M–Sa 10-6 lotusasianart.com Mondo Gallery

4115 Guadalupe St. Hours: Tu - Sa, 12- 6 mondotees.com The Nancy Wilson Scanlan Gallery

6500 St. Stephen’s Dr. (512) 327 1213 Hours: M-F 9-5 sstx.org Okay Mountain Gallery

1619 E. Cesar Chavez St. Sa 1-5 or by appointment (512) 293 5177 okaymountain.com Positive Images

1118 W. 6th St. (512) 472 1831 Hours: M-Sa 10-5, Su 12-4 Russell Collection Fine Art

1137 W. 6th St. (512) 478 4440 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–6 russell–collection.com Stephen L. Clark Gallery

1101 W. 6th St. (512) 477 0828 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–4 stephenlclarkgallery.com studio 10

1011 West Lynn Hours: Tu–Sa 11–5 (512) 236 1333 studiotenarts.com Testsite

502 W. 33rd St. (512) 453 3199 By Appt. Only fluentcollab.org

M u s e u m s & Ga l l e r i e s

Wally Workman

Clarksville Pottery

Gallery

& Galleries

1202 W. 6th St. (512) 472 7428 Hours: Tu–Sa 10–5 wallyworkman.com Women & Their Work

1710 Lavaca St. (512) 477 1064 Hours: M–F 10–6, Sa 12–5 womenandtheirwork.org Yard Dog

1510 S. Congress Ave. (512) 912 1613 Hours: M–F 11–5, Sa 11–6, Su 12–5 yarddog.com

Alternative Spaces ARTPOST: The Center for Creative Expression

4704 E. Cesar Chavez St. artpostaustin.com Austin Presence

330 Bee Cave Rd., #700 (512) 306 9636 Hours: Tu–F 10–6, Sa 10–4 austinpresence.com Bay6 Gallery & Studios

5305 Bolm Rd. (512) 553 3849 By appointment only bay6studios.com Big Medium

5305 Bolm Rd., #12 (512) 939 6665 bigmedium.org

4001 N. Lamar Blvd., #550 (512) 454 9079 Hours: M-Sa 11-6, Su 1-4 Co-Lab Project Space

613 Allen St. (512) 300 8217 By appointment only colabspace.org farewell Books

913 E. Cesar Chavez St. (512) 476 DOMY Hours: Mon-Sa 12–8, Su 12–7 domystore.com Julia C. Butridge Gallery

1110 Barton Springs Rd. (512) 974 4025 Hours: M–Th 10–9:30, F 10–5:30, Sa 10–4 ci.austin.tx.us/ dougherty/gallery.htm Pump Project Art Complex

702 Shady Ln. (512) 351 8571 pumpproject.org Roi James

3620 Bee Cave Rd., Ste. C (512) 970 3471 By appointment only roijames.com Space 12

3121 E. 12th St. (512) 524 7128 T-F 10-5 space12.org

Fredericksburg AGAVE GALLERY

208 E. San Antonio St. Hours: M-Sa 10-5 (830) 990 1727 agavegallery.com ARTISANS AT ROCKY HILL

234 W. Main St. (830) 990 8160 Hours: M-Sa 10-5:30, Su 11-3 artisansatrockyhill.com FREDERICKSBURG ART GALLERY

314 E. Main St. (830) 990 2707 Hours: M-Sa 10-5:30, Su 12-5 fbartgallery.com INSIGHT GALLERY

214 W. Main St. (830) 997 9920 Hours: Tu-Sa 10-5:30 insightgallery.com LARRY JACKSON ANTIQUES & ART GALLERY

209 S. Llano (830) 997 0073 Hours: M-F 9:30-5, Sa 10-5 larryjacksonantiques.com

THE GALLERY AT VAUDEVILLE

230 E. Main St. (830) 992 3234

Hours: M 8-6, W-F 8-6, Sa 8-9, Su 8-5

vaudeville-living.com WHISTLE PIK

425 E. Main St. (830) 990 8151 Hours: M-Sa 10-5 whistlepik.com tribeza.com august 2014

37


www.eswealth.com | 512.250.2277 Jenny Fleming, CPA

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TRIBEZ A Talk

s tat e m e n t p i e c e

S erv e Mezca l in style

A n i n s i d e r ' s g u i d e to A u s t i n ' s h i d d e n g e m s .

by stephanie der stine

We’re crazy about porcelain designer Keith Kreeger’s newly released mezcal cups. Having made their debut at Texas Tiki Week in June, Kreeger’s festive cups, inspired by his love of mezcal and his relationship with Kenny Flores of Wahaka Mezcal, are a combined style of both traditional mezcal sipping vessels, the bowl-like clay copita and the round-bottomed jicara cup. Kreeger’s special-edition cups can be purchased at Keith Kreeger Studio at Canopy (916 Springdale Rd., Bldg 2, Suite 104), Austin, TX 78702. For more information, contact Keith Kreeger at info@keithkreeger.com.

Nos e Div e “Oftentimes we’re rushing so much in life that to take time to slow down

is a gift,” says natural perfumer Jessica Hannah. After discovering an affinity for perfume while studying interdisciplinary art and media at Columbia College Chicago, Hannah decided it was time to stop and smell the roses. Since her move to Austin in 2012, she’s amassed an impressive collection of natural oils and essences from around the world. This intoxicating ammo is being put to use in Hannah’s natural perfuming workshops. Taught in group setting or privately, the classes offer an escape from the present with essences that transcend the confines of time. Each workshop begins with an exploration into variations of the three notes that make up a natural perfume—the lingering base notes, floral middle notes, and effervescent top notes. From there, the conversation starts: “Which scents excited you?” “Which were offensive?” With Hannah’s guidance, the mixing commences and a perfume, unique to its creator, begins to take shape. The end result: taking home a bottle of combined scents that may awaken the senses, trigger memories of, say, a grandmother or Barton Springs. “In some ways the most important part of the perfume is the person wearing it,” says Hannah. Hannah’s next workshop, a perfume blending and flower arranging collaboration with Pollen Floral Art, will be held August 10. Find details at jhannahco.com.

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j . H a n n a h p h oto by k i r s t en s to d da r d | k ei t h k r eeg er p h oto by da n i el b ro c k


New Buzz in S o u th Au st i n We’re psyched about South Austin’s new neighborhood café, Radio Coffee and Beer. And why is that? Well, the answer is in the name. Musician and Austin native Jack Wilson and his father, Greg, officially opened their shop on Manchaca in mid-June, just in time for the thirsty public. With its refurbished wood interior, wraparound bar, and outside patio sprinkled with food trucks, Radio Coffee and Beer is as warm and welcoming as its old-school South Austin neighbors. And these guys are serious about what they supply: a hospitable staff, all with extensive coffee backgrounds, quality coffee

Three Questions for Sa m a nth a Jen s en of Bricol ag e Cur ated Flor a l s

from veteran roasters, Stumptown (including its killer nitro cold brew), carefully prepared food from vendors like Veracruz All Natural,

Known for her eclectic arrangements, Samantha Jensen, founder of Bricolage Curated

and 24 local craft beers on tap. It also doesn’t

Florals, is setting a new precedent for the Austin wedding and floral scene. Her designs

hurt to add that Wilson’s résumé boasts years

can be spotted weekly at Apothecary Cafe and Wine Bar, Contigo, Houndstooth Coffee

of experience from Seattle’s Victrola Coffee

on N. Lamar, and Tom’s Café, among others. For more information, contact Samantha

Roasters and craft beer brewers Hopvine Pub.

Jensen at samantha@bricolagecf.com.

This full-service café is the perfect gathering

How did Bricolage bloom? “My flower venture started a couple of years ago creating the floral arrangements for Houndstooth Coffee. In the beginning, I had no idea what I was doing, but I felt fulfilled working with these beautiful, organic mediums. As weeks went by, my attention to detail grew and guests began to take notice,

spot for those looking to work outside of the office, recaffeinate, or just take a load off. To find out more, visit radiocoffeeandbeer.com, 4204 Manchaca Rd., Austin, TX 78704.

including Ben Edgerton of Contigo. He approached me about taking on floral arrangements for Contigo, I said YES, and the rest is history.” What’s your favorite flower to work with and why? “Currently, hellebores are my favorite. They come in these deep, dark purples or stark white with green speckles in the petals. The stems are leggy and reach out in all different ways. If I use a hellebore, it’s not going to look the same in every arrangement. Any exciting projects in the near future? This September, Bricolage is partnering again with Ben Edgerton on his new dining concept, Gardner. The look will be very minimalist and Nordic: lots of big branches and a neutral color palette.

b r i co l ag e f lo r a l s p h oto g r a p h y by l e a h ov er s t r ee t

tribeza.com august 2014

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E a c h s u m m e r t h e T e x a s P l ay b oy s b a s e b a l l t e a m h i t s t h e r o a d f o r a g a m e a n d a n a d v e n t u r e . T h i s t im e , T r i b e z a h i t c h e d a r id e .

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Filmmaker (and enthusiastic Playboys booster) Sam Douglas of Big Beard Films gets his Delta on at Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, MS.


