Art City Austin has shrunk considerably. The former Fiesta, which raises money for local museums, presented far few artists this year. Barely two blocks of downtown closed down for the brilliant April afternoon.
Emily Clayton and Sean Galauger
One bright spot: CoLab’s potentially mobile studio, usually parked at the group’s gallery in East Austin. With video activities available for creative visitors, it could turn into an arts version of a bookmobile.
Otherwise, the arts pickings were slim, while the festival food remained hearty and the people-watching healthy.
Julie Blakeslee and Jack Sanders
The first Waller Creek Pop-Up Picnic, later in the day, by way of contrast, felt fresh and current. Reps from the design, legal, media and other tribes gathered at Palm Park, the virtually disused patch of green behind the old Palm School on Interstate 35 and East Cesar Chavez.
Backers benefited from the same gorgeous weather, as folks filtered into to the park from all directions. There, they discovered enormous trees, a welcoming meadow for picnicking and