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2014

45


T

his is not your typ-

ball (more accustomed to lumpy

then eventually playing with—the

places.” And that’s how the annu-

ical dugout. On the bench, gold

infields and potholes in the out-

Newbern Tigers, a black sandlot

al barnstorm was born. In recent

ostrich leather boots mingle with

field) and its ability to gather a

team that had been active in the

years, the Playboys have gone on

navy suede cleats. Beneath the

community around a ball field is

area for decades. The experience

to challenge Marfa, New Orleans,

baseball caps, there is an unusu-

on the rise, and apparently that

was inspirational and lasting in

Houston, and Florence, Alabama

ally high ratio of woolly beards,

puts new diamonds within reach.

many ways. For his thesis, Sand-

(playing a team organized by de-

and player Taylor Tehan (man-

Designer Jack Sanders found-

ers designed a new backstop for

signer Billy Reid).

ager at Austin’s Billy Reid store)

ed the Texas Playboys in 2006,

the Tigers behind home plate,

“I love discovering new sand-

sports a stash, shades, and a long,

but the story begins years earli-

made of steel pipe and chain-link

lots, specifically the private ‘field

flowing mane that suggest a 70s

er when he was an architecture

fencing. The other takeaway was

of dreams’ type places,” Sanders

cop show more than a ball field.

student at Auburn. Sanders en-

the power of a diamond—any di-

says. “Like the one behind a pallet

An eager 13-year (a nephew of

rolled in the school’s Rural Studio

amond—to pull people together

maker’s warehouse in Del Valle

the second baseman) adjusts his

and studied under the architect

to eat, drink beer, have fun, and

that on weekends has big crowds;

cap alongside a silver-haired

Samuel Mockbee. The program

cheer on a game.

or a lawyer near Webberville that

pitcher. Then again, lush, mani-

(which ultimately fueled Sand-

“Originally, we formed the

cured Swayze Field, home of the

ers’s own Design Build Adventure

Playboys to return to Newbern

Each year’s destination is se-

University of Mississippi Rebels

concept), aiming to make mod-

and play my former team, which

lected in February at the team’s

in Oxford, is not a typical venue

ern architecture approachable

I thought was my part in preserv-

annual black tie banquet, when

for the Texas Playboys, a team

and expose students to the ex-

ing the Newbern Baseball Club

players pitch various cities. John

comprising an impressive roster

treme poverty in the Deep South,

and this type of sandlot baseball,”

Hart Asher, an environmental

of some of Austin’s best filmmak-

was located miles from campus,

Sanders says. “As it turns out, the

designer at the Lady Bird John-

ers, musicians, and designers.

in Hale County. It was here that

model is just an exciting way to

son Wildflower Center (and Ole

Sanders started watching—and

travel and learn about people and

Miss alum), and photographer

But the spirit of sandlot base-

46

- jack sanders

august 2014 tribeza.com

lets us play on his field.”


It’s a family affair: John Hart Asher, wife Bonnie Evridge, and 6-month old son Adler Asher kick back on the porch of their historic cottage.

Adrian Larriva shoots pool at Ground Zero, Morgan Freeman’s bar in Clarksdale, MS.

Framed by historic sharecropper shacks, the funky courtyard at Shack Up Inn was the perfect spot to sip beer, strategize, and strum guitars.


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august 2014 tribeza.com


Slow Ride: The Playboys cruise to Swayze Field in a double-decker bus and show off their spiffy new uniforms, with custom stitching by Fort Lonesome. tribeza.com august 2014

49


- jack sanders

50

Dave Mead lobbied hard for Ox-

the camaraderie. Clearly, the game

may not go exactly as planned. And

shrimp and grits at City Grocery,

ford (amid other suggestions, like

is always a thrill, but traveling to-

we may even strike out. But you

and a stop at Rowan Oak, Faulk-

Nashville and Mexico City). The

gether as a team has provided us

will see me at bat again, and we are

ner’s former residence in Oxford.

team voted, and four months lat-

with some pretty fantastic stories.”

all just waiting for our pitch.”

er, they were Delta-bound. “I’m

Sanders thinks there are oth-

Each year’s barnstorm inspires

menced on a sunny Saturday in

planning my Dominican Repub-

er benefits to assembling on the

a cultural itinerary that makes the

late June, the Playboys, donning

lic presentation for next season,”

field, too. “As artists and creatives,

most of the destination. Which

their new Fort Lonesome throw-

Sanders says.

When the game finally com-

we have a bunch of Playboys who

means that en route to Swayze

back jerseys, put three quick runs

“From the get-go, the Playboys

are realizing in their careers that

Field there were essential stops at

on the board in the top of the first

were thrilled with the idea of

their best comes out when they

Gus’s Fried Chicken in Memphis,

to kick things off and announce

traveling to Oxford,” says Mead

trust their instincts, their hearts,

juke joints in Clarksdale, Missis-

their arrival to the handful of

(the photographer for this piece).

and put themselves out there no

sippi (and a night at the Shack Up

friends and family in attendance,

“The barnstorm has always been

matter the results. Our films, al-

Inn, a funky lodge composed of

including one man who repeat-

about the trek, the adventure,

bums, and design projects may or

gussied-up sharecropper shacks),

edly blew a conch horn. Starting

august 2014 tribeza.com


Team captains face off over home plate at majestic Swayze Field.

Not a dry eye in the house: Playboys founder and coach Jack Sanders shares pregame wisdom.


At his one time at bat, Jake Mead, 13-year-old nephew of photographer Dave Mead, smacked a line drive single, stole second, stole third, and then scored on a passed ball. In return he received a standing ovation and the game ball.

After the game, both teams gathered around tables for cayenne-dusted crawfish and plenty of cold beer.


Photographer Dave Mead worked double duty playing second base and shooting this story. (Dave’s father, Charles Mead, captured this shot)

pitcher John Hughes took the

from way down. They pitched,

mound and proceeded to frus-

hit, fielded, and competed game-

trate our opponents, The Mis-

ly, but ultimately fell short. Final

The Playboys founder and coach shares his trip highlights.

sissippi Flood, with his wicked

score: Flood 18, Playboys 10.

1. John Hart Asher’s route to Po’ Monkey’s, the infamous juke joint in the

Jack Sanders’s Delta Diamonds

middle of a cotton field, involved leaving paved road, which I would expect.

offspeed flutterball. Three up,

But there was no time for low

three down, and at the bottom of

spirits. Sweaty, dusty players, fam-

the first things looked promising:

ily, and friends from both teams

Playboys 3, Flood 0. But then

convened for a crawfish boil and

the Floodgates opened. Missis-

plenty of cold beer. If I learned one

3. Going to Big Bad Breakfast (719 North Lamar, Oxford), with my family.

sippi (and its roster of former

thing on this trip, it was that barn-

Go for the Big Bad Breakfast Plate: two eggs, country ham or Tabasco/

Ole Miss Rebels ringers) loaded

storms are about much more than

up the bases in the second and

the score and batting averages; the

third innings, and the Playboys

focus is the fun and comraderie

spent the rest of the day rallying

that surround the journey.

But then we left dirt road and cut across a pasture. Just when everybody started freaking out, we were there. 2. Red’s Lounge (395 Sunflower Ave.) in Clarksdale. It’s the real deal.

brown sugar cured bacon, peppery biscuits, and grits. 4. Standing on the pitcher’s mound at Swayze Field. It was a dream come true to pitch from a mound of that quality. 5. The Library Sports Bar (120 South 11th St., Oxford) postgame. I loved it. I still don’t know if it was indoor or outdoor, but it’s a really cool place. tribeza.com

august

2014

53


Scott Groh, Properties Designer, at work in the props studio in preparation for opening night of Tommy.

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august 2014 tribeza.com


by s. kirk walsh

|

p h oto g r a p h y b y a n n i e r ay

A n i n s i d e lo o k at t h e s ta g e ( a n d d r e a m ) m a k e r s at t h e Z ac h T h e at r e .

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2014

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I

n the Zach’s exuberant original production of Tommy, every aspect of the performance comes to life—from the dramatic framed mirror that mesmerizes the title character to the gyrating metallic gold bumpers of the stage-size animat-

ed pinball machine. Beyond the extraordinary vocal and physical talents of the actors under the theater’s spotlight, countless hours of expertise and labor have gone into realizing these dazzling moments by way of the costumes, props, scenery, and more. On a recent Wednesday, a week before the anticipated opening of Tommy, a visitor tours the bustling shops and offices of the Zach campus. A strong sense of electricity imbues the sunstrong afternoon there. A gaggle of elementary-age children files along one of the shaded sidewalks en route to their next theater camp activity. In the meantime, teams of designers, carpenters, technicians, and seamstresses are hard at work in preparation for the musical’s upcoming run. According to Paul Flint, director of production, this creative process commences about six months out from the first performance when the crew receives the script and gathers for the initial concept meeting. “This is the meeting where all of the ideas get put on the table,” explains Flint, who has been with the Zach for seven years, witnessing its transformational growth from a $3 million company to an $8 million one with the beautiful Topfer

Groh and the miniature pop-up Funland that was created for the recent family production of Pinocchio.

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Theatre at the center of this new phase. Three weeks later, the team returns with more-refined ideas that are presented and discussed before the hands-on execu-


Director of Production Paul Flint back stage at the Topfer Theatre.

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Costume Designer Susan Branch Towne amid her drawings and costumes for the production of Tommy.

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Towne’s illustration of the Acid Queen’s brilliant ruby-red gown.

tion of the sets, props, and costumes begins. Over the coming weeks,

tion of one wall. Underneath the shelving sit cardboard boxes filled

Flint oversees the production and troubleshoots as needed on a daily

with different styles of men’s and women’s shoes. Near the back of the

basis. Enormous whiteboards, with the lineup for the upcoming season

shop, row upon row of brightly colored spools—cotton-candy pink, roy-

and lists of all of the principal production people on each show, cover

al blue, sky-blue, turquoise—are arranged on wooden dowels. Domestic

the walls of his second-story office in the Zach Performing Arts and

and industrial sewing machines are positioned at several workstations.

Creativity Center. “This is my battle station,” Flint says with a subtle

Colorful drawings of the costumes designed by Towne for Tommy fan

smile. Before he arrived at the Zach, Flint gained his professional expe-

out across one tabletop like a deck of playing cards.

rience at the Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, New York, and the

For this recent production, the two women collaborated, with Towne

Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. (Flint has drawn upon all of his years of ex-

creating the designs and Hurry implementing them with her crew of

perience in theater production to write and publish a book, Managing

workers—from milliners to wig designers (all of them local talent).

the Creative Mind: A Technical Director’s Process.) “Camaraderie and

Both of the women gained their early experience during their academic

collaboration are important to everything we do here,” he adds. “The

studies before going on to work multiple regional and national shows:

challenge is to maintain artistic integrity and budgets while making it

Towne studied at Carnegie Mellon and later the Yale School of Drama,

across the finish line.”

and Hurry graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in cos-

In the nearby Whisenhunt Theatre building, designer Susan Branch

tume design and technology. “As we work on a show together, we come

Towne and costume shop manager Blaire Hurry are adding the final

up with a certain visual vocabulary that will become consistent from

touches to the vibrant costumes for Tommy. Stepping into the shop

the first designs to the first dress rehearsal,” explains Towne.

feels like crossing the threshold into another world. Every inch of the

For Tommy as well as other productions, Hurry collaborates with

space is dedicated to the creation of the costumes for all of the origi-

sound engineers, so that microphones and the necessary wires can be

nal productions. Small labeled drawers containing sequins, paillettes,

carefully threaded through wigs and hats. “There’s a thrill of seeing the

pearls, and many other decorative items stretch across the lower sec-

designers’ illustrations going from the paper to being onstage,” remarks

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Hurry. The moment when an actor, such as the Acid Queen in her stunning red gown, steps out onstage can be breathtaking for the designers as well as the patrons. “There is a real immediacy to theater,” adds Towne. “Our work is a part of the experience for the audience.” In the nearby prop and scenery shop, the electric whine of a power saw rings through the warm air. Here, a visitor finds properties designer Scot Groh, surrounded by his many tools and countless objects. “With props, it’s a lot of tricks and gimmicks,” he says. A few containers of washable blood sit near his elbow. Bare mannequin torsos, chairs, and stools hang from the industrial ceiling. The shelves are crowded with cans of spray paint, assorted ropes, and cardboard tubes. “Basically anything that I find can potentially be used as a prop,” Groh says. Plastic planters are transformed into oversize teacups with a coat of metallic silver paint and metal handles. Many of hours of design and construction produce a small army of human-size puppet playing cards that dance in tandem across the stage during the second act. “We shape reality, so you see what we want you to see,” says Groh, who studied theater production at Kent State before going on national tours with shows such as All Shook Up and Fiddler on the Roof. “I love the fact that I never do the same thing twice,” comments Groh about his job. For Tommy, he and his team created four pinball machines (that seamlessly convert into tables during the course of the show) and modified a fifth, a vintage machine, by stripping it down

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Costume Shop Manager Blair Hurry with her dog Izzy in the Zach’s Costume Shop, where all of the costumes for Tommy were created.

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Director of Education Nat Miller in one of the studios where some of the summer camps and other education programs are held.

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Colorful artwork by camp attendees that was created during one of the many summer programs offered by the Zach.

and then reinforcing its metal frame in order to support the weight of Michael Valentine, who plays the older Tommy in the show. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding seeing a little idea become a reality and then resonate with the audience,” says Groh. Recently, Groh also made a miniature version of Funland that magically popped out of a chest for Pinocchio, one of the many shows produced for the family-curated series. (Upcoming performances in the fall season include a bilingual version of Cinderella and the popular A Year with Frog and Toad.) On the second floor of the scenery workshop is an entire room dedicated to an extensive inventory of props—telephones, televisions, radios, books, glass bottles, pillows, and much more. In addition, the Zach maintains six off-site storage units around the city filled with other props that will be used for future productions. Nearby, an enthusiastic group of young children gathers in a rehearsal space for warm-up exercises at one of the many summer camps for aspiring thespians. “Confidence, creativity, and collaboration are part of everything we do,” explains Nat Miller, director of education. “These

er. “We want to give children the experience of being part of the theater

are three skills that take you through theater and life.” In addition to

arts. They deserve it, particularly low-income children.”

offering an array of summer camps, the Zach brings theater education

The camp kids begin an improv game, the power saws and the sew-

into the classroom and trains educators in integrating the theater arts

ing machines continue to hum, and the technicians figure out the best

into their curriculum; this program has grown considerably, thanks to

way to release balloons from the main stage’s scaffolding. And eventu-

a generous Austin Impact grant of $100,000 last year. Other goals of

ally, on opening night, the house lights dim and the rock opera in all

the program are to train the next generation of actors and to serve as

of its brilliant glory is seamlessly performed. At the end of the show,

an incubator for new works for Austin area families and kids. “With

the audience rises to give a standing ovation and thunderous applause.

children’s theater, the only limits are children’s imagination,” says Mill-

And everyone—cast and crew alike—bask in its warmth. tribeza.com

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If you swoon for supple leather and the uniqueness of handmade wares, you’re in luck. Thanks to a growing number of Central Texas artisans, it’s a fine time to go satchel shopping. We asked five of the best makers around why they love their time-honored trade.

Hand-Tooled Texas by pa u l a d i s b r o w e

photography by bill sallans

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The Madison, $175


Noah Marion

W h e r e: A u s t i n T h e M a k e r : N oa h M a r i o n n oa h m a r i o n .co m

How did you learn your trade? I began as a sculptor and learned I would need a small fortune to continue making the size of work I was interested in. I inherited a sewing machine from my dad and started making bags from my mother’s garage in Barton Hills. Sadly, I broke that machine and took a bit of a break from sewing. During that time I became infatuated with leather, hand-sewing, and designing quality goods that were meant to last. I taught myself everything by trial and error, and by deconstructing bags and wallets I had accumulated over the years. I slowly reopened my shop in my dining room and started designing my first line and website. Once the website was live, I quickly moved out of my living room and into my first shop. I am proud to say that later this month I’m opening my first brick-and-mortar (2053 South Lamar), which will have an open workspace, coffee bar and lounge with a backyard garden. We’ll share the space with a great boutique for the ladies as well as a start-up office space in back. How long have you been at it? I’ve been working leather since 2006. Describe a typical day. There is no typical day, so I’ll describe today. I wake up at seven forty-five and cook chorizo-and-egg breakfast tacos, then sit on my porch and get my bearings. I head to my new store and assess the to-dos. I get ready for my brother to meet me around nine. We get started scrubbing freshly laid tile to prep for the toilet install, which goes wonderfully! Next we make a run to Home Depot for materials, and stop by a local taco joint to grab lunch. Back at the shop, a customer stops by to get a few extra holes punched in his belt. Around two I have a meeting with Ryan Scott Smith of Lamberts, a project we’ve been working on for a while. At four Chris McCray, a talented interior designer, stops by to talk about another project we’re working on for a new Uchi group restaurant. After that meeting wraps up, we get back to the bathroom install. I stay after to clean up and organize for tomorrow. I finally grab my dog, Jolene, and head out for round three of tacos. I drop off a prototype at Lambert’s and head home around nine thirty to sit at the computer and reply to a million e-mails, and decompress before bed. What are a few details that define your brand? Our brand is all about the details. Hand-stitched carry goods, carefully curated materials that have been time-tested and approved, and classic designs that fit with your modern lifestyle. We pride ourselves on coming up with creative solutions to everyday problems that people are not necessarily aware are problems. We focus on making the best product we can possibly imagine. How is your work inspired by Texas? I grew up here, I have lived here almost my entire life. I would say Texas runs through everything I design and think of. It’s the color palette I draw from, the details of the stitch, the way I put things together.

There has been a rise in artisans across the region. Why do you think that’s happened? We have seen so many poorly made products coming into our world and being charged too much for them, that people have decided they want to fight the good fight and give people better products that do are made the right way the first time. It can be tiring to do hand-tooled work for long stretches of time. How do you maintain energy throughout the day? Every time we finish a bag or wallet and see a complete transition from its original materials to its final form, that’s all we need. It’s just amazing to see these products come to life, and to be honest, it’s not that tiresome or tedious once you get the hang of it. On a more mundane level, we usually break for an espresso in the middle of the day, eat some tacos or a bahn mi sandwich, and are always blasting tunes. I try to take weekend trips to West Texas or the coast for much-needed inspiration and relaxation, but honestly can’t seem to break away as much as I would like. What’s the must-have bag from your fall 2014 line? Definitely the Whipstitch Cross Body. tribeza.com

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Canoe

W h e r e: A u s t i n T h e M a k e r : n ata l i e dav i s c a n o eg o o d s.co m

How did you learn the trade? I am a designer by training and have made things by hand since I was a kid. My focus has always been pattern design, so leather tooling was a natural progression. How long have you been at it? I’ve been tooling leather since 2009. Describe a typical day. I start each day with a cup of tea and answering e-mails at home, then head into my East Austin studio around ten with my two pups. I usually dive into dyeing or tooling leather early, then work on construction/sewing later in the day. At the end of the day, I pack orders, catch up on social media, and get the studio organized for tomorrow. I’m usually home by seven for dinner with my family, or meeting up with friends for happy hour. What are a few details that define your brand? Hand-tooled, hand-dyed, and modern patterns. How is your work inspired by Texas? I was inspired to start Canoe when I moved back to Texas in 2009. Outlaw country music, driving on the back roads, and kind and creative folks provide endless inspiration for me here. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. There has been a rise in artisans across the region. Why do you think that’s happened? More and more folks are following their passion for working with their hands. In Texas, leatherwork is part of our heritage, and there’s an audience that truly appreciates the time and craftsmanship that goes into hand-tooling. It can be tiring to do hand-tooled work for long stretches of time. How do you maintain energy throughout the day? Music, audiobooks, and podcasts help keep me going throughout the day. Radiolab and The Moth are among my favorite podcasts for long stretches of work. For lunch, I head over to Salt & Time on East 7th for great sandwiches and to catch up with my husband, Ben.

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What’s the must-have bag from your fall 2014 line? The Deep Sky Tote bag is my workhorse bag. This fall I’m excited to launch a handdyed deerskin bag that’s a small cross-body design. Anything else? If you’d like to learn more about tooling leather, I teach leather-tooling workshops in my Austin studio and cities around the U.S. You can find out about my upcoming workshops at canoegoods.com.


D e e p S k y Tot e b ag, $ 1 8 5

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B i s o n Co m p u t e r C a s e , $ 1 4 9 august 2014 tribeza.com


Stash Co.

W h e r e: H o u s to n a r e a T h e M a k e r : C h e ry l S c h u l k e S ta s h - co.co m

How did you learn and/or land in your line of work? I’m self-taught—I’ve always been a restless creative. I’m driven to build, design, and stay busy. The bag thing I fell into. I thought I was at the point of making a lifelong dream of becoming a writer/photographer come true. But I made a bag. And then another bag. And about 500 more bags. And then I realized I had found my calling. How long have you been at it? Seven years. In a few sentences, describe a typical day. Up early to answer e-mails and do computer work like agenda planning over tea. Then off to production. Production is the greatest part of every day. Up until last year, I was still the only one creating 95 percent of our product. Now I have a team that I train daily on new production. They are responsible for our stock bags, and I focus the majority of my production time on troubleshooting, iterations, material sourcing, and new designs. Days are usually 12 to 14 hours long, and often seven days a week. I try to carve out family time in the evenings to cook and eat together and debrief on our day. Then the evenings are devoted to more administrative tasks. What are a few details that define your brand? Elegant, minimalist, focused on featuring the innate art of each material. How is your work inspired by Texas? Texas is an expansive state with a broad landscape. For me, bag-building is the same.

Hand-tooled work can be tiresome, how do you maintain energy

I have not yet encountered boredom because I’m still excavating my imagination for

throughout the day?

designs and proposing new opportunities to challenge my skills and grow as a builder.

Lots of music. Texas artists like Will Johnson, Centro-matic, Sarah Jaffe, James-

Plus, I work out of a 100-year-old Texas historical landmark. The soul of all those years

town Revival, with a touch of old-school blues and an occasional dash of Metallica.

of handmade mattresses and furnishings can be felt as soon as you walk in the door

Depends on whether I’m working on a deadline.

and inspires me every day. What’s the must-have bag from your fall 2014 line, and why? There has been a rise of artisans across the region, why do you think

I love the tech cases for unique protection of my favorite devices, but my favorite

that’s happened?

current bag is my duffle. They are lightweight and durable and sized for carry-on. The

In our economy of disposable manufacture, I feel I am bucking the system a bit when

leather ones are classic and standard. The reclaimed textile versions are one-of-a-kind

I craft something that is individual and durable. I think more people are seeking

art pieces that take more than a week to source, reclaim materials, scrub, and stitch into

the satisfaction of building something with their hands, and creating a useful and

bags that are as individual as the person carrying them. It never fails when I travel that

beautiful product.

someone flags me down to ask where I got my bag. tribeza.com

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You’ve made it with your hands, and that special someone gets to use that bag every day for a very long time and think of you when they use it! So I went to Tandy Leather, bought one vegetable-tanned hide and a “how to saddle stitch” book written by a famous saddlemaker, and just figured it out from there. Not having a leather-sewing machine didn’t stop me; that’s how I prefer to do it. We don’t use any sewing machines. How long have you been at it? I’ve been making bags for close to 18 years, and in business for more than two years. Describe a typical day. Kiss and feed my 14-year-old boxer, drink two cups of coffee while attempting to tackle the e-mail beast for as long as I can take it, and then I’m off to my studio. I meet with my amazing right-hand man, Jesse, to discuss our schedule, workload, production, etc. With the custom business there are always questions to be answered and challenges to figure out. So we are often brainstorming and sketching and problem-solving. I’ll typically have client appointments and wholesale account meetings scheduled in the mix as well. When you have a start-up you have to wear a lot of hats. I have to find time during the day to do things like photograph our pieces, put them on our website, design new pieces, source leather and materials, train new people for hand sewing, etc. At the end of the day there are several more attempts to tame the e-mail beast, and then it’s seven o’clock before I know it.

Cambria Handmade Leather Goods W h e r e: a u s t i n

The Maker: cambria harkey c a m b r i a h a n d m a d e.co m

How did you learn the trade? My mother’s side of the family is in ranching, and they are very strong people in every way. You didn’t have the choice of not finishing a task because you may not have the right tool in front of you—you had to get creative and figure it out, usually on your own. This is also how I was raised. I’d spend summers on our family ranch in New Mexico, and we were always crafting things with our hands, like braiding reins and making halters. These utilitarian pieces had to last because they could mean the difference between whether you fell off your horse or not. I loved it. Leather is in my blood. As far as making bags goes, I decided I wanted to give a gift that would last for a really long time to someone I cared about. I wanted to make something with my hands and out of leather, of course, and so a bag made the most sense. What better gift?

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What are a few details that define your brand? I try to make a piece that is timeless, classic, minimal in aesthetic, simple in design, and very durable. I want to still use a piece I made last year 10 years from now and not feel it’s out of style. We don’t use any sewing machines. Our core pieces can take anywhere from three to 15 hours to create. Custom pieces can take weeks of programming and prototyping and building. There has been a rise in artisans across the region. Why do you think that’s happened? In our economy of disposable manufacture, I feel I am bucking the system when I craft something that’s individual and durable. More people are seeking the satisfaction of building something with their hands, and creating a useful and beautiful product. It can be tiring to do hand-tooled work for long stretches of time. How do you maintain energy throughout the day? I am very driven to succeed not only for myself but for the amazing people I get to work with. We work incredibly hard, so it’s important to keep a happy and high level of energy in the studio. Music and fresh projects help us maintain this. What’s the must-have bag from your fall 2014 line? I love our new tech accessories, like our bison zippered messenger, as well as our small cases. The slim messenger is very sleek and handsome. You can take the strap off and use it as a case as well. I am really proud of these pieces because they are very difficult to hand-sew.


“ T h e E l l i ot � B i s o n W e e k e n d e r , $ 1 74 5

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o r i g i n a l h a n d c a r ry, $ 2 1 0

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Bexar Goods Co. W h e r e: s a n a n to n i o T h e M a k e r : G u y, Fa lco n , a n d C h r i s t i a n R u b i o b e x a r g o o d s.co m

How did you learn the trade? (As told by Guy Rubio) We are a family-owned business (I’m a field geologist, Falcon is a former mountaineering guide, and Christian is an advertising man by day). We love to travel and have always worked together—from our family’s pizza business to coastal Mexico for our family’s interior design company. We love to work as a family. BGC originated as an outlet to create leather products that we wanted to use ourselves. Our vision is to create products that can journey the world, and develop character and charm from the environment and adventures they experience with you. How long have you been at it? We’ve been designing and crafting leather goods for the last four years. Describe a typical day. At eight I head to Local Coffee for some caffeine goodness, and to check e-mails and make phone calls to vendors. At nine thirty I show up at the workshop with our dog, Yuma, to set up the day’s projects. From ten to one we hammer out customer orders (we work on a made-to-order basis). Then I head out for a lunch run on local trails, and a snack on the way back. From two to six thirty we continue with customer orders and work on prototyping new designs. Then we head on out to have fun with friends. What are a few details that define your brand? We believe in ruggedness, simplicity, durability, and timelessness. How is your work inspired by Texas? Most of our products are constructed from leather, and many of the historic uses of leather throughout Texas history have been for travel and exploration. That is what inspires us—we love the look of weathered leather that has a story to tell of the individual and his travels. There has been a rise of artisans across the region, why do you think that’s happened? I know for myself, being able to create something tangible and have something to show for a day’s work is invaluable. Too many modern-day services are conducted behind a computer screen, and being able to use your hands to create conceptual pieces is so rewarding. Also, I think the rise of the “Made in America” movement, and the accessibility of e-commerce platforms has created an opportunity for the artisan movement to experiment and get its products out immediately, and without much of an investment cost.

Describe your mix of old and new. We love the look of hand-sewn/hand-stitched leather goods, and many of our leather items are still constructed using this time-tested technique. However, we do use a heavy-duty saddle-stitching machine for some of our more intricate products in an effort to offer these products at more affordable prices. What’s the must-have bag from your fall 2014 line? We are proud of our Hudson Satchel that we just released. It’s a briefcase for the urban professional and has a timeless and rugged aesthetic. In the coming weeks we’ll be releasing wallets and accessories that we’ve been designing for some time. tribeza.com

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by jessica dupuy p h o t o g r a p h y b y k at e l e s u e u r

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Texas craft distillers continue

country. In Texas, the modern indus-

to diversify, offering ever more

try was pioneered by Tito Bevridge,

delicious and imaginative ways to drink local. Whether you’re partial to grapefruit-infused

who fought a long uphill battle to push legislation through to allow distilleries to legally produce in Texas. In 1997, Tito’s Vodka became

elixirs or pure barrel-aged

the first official distillery in the Lone

bourbon, here are plenty of

Star State since Prohibition.

new reasons to belly up.

Austin-based

Rum In 2007 Barnes’sTreaty Oak Rum was the first rum produced in the state, using Texas molasses as its defining ingredient. The rum was fermented and distilled at Treaty Oak’s North Austin dis-tillery to deliver a 100 percent Texas product, an important distinction to Barnes and his team, who wanted to enter

Angerstein

the market with something authentically Texan. This year, the

jumped into the mix, producing

distillery re-leased an aged version of their flagship rum, Treaty

There must be something in the

her (now ubiquitous) line of lem-

Oak Barrel Reserve Rum, a labor of love that took a few years to

Central Texas water to explain the

on and orange liqueurs under the

make its way to the shelf.

number of entrepreneurs fir-ing up

label Paula’s Texas Spirits. In 2006,

Treaty Oak isn’t alone—in 2009 Spirit of Texas Independent

column and pot stills to produce a

Treaty Oak Distilling and Dripping

Distillery released Pecan Street Rum, and in 2011, South Con-

wide range of Texas craft spirits.

Springs Vodka followed. Only these

Texas whiskey, gin, rum—we’ve got

gress Distillery, just east of Austin, released a lightly aged White

four distilleries held permits to

it all and then some (and even the

produce within that 10-year span.

promise of a few Texas brandies and

Today, there are more than 50 per-

eau-de-viex). While you’ll find dis-

mits across the state—an impressive

tilleries throughout the state, Cen-

rate of growth that shows no sign of

tral Texas claims the vast majority.

slowing.

In fact, it seems that every time you

“It’s a really exciting time to be a

look on the liquor store shelf, you

part of the distilled spirits move-

find a new Texas spirit to try, and

ment in Texas,” says Daniel Barnes,

you’re likely being handed a sample

cofounder of Treaty Oak Distilling.

from the distiller in person.

“We’re starting to see some of the

With the emergence of a more spir-

best spirits made not only in Aus-

it-educated consumer base, as well

tin area but in the world.” Here, a

as a more integrated movement of

roundup of staples essential to any

mixologists who scour the market

local-minded bar, along with reci-

Combine rum, honey syrup, and lime juice in a mixing glass filled with

for new ingredients, the hype around

pes for refreshing summer cocktails.

ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with

craft spirits has exploded across the

Cheers!

lime slice.

Paula

Hat Rum with a distinctive molasses-rich taste.

Texas Honey Daiquiri From Matt Moody, Food and Beverage Director at Treaty Oak Distilling Co. 1 1/2 ounces Treaty Oak Rum 3/4 to 1 ounce (to taste) honey syrup (recipe follows) 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice Thin slice of lime, for garnish Honey Syrup Combine equal parts Texas honey (e.g., Round Rock, Goodflow, or Gretchen Bee Ranch) and warm water. Let the syrup cool and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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Tequila

Texas tequila has also made its presence known—at least, tequila pro-

other method, giving a much broader flavor profile. The leftover pulp is

duced by Texas entrepre-neurs. In truth, it’s legal to produce tequila

then used as fuel to create steam that powers the entire distillery, which

in only five designated states of Mexico. All tequila is regulated by the

uses 40 percent less water than traditional production processes. The

Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) and the Mexican Consejo Regulador

circle is completed when the remaining agave ash is used by farmers to

del Te-quila (CRT), and it must meet a list of specific qualifications in

fertilize the fields for the next generation of agave.

order to claim status as 100 per-cent pure blue agave tequila. In recent years, U.S. consumer demand for the traditional Mexican

Berry Mint Breezer

spirit has increased until it now accounts for more than 75 percent

Created by Chris Marriott for Republic Tequila

of tequila sales, a trend that has prompted the creation of more than

2 blackberries

1,300 registered brands produced by only about 150 registered distill-

2 mint sprigs

eries. Some of the larger brands, like Patrón, Cuervo, and Herradura,

1 1/2 ounces Republic Reposado Tequila

have their own distilleries, while others are co-opted production facili-

1/2 ounce orange juice

ties that contract with many smaller producers. And a growing number

3/4 ounce lime juice

of those producers are Texan, among them Ambhar, Dulce Vida, Man

1 ounce organic agave nectar

in Black, Pura Vida Tequila, SOAH Tequila, Republic Tequila, Tequila 512, and Z Tequila. The uniqueness of the spirit led Ken MacKenzie and Tom Nall to begin tequila production for Austin-based Republic Tequila in 2008.

Muddle blackberries and mint in shaker. Pour remaining ingredients into shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a Collins glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and a blackberry.

Together the two set about finding just the right distill-ery that could produce a spirit born in Mexico and bred by Texans. But according to current Re-public Tequila CEO John McCollough, there’s an even

1. Heat water and sugar in small saucepan over low heat, stirring until sugar

deeper connection between Republic Te-quila and Austin. With an in-

dissolves. Increase heat and bring to boil. Add 5 fresh mint sprigs. Remove

creasingly dynamic dining scene, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a large

from heat; cool syrup completely.

community of tech-savvy obsessives, Austin is a hotbed of innovation.

76

The producer’s Leyros Distillery in Tequila, Jalisco, was the first in

2. Strain the mint syrup into a punch bowl. Add grapefruit juice, bourbon,

the industry to introduce a diffuser in the tequila-making process. The

and bitters. Stir in club soda and 10 remaining mint sprigs. Add ice to bowl.

method extracts up to 50 percent more juice from the agave than any

Start party.

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berry mint breezer tribeza.com

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Vodka

Known for its odorless and virtually tasteless characteristics, vodka is perhaps one of the easiest spirits to produce. And yet not all vodkas are created equal. In Texas alone, there are more than half a dozen, the majority from Central Texas, among them Dripping Springs Vodka, Cinco Vodka, Starlite Vodka (from Treaty Oak Distilling), and Savvy Vodka. Two of the fastest-growing brands nationwide are Tito’s, which has landed a spot as the house vodka served on United Airlines, and Deep Eddy, named after the popular Austin swim spot. Arriving on the scene in 2010 with Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, the Deep Eddy brand is a col-laboration between Sweet Leaf Tea founder Clayton Christopher and Fall Creek Vineyards and Savvy Vodka entrepreneur Chad Auler. It has witnessed exponential growth in its few years—about 200 percent year over year, with distribution in all 50 states. In addition to the Sweet Tea Vodka, Deep Eddy has also released straight vodka, as well as grapefruit-flavored and cranberry-flavored varieties, both made with a concentration of fresh, all-natural juices rather than artificial flavoring agents. Texas spirits have come a long way since Tito’s first launched in 1997. And the 2013 legislative session also lifted another great barrier for the industry by allowing licensed distilleries to sell their products at their facilities. This freedom has prompted a wave of spiffy new tasting rooms. Along U.S. Highway 290 toward Dripping Springs alone, you can see Revolution Spirits, the fu-ture site of Treaty Oak’s new tasting and production facility, scheduled to open in 2015, and Deep Eddy’s new production facility and scenic tasting room, slated to open in late September. “It’s encouraging to see that more people are making quality spirits rather than just putting some-thing out there on the shelves,” says Treaty Oak’s Daniel Barnes. “These days it’s not really novel to have a distillery. To be relevant in the market, you need to make quality spirits at a fair price point, and we’re seeing that more and more throughout Central Texas.”

Texas Two-Step

1 1/2 ounces Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka 1 1/2 ounces Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka Club soda Lime wedge Combine vodkas and ice in a tall glass, finish with a splash of soda, and garnish with a lime wedge.

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Gin

For Treaty Oak, producing rum wasn’t enough. In 2010, the company released Waterloo Gin, using a handful of locally sourced ingredients including Hill Country lavender and pecans, and citrus from the Rio Grande Valley. Waterloo’s refreshing floral notes appeal to Texas gin fans, as does its economical $18 price. This year, the team surprised gin enthusiasts with something spe-cial, a barrel-aged gin called Waterloo Antique Barrel Reserve. You won’t find many aged gins on the market; it’s a spirit that typically doesn’t need the addi-tional components oak can impart, but Treaty Oak’s Antique is a compelling exploration into just how a little experimentation can result in something great. “We did it because we liked different components that came out with oak over time,” says Barnes. “It has herbal and floral tones on the nose, as you would expect from a gin. On the pal-ate, you get cinnamon and nutmeg, which is really unusual for gin.” With only a couple of guidelines defining gin production, the most important being the presence of juniper in the botanical recipe for distillation, it’s not unusual to find a wide range of gin styles and consumer preferences. Central Texas offerings have expanded to suit the palate range as well. From Smithville’s Moody June gin from Bone Spirits Distillery to South Austin’s own Ge-nius Gin, which offers two versions of its original recipe, including a Navy Strength (a blend that hark back to a time in the 19th century when the Royal British Navy required gin rations to be 57 percent alcohol, or 114 proof, in order to keep ammunition from being ruined if the spirit spilled on it). Likewise, the two-man team behind Austin’s newest gin distillery, Revolution Spirits, has found a beautiful flavor balance from its six-botanical blend through a higher alcohol content—an av-erage of 50 percent, or 100 proof, per batch. In one taste, the recently released Austin Reserve Gin reveals discernible notes of rosemary, lavender, grapefruit zest, lemongrass, pink pepper-corn, and, of course, juniper. It’s a recipe that business partners Mark Shilling and Aaron Day meticulously devised during the many months leading up to the May 2014 release. “There are several reasons we wanted to start with gin,” says Revolution Spirits cofounder Mark Shilling. “There’s more to play around with based on the botanicals you decide to use.”

Revolution Mule

1 to 2 ounces Austin Reserve Gin Splash of Maine Root Ginger Brew Crystallized Ginger Wedge Pour the first two ingredients over ice into an old-fashioned glass and garnish with a crystallized ginger wedge. tribeza.com

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Whiskey

Whiskey has always resonated with Texans. Despite Kentucky’s and

“To me, authenticity is what makes a great craft product,” says Gar-

Tennessee’s reputations as the heartland of American whiskey produc-

rison, whose primary goal is to become the 10th-largest distillery of

tion, there are now, a number of whiskeyskies that we can claim as our

American bourbon in the country—Kentucky included. His current

own. A handful of blended whiskeys,such as Rebecca Creek Whiskey

projections already include the addition of another still that could help

and the soon-to-release 9-Banded Whiskey, are bottled in Texas. Added

bring his pro-duction to about 250,000 cases annually—about a quar-

to those are craft producers, committed to the painstaking process of

ter of the size of Maker’s Mark. “There’s a perception that bourbon can

making a grain-to-bottle whiskey from scratch. Among the most note-

only be made in Kentucky. But we’re quickly changing that.”

worthy of those are Waco’s Balcones Distillery and Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye (near Johnson City)The Balcones Baby Blue whiskey

Texas Bourbon Punch

was one of the first post-Prohibition products to the market. Made with

For Dan Garrison, there’s really only one way to drink bourbon: neat. You can

New Mexico Hopi Blue corn, its distinctive rich, nutty flavor quickly

use Garrison Brothers Bourbon for any number of bourbon-based cocktails, at

turned heads in the craft whiskey community nationwide and captured

about $80 a bottle, but you may want to follow his advice and save the good

a number of awards from coast to coast.

stuff for sipping. If you long to mix it up, try his punch.

The distillery also released a few cask-strength corn whiskeys, a

1/3 cup water

whiskey-rum spirit made from Texas sugar, Mission figs, and wild-

1/3 cup sugar

flower seed called Rumble, and a captivating single malt whiskey that

15 fresh mint sprigs, divided

baffled a London panel of judges when it took first place in the 2012 Best in Glass competition in a class among top producers like Balvenie, Glenmorangie, and Teeling. About 45 minutes west of Austin, at a rustic Hill Country distill-

2 1/2 cups Garrison Brothers Texas Straight bourbon whiskey 12 dashes angostura bitters 1 cup club soda

ery, Dan Garrison makes Garri-son Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon.

1. Heat water and sugar in small saucepan over low heat, stirring until sugar dis-

Using organic Texas corn from the Panhandle, his own estate-grown

solves. Increase heat and bring to boil. Add 5 fresh mint sprigs. Remove from heat;

wheat, and Hill Country spring water, the Garrison Brothers bourbon

cool syrup completely.

has fast claimed a fervent Texas following prompting production to in-

2. Strain the mint syrup into a punch bowl. Add grapefruit juice, bourbon, and bit-

crease from more than 700 cases in 2011 to an estimated 15,000 cases

ters. Stir in club soda and 10 remaining mint sprigs. Add ice to bowl. Start party.

for 2014.

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4 cups strained fresh pink grapefruit juice

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Texas Bourbon Punch tribeza.com

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Indulge your senses at the 3rd Annual

Austin

“ We are meant to keep learning and sharing new experiences throughout our lives. We’re meant to be connected and support one another. It’s up to us to live in a place where that is possible.”

y y y

Hundreds of whiskies to taste Meet the makers Delicious food to pair

y y y

Whisky masterclasses Cigar pairing Live music

Saturday, September 27 The Westin @ The Domain

www.WhiskiesOfTheWorld.com Tickets must be purchased in advance. Must be over 21 /WhiskiesOfTheWorld

@WhiskiesOTWorld #WOWATX

AT THE 111578

A RBORETUM


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profile in

style

Shelley M. Nelson V isua l A rtis t Shelley M. Nelson has a gift

for transforming spac-

I wanted to come to Austin," she says. She has since

es through altering their surfaces—a relatively low-

recruited her brother to move here and is working on

cost approach to renovation. When she first toured

encouraging her parents to buy property outside of

her new house in Westlake, which she and her hus-

the city.

band bought at the end of last year, the property had

In addition to skillfully renovating her family’s

not been updated in decades. Other potential buyers

properties, Nelson is also a visual artist. These days

might have been put off by the house’s dated, 1980s

she spends a lot of her time painting on commission,

features, but Nelson saw potential in its open, airy

in a spacious, well-lit studio facing the front of her

spaces. She had the redbrick exterior lime-washed

home. Nelson's last house forced her to choose be-

and the front double doors painted in black lacquer;

tween dining room and studio (not long after her

she had the window muntins removed and the trim

younger daughter was born, Nelson had what she

finished in an elegant dark gray. Now the sweeping

describes as an "aha moment" and reinvested herself

exterior of the two-story home appears modern and

in painting, prompting her to sell her dining room

striking with its palette of neutral tones.

furniture on craigslist; the woman who bought the

Before moving to Westlake, Nelson and husband, along with their two daughters and one son, lived

chairs admired Nelson's paintings and eventually acquired three of them).

in nearby Davenport Ranch. Over 13 years of living

"I wanted my girls to see their mom doing what

there with her family, Nelson slowly remodeled the

she really wanted to do," Nelson says of her return to

property. Of the decision to move, she says, "I felt like

painting (after a hiatus during her pregnancies be-

the canvas was complete." And when asked how she

cause of the paint fumes). At the beginning of July,

picked the new place in Westlake, she answers, "I was

Nelson and her family traveled to the Bay Area to cel-

looking for a new project house."

ebrate her 40th birthday, returning to the city where

Nelson, who is originally from Tomball, hails from

she and her husband fell in love more than a decade

a long line of Texans. She left the state for a while

ago. Nelson radiates hospitable Texan warmth, and

when she was younger—first heading to San Fran-

as we sat down to talk over margaritas, she spoke

cisco (where she started dating her techie husband 19

with genuine excitement about the approaching mile-

years ago) and then to Boston—before returning to

stone, seeming very much at peace with where she is

settle in Austin. "I always said if I came back to Texas,

in her life.

P h oto g r a p h y by j u l i e co p e

d. a zim

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profile in style

3.

1.

2.

4.

1. 1965 convertible Lincoln Continental (belonging to Nelson's brother), shown in front of Nelson's house; two aspen paintings (acrylic, silver leaf on big one and resin on both); and abstract painting leaning against car (acrylic, paper, gold leaf and resin). 2. Bar off the dining area. Tea Caddy found at Antique Mall houses the barware. Florentine pipe stand found at second-hand store holds Nelson's grandfather's pipe. 3. Gilt Sunburst mirror found at Goodwill; marble entry console found at consignment store. 4.Tufted velvet chaise purchased from re-sale store; antelope rug found at city wide garage sale. 5. Walls lacquered with Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac. Bison horns acquired from an estate sale. Spy drawing of English gentleman, a gift from a friend. 6. Silver gilded chair purchased at city wide garage sale


7.

9.

5.

6.

10.

8.

and reupholstered in gold mohair. Designer velvet pillow by Aviva Stanhoff found at NYC flea market. Mid-century style bench/table from city wide garage sale. 7. Keith Richards photo recently found at Round Top. 8. Vintage Henredon walnut and black lacquered table acquired from an estate sale. Outdoor metal sculpture found at Austin Antique Mall. 9. Mid-century brass coffee table purchased from Craigslist. Pink Murano glass from second-hand store and marble backgammon set from an estate sale. White canvas hanging in background, waiting in queue to be painted. 10. Found fishing net repurposed as decor. P h oto g r a p h y by j u l i e co p e

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THE ART OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS速

A nne S ie m s LAKE TRAVIS AREA, TX Your Own Gateway to the Hill Country // 08.21 Originally $13.5M. Selling Without Reserve.

CONCIERGEAUCTIONS.COM // 212.259.0519 This property is listed for sale by Rogers Healy and Associates (ROGE01) - 4925 Greenville Ave, Suite 360, Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 2079580. Broker Rogers Healy (0521610). Concierge Auctions, LLC is a marketing service provider for auctions, is a licensed auctioneer (#AU-C002842) - Auctioneer Frank Trunzo - and is not a licensed Real Estate broker - 777 Flagler Drive, W Palm Beach, FL 33401 (888) 966-4759. The services referred to herein are not available to residents of any state where prohibited by applicable state law. Concierge Auctions, LLC, its agents and af filiates, broker partners, auctioneer, and sellers do not warrant or guaranty the accuracy or completeness of any information and shall have no liability for errors or omissions or inaccuracies under any circumstances in this or any other property listings or advertising, promotional or publicity statements and materials. This is not meant as a solicitation for listings. Brokers are protected and encouraged to participate. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details.

Flora and Fauna Wally Workman Gallery 1202 W. 6th St. Austin, TX 78703 512.472.7428 wallyworkman.com Tues-Sat 10am-5pm image: Animal Shaman, acrylic on panel, 52 x 40 inches


s pec i a l a dve r t i s i ng s ec t i on

Reclaimed Space Reclaimed space is a local design build firm committed to creating unique spaces from reclaimed barn wood. From shipping small cabins to building full size houses and commercial resorts, we do it all. Call us today at 512-844-4366 for your own

Traveller Denim Co. Locally manufactured custom and ready made jeans and jackets from $250. Our vintage production methods combined with American or Japanese selvedge denim gives each garment a classic style and timeless quality. 1403 Chestnut Ave. Austin, 78702 | 512-220-9696.

travellerdenim.com

Reclaimed Space!

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Firehouse Libations

Revival Cycles

Craft Cocktail Catering S ervic e & St ylized Bars for an y o cc a sio n

This is a hand-built custom motorcycle by the creative local builders of Revival Cycles. Want one? Revival can build a bespoke motorcycle of

Firehouse Libations features portable bars custom-designed to offer a versatile selection of styles to match the decor of your event. Work with creative bartending experts who will help you tailor distinctive menus and wow your guests with cocktails

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that are stirred, mixed, and shaken to perfection.

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Limbo Jewelry Design Small Bubble Ring $65-$75 Limbo’s sought after Bubble Ring has become an iconic Austin accessory. Each ring, handcrafted in Silver or 14k gold-fill, is available at Limbo’s SoCo store and online at limbojewelry.com.

limbojewelry.com

Bold MFG The Gibson Mailbox, $245.00 Designed Here. Built Here. Enjoyed Everywhere. Bold MFG offers a line of steel home goods built with quality craftsmanship and modern design in mind. Font and house number options available.

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style

Spaniola's pillows are designed to be mixed and matched, to create balance in a room.

behind the scenes

Shay Spaniola, owner of Bunglo A wo r l d o f v i b r a n t l a n d s c a p e s inspires a loc a l t e x t i l e de s i gne r .

A

s a kid, Shay Spaniola sold her coloring-book creations on the playground for a quarter. By the time she reached high school, she had started doing a lot of painting by commission. “I

needed to make more money to buy a car,” Spaniola says with a laugh. “And I was always trying to find creative ways to make more money.” Born and raised in Detroit, Spaniola came to Austin to take a photojournalism job, but she never stopped painting. Her fine-art background eventually led to her current work in interior textile patterns with her design studio, Bunglo (bunglo.co). “I just loved the idea of working with someone’s home because they’re in it all the time, and the space you surround yourself in is how you’re going to feel, so if you have a finished, well put-together home, you’re going to feel that,” Spaniola explains. “It’s so important.” Though she now focuses on interiors, she still dabbles in fine-art photography as well (her work is represented by a company in Los Angeles that handles her wholesale outreach and licensing). “I don’t do documentary work as much anymore,” Spaniola says. “Mostly I just love to do landscapes and really just focus on textiles.” And Spaniola has seen her fair share of truly inspiring landscapes— she’s visited more than 35 countries, and often draws inspiration for her designs and pillows directly from the tableaux that she’s

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A native of Detroit, Spaniola is grateful for Austin's climate. On most weekends she heads to Barton Springs or on a hike with her boyfriend. august 2014 tribeza.com

encountered while abroad. “The collection I’m selling right now was inspired by India—I actually made this line in an ashram in northern India, so I’m designing P h oto g r a p h y by da n i el b ro c k


style

everything to have come from that space, or out of that space,” Spaniola

behind the scenes

Spaniola starts all of her designs by hand, often filling in dozens of notebooks with every excursion she takes.

says. “I filled up 12 notebooks full of patterns, imported them into Photoshop, and then played with them, bringing hundreds of designs down to just 12 for the initial collection.” At first, Spaniola had no idea that she wanted to do fabrics. “I just knew I loved home and making people feel good, creating a calm, meditative space. Eventually I started to look at patterns more as just texture and color, and I became less afraid to mix and match them. I found that was the successful combination.” In an upcoming collection, Spaniola plans to incorporate more natural elements into her designs. “There’s a lot of brown to represent earth, and I’m starting to play with black, which I’ve never used,” she says. “Each piece feels like a different element, and when you combine all of them, you have balance in a room.” j. netzer Originally a photojournalist, Spaniola has since become most drawn to landscape photography, and the interplay of pattern and texture.

Shay's Favorite Places

Chefchaouen, Morocco: “The whole city is blue! The streets, the buildings . . . the interiors. An ancient village built in the Rif mountains . . . wandering around, lost in the streets of Chfechaouen—truly the most inspiring moments of my whole life. If you want to live inside a painting, that's your place.” Spaniola's travels—she's visited more than 35 countries—are a major influence on her work.

Guanajuato, Mexico: “I love color, and so does this city. Pink, yellow, vibrant greens and royal blues—every house is another pixel in the landscape. Often in the U.S., I feel like we stray away from using vibrant colors; this city made me realize how we can go wild—it all goes together. This city has all-round good vibes.” Zanzibar: “Endless white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, African steel drums in the background—a little piece of heaven on earth. Spending time off the coast of Tanzania gave me an eternal smile.” The name Bunglo comes from the word bungalow, which represents a different kind of home in many different places around the world, Spaniola explains.

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the

n i g h t s ta n d

Claiborne Smith is the editor-in-chief of Kirkus Reviews and the former literary director of the Texas Book Festival.

The Nightstand By C l a i bo r ne Sm i t h prove the severe newness of their art, found a ready home in Texas,

heart. No one may have paid attention to the scrappy modernist art-

page 5 of her new book, Midcentury Modern Art in Texas, that this state’s

ists in Texas, but that was A-OK with them.

modernist art was “greeted neither by elated crowds nor by throngs of re-

The artists, art patrons, budding gallery owners, and museum

porters.” In fact, “it was scarcely noticed by the average Texan,” she writes.

curators Edwards writes about also had one another. “The people

There was never a “School of Texas Modernism,” and “Texas might have

with money shared it with the people who didn’t have it,” Edwards

been one of the last states of the Union where a person could expect to

says. “They were developing a culture.” And they were serious about

find a vital current of modernist painting and sculpture in the mid-twen-

it. “This is earnest modernism,” Edwards says, adding that she was

tieth century,” writes Edwards, the curator at the Umlauf Sculpture Gar-

drawn to write about the topic because any modernist artist in Texas

den & Museum. One criticism no one can make of Midcentury Modern

was by nature something of a misfit. “I like the weirdos,” she says,

Art in Texas is that it’s boosterish.

“the ones where I can’t really figure out what they’re doing. These

But delve a little deeper and a more contradictory insight emerges: that modernism, a movement whose artists were almost desperate to

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are people who really thought they could better the world and better themselves by making this art. And I find that very moving.”

c l a i b o r n e s m i t h p h oto co u rt e s y o f k i r k u s r e v i e w s

whose freewheeling culture nourished modernism’s independent

Katie Ro bin so n E dwa r ds ac k n ow l e dges on


Author, Katie Edwards at Scott + Cooner.

the

n i g h t s ta n d

A Moderni st Primer Edwards’s expertise isn’t limited to midcentury Texas artists. She’s also written about Jackson Pollock, Robert Rauschenberg, Jessica Stockholder, and Andrew Wyeth, among others. We asked her to reveal some of her favorite books about modernist art and design and why she likes them.

1. Birth of the Cool: California Art, Design, and Culture at Midcentury, by Elizabeth Armstrong et al. As seen on Noguchi tables worldwide, for good reason. 2. DADA: Zurich/Berlin/Hannover/Cologne/NewYork/Paris, by Leah Dickerman et al. Now you can say “Dada” like you mean it. 3. An Eames Primer: Updated Edition, by Eames Demetrios But of course. 4. American Art Since 1900, by Blanton Museum of Art. Go local, go often.

2.

5.

5. Modernism: Designing a New World, by Christopher Wilk Lavish, serious, delicious. 6. Themes of Contemporary Art: Visual Art after 1980, 3rd edition, by Jean Robertson and Craig McDaniel See what late Modernism hath wrought. (Bonus: Roxy Paine on cover of the 3rd edition.) 7. 50 Bauhaus Icons You Should Know, by Josef Strasser “Shoulds” can be a burden, but we should Bauhaus.

1.

8.

8. Design: The Groundbreaking Moments, by Nina Kozel Another lovely Prestel book to help hook it all together. P h oto g r a p h y by l e a h ov er s t r ee t

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FINAL WEEKS – EXHIBITIONS CLOSE AUGUST 24, 2014 A Secret Affair: Selections from the Fuhrman Family Collection Matthew Barney, Louise Bourgeois, Maurizio Cattelan, Katharina Fritsch, Robert Gober, Felix GonzalezTorres, Subodh Gupta, David Hammons, Jim Hodges, Anish Kapoor, Jim Lambie, Ron Mueck, Juan Muñoz, Marc Quinn, Charles Ray, Thomas Schütte, Yinka Shonibare MBE, Kiki Smith, Gillian Wearing Jones Center and Laguna Gloria

Orly Genger: Current Laguna Gloria

Jones Center 700 Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78701 thecontemporaryaustin.org

Laguna Gloria 3809 West 35th Street Austin, Texas 78703

Vision Fund Leaders: Eric Herschmann, Jeanne and Michael Klein, Anonymous, Suzanne Deal Booth and David G. Booth, Michael A. Chesser, Johnna and Stephen Jones, The Stillwater Foundation, Melba and Ted Whatley Vision Fund Contributors: Deborah Green and Clayton Aynesworth, Susan and Richard Marcus, Jane Schweppe, Diane Land and Steve Adler, Lora Reynolds and Quincy Lee, Don Mullins, Amanda and Brad Nelsen, Sue Ellen Stavrand and John Harcourt, Gail and Rodney Susholtz, Austin Ventures, Janet and Wilson G. Allen, Don Wood, Shalini Ramanathan and Chris Tomlinson, Lindsey and Mark Hanna Endowment Support: Dr. Ernest and Sarah Butler Exhibition Sponsors: Linda Pace Foundation, Vinson & Elkins LLP, The Moody Foundation, ACL Live at The Moody Theater, Pedernales Cellars, Luxe Interiors + Design, The Texas Tribune, Texas Monthly, Hotel Ella, Hotel Saint Cecilia, Hotel San Jose, W Austin, Four Seasons Hotel Austin, InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Oxford Commercial, Teresa and Darrell Windham, The Austin Chronicle, KUT/KUTX This project is funded and supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and in part by the City of Austin Economic Growth & Redevelopment Services Office/Cultural Arts Division, believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in Austin’s future. Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com. Maurizio Cattelan, Frank and Jamie, 2002. Wax and clothes. 75 5/8 inches and 72 1/2 inches. Courtesy the artist and Marian Goodman Gallery.


style style iinnssppi irraatti oi onnb booa ar dr d

I n s pi r at i o n B oar d:

Bearded Lady Screen Prints Abi Daniel first met Josh Chalmers when he oversold her on an order of T-shirts for the Blue Genie Art Bazaar. “Oh, he totally oversold me,” Daniel says. “Took me a couple of years to get rid of all of them.” The pair met in 2006, were married by 2010, and went into business together in 2011. Chalmers had first started screen-printing in his garage years earlier (“a time-honored tradition,” Daniel explains), to supply merchandise for his band and record label. He then started Bearded Lady in 2002. Meanwhile, Daniel built a freelance design and illustrating career. Eventually, after meeting Chalmers, she started helping her beau with Bearded Lady, taking on screen separations and design. “The benefit of being a couple and being bosses is that we get to hang out all the time,” Daniel says. “And the hardest part is that we have to hang out all the time.” She adds, though, that all of the time spent together has benefited their relationship, as well as their business: “It necessitates a lot of honest, open communication. We definitely talk things out.” At Bearded Lady, the two, alongside their team, specialize in event posters, printed apparel, and the publishing of editioned art prints. Pop by Bearded Lady anytime Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm. Daniel also still designs and illustrates under the name Hoarsefly—and does a bit of fine art too, when she has the time. In November, she’ll show at Common House (common-house.com) with Graham Francoise. j. netzer

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pho tog r a phy by b i l l s a l l a n s


bea r ded la dys'

5.

Inspiration Board

10.

1.

6. 12.

9. 11.

4.

2.

3.

22.

13.

7.

8.

21. 20.

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19.

18.

1. Watercolor brushes. Watercolor is one of my favorite media to work with, and ironically not at all suited for translation to screen printing. 2. Home-roasted coffee beans. Daily rituals are important, especially when you work more than you should. 3. A little plastic hare that I'm pretty sure I picked up at Toy Joy ages ago. 4. Ticonderoga pencil— my favorite. A brush pen that my good friend Tyler Harwood gave me. You can purchase ink refills for it, but I've taken it apart and refilled it myself with sumi ink. Douk-Douk pocketknife. 5. A chambray bandanna we made in collaboration with Traveller Denim featuring a vulture pattern that I drew. 6. Josh and I both carry sketchbooks from Leuchtturm 1917. I like the big one; he likes the little one. The weight and surface texture of the paper are perfect, the pages are numbered, there are built-in pockets adhered to the back cover, and they are just a really fine book to carry. 7. Antique glass paperweight I picked up from an estate sale. 8. Hot chiles—a major addiction of ours, and something we grow every summer. 9. Gardening gloves and our favorite gardening tool/gift from my mother, a circle hoe (sadly no longer in production—brilliant for weeding). One of the biggest indicators to us that we've got a healthy work-life balance happening is if we have time to care for our yard and garden. 10. Nikon Monarch binoculars. There is inspiration in the sky. Look up. 11. A little starter from an old fluorescent light in our 1950s-era paper cutter, and a metal plate from an old flat file, both with beautiful script. 12. Modelo Especial. Summer is hot and the workdays are long. Mexican beer with lime is a handy antidote for too much time spent in the shop. 13. Bouquet of herbs and an onion from our garden. 15. A scoop-coater for coating screens with emulsion, a squeegee, an ink knife and paint-can-opener that Josh has had since the inception of Bearded Lady. 16. We re-branded Bearded Lady in 2013 with the help of friend, office-mate, and talented artist/designer Mason McFee. 17. Vintage screen-printing book. We have several—they're lovely to look through and great sources of information. 18. A bass guitar string. Music is what pulled Josh into the screen-printing world in the first place, and remains a strong driving force. 19. A stack of creek-worn stones, fractured dried green creek-mud, driftwood, bone, and mossy branch. There's also inspiration on the ground. Look down. 20. A bone folder. A beautifully simple form with great utility for folding and scoring paper. 21. Three old machinist's squares, a gift from Josh's old boss, good friend, and mentor

Joe Doherty. 22. The sturdy manufacturing and handsome typography of old rulers are something of a fetish for us. One should never undervalue a good cyphering rod.


This exhibition is organized by the Blanton Museum of Art. Generous funding is provided by Dana and Gene Powell, with additional support from the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation, Cornelia and Meredith Long, Alessandra Manning-Dolnier and Kurt Dolnier, the Scurlock Foundation Exhibition Endowment, and a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Sandy Skoglund, Radioactive Cats, Š 1980 Sandy Skoglund, Cibachrome print, Harry Ransom Center

#clawsandpaws Blanton Museum of Art / The University of Texas at Austin / MLK at Congress / Austin, TX 78712 / www.blantonmuseum.org / 512.471.7324

@blantonmuseum


AUSTIN SHADEWORKS

www.austinshadeworks.com

We’ve moved! 8868 Research Blvd #101 512-472-1768


style

pick

Chefs Jessica Maher and Todd Duplechan created a culinary shop worthy of Austin's dynamic food scene.

Treasures like cocktail strainers and shot measures are set to stock your bar and inspire your next craft cocktail.

Old apple crates created a clever storage solution in the light, welcoming space.

Métier Cook’s Supply

Tea cups, pastry brushes and a well chosen library of cookbooks stir up dreams of your next meal.

Two chefs c r e at e a n en t i c i ng s hop devot ed to del i c i o u s ende avo r s .

E

very great city needs a place where passionate cooks can the market that Austin has never seen before.” Métier (the name means “profession” or “trade”) is right next door indulge in the tools of (and plenty of inspiration for) their trade. The just-opened Métier Cook’s Supply will offer just to Lenoir. The shop is sure to be a haven for chefs and food enthusithat—a wide range of covetable goods for the kitchen. From cook- asts alike, housing anything and everything to make a kitchen combooks to cutlery, the shop will have you drooling over the selec- plete. Maher is especially excited about the shop’s knife collection. “For tion from the moment you step inside. The owners, Nevada natives chefs, knives are like having shoes for different outfits,” Maher says. Todd and Jessica Maher, who are also the owners (and chef and “You get to try them all on and see what goes with what you like the pastry chef, respectively) of the popular restaurant Lenoir, describe best.” Métier Cook’s Supply will help buyers find the perfect blade for the idea for the shop as a “perfect storm” that they dreamed up. what they need and will offer classes and tutorials to sharpen up Aus“Todd and I were wishing there was a store in Austin that had all tin’s knife knowledge. Maher says that she and her husband “were the things from stores in NYC that we loved so much, and then we careful to pick out things that we would want, while insisting that everything in the shop was beautiful and practical actually had the opportunity to make that store happen Métier Cook’s Supply so people would not have to play the waiting game ourselves,” Jessica Maher says. “We’ve never worked in 1805 S First Street of ordering something offline.” m. dunn retail, and we’re excited to bring something different to

metieraustin.com

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P h oto g r a p h y by da n i el b ro c k


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Janet and Brad Blodgett recreated the inviting, downhome, roadhouse feel of the original Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken.

The Blodgett's chose a busy downtown location to attract a vibrant and diverse dining crowd.

Gus's fried chicken recipe is a closely-guarded family secret-a blend of spices and ingredients that create a super-thin, extra-crunchy crust with gentle heat.

Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

117 San Jacinto St (512) 474 4877

Sm ack i n t he m i dd l e of s h i ny down town Au s t i n , yo u c a n d i g i n to c r i s py f r i ed ch i cken w i t h a s o u l f u l h i s to ry.

T

here are certain foods that travel well from the cities where they’re born (think Parisian macarons), while others get lost in translation (Four-Way Cincinnati Chili, anyone?). With the recently opened Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, owners Janet and Brad Blodgett are hoping Memphis spicy fried chicken lands in the former category. Fried chicken is certainly not new to Austin, but the chicken at Gus’s is different. In Mason, Tennessee, a back-road town east of Memphis, you’ll find the original Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken—a blues-fueled joint with cinder-block walls, the kind of no-frills place with food so good that people drive way out of their way to get to it. Like many other small Southern towns, Mason finds itself emptier with each passing year, its soul fading like a jukebox winding down. So the Bonners, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken’s founding family, decided to franchise the secretrecipe batter in locations across the South. Brad Blodgett, a former bond trader, grew up

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in Memphis, but he didn’t grow up eating Gus’s chicken. It wasn’t until friends opened the first Gus’s franchise on Memphis’s Front Street that he had his fried-chicken revelation. “Until I tried Gus’s, I didn’t realize how much I missed real Southern fried chicken,” he says. “Fried chicken is kind of primal—it can take you back to a past you didn’t even have.” Over the years, in his new hometown of Houston, Brad tried to re-create that revelatory experience in his own kitchen, and though he got close, it was always missing something. “I wasn’t looking to get into the restaurant business,” he says with a laugh, “but since the recipe was a closely guarded family business secret, it was the only way I could get this chicken.” So after a move to Austin and a brief retirement, he visited the Bonner family and made an offer on Texas franchise rights. His offer was accepted and in early 2014, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken opened in downtown Austin. On a recent visit, construction workers, executives, tourists, families, and young people filled the dining room (an updated, Austin version

of the original) to enjoy fried chicken with soul. Under a shatteringly crisp crust, the chicken is hot, juicy, and moist, with a gentle heat from cayenne and other spices. Each table has a roll of paper towels on offer, but, yes, we were licking our fingers, and a quick glance around the room confirmed we weren’t the only ones. The sides are mostly standard and fairly unremarkable— although we did take note of the long-simmered, bacon-y collard greens with a dash of pepper vinegar. But you come here for the chicken; that’s where the love is. As counterpoint to the hot, spicy bird, sugary coleslaw and sweet tea create an umami balance that’s instantly familiar to sons and daughters of the Deep South. In a nod to Gus’s new adventure in Texas, homemade pies (chess, chocolate chess, pecan, and sweet potato) are served with Blue Bell Ice Cream. Austin has always welcomed a little soul from parts east, so here’s hoping spicy Southern fried chicken catches on and Gus’s World Famous is here to stay. e. winslow P h oto g r a p h y by t h o m a s w i n s low


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style

last look

Summer's Secret Weapon

The huipil is made from white cotton woven on a backstrap-loom, handsewn and hand-washed after construction.

Glamorous, exotic, breezy, and keeper of secrets like no bikini ever was, this year’s summer must-have is the huipil. The casually cool but exquisitely made huipil, a traditional dress worn in Mexico and Central America, does the caftan one better. The place to get them is JM Drygoods (215 South Lamar), the South Austin shop offering carefully curated clothing and home goods from around the globe. Several years ago, on a buying trip in Oaxaca City, shop owner Michelle Teague stumbled across a blouse so beautiful that she set off into the mountains to find its maker. Tassels on the front

The blouse was soft and gauzy, with billowy sleeves and a yoke em-

and back over the

broidered intricately in a geometric pattern, so fine it spoke of gen-

heart represent pro-

erations of craftsmanship. What she discovered in a village called San Vicente Coatlán, was women producing clothing with time-polished skill, using intricately embroidered designs passed down over centuries. The women of San Vicente work in a distinctive style: one piece can take months to complete on a traditional loom. Threatened

tection and power. Designs are handembroidered with vibrant threads traditionally dyed with cochineal, black sapote, marigold, Indigofera, or sea snail.

with globalization and a young generation leaving for the cities, the knowledge required to create these pieces is in danger of becoming obsolete. As Teague poked around San Vicente, it wasn’t long before she met with Remigio Mestes Revilla, a champion of indigenous textile design, with galleries throughout the region representing the work of these talented weavers. Teague

The dress design is

purchased several blouses for the shop, and began conversations

deceptively simple—the

with Mestes about expanding his audience. Back in Austin, a representative from Madewell stopped by the

expert weave of the soft fabric creates a universally flattering drape and fit.

shop, scouting for their line of “Labels We Love,” and fell just as hard for the San Vicente textiles. Teague worked with Mestes to put together a cooperative of 75 weavers and embroiderers; the group made 400 blouses for Madewell, which sold out immediately. More work will be coming to Madewell from the JM Drygoods/Mestes collaboration in 2015, but in the meantime, we can still find the blouse that started it all in the shop on South Lamar. e. winslow

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JM Drygoods 215 S. Lamar, Suite C (512) 579 0303 jmdrygoods.com


The heavenly Cloud collection.

BRASS SEXTANTS

AND JAUNTY

ANCHOR

ACCENTS?

NOT AT YOUR BEACHHOUSE.

115 West 8th Street Austin 512.480.0436 scottcooner.com



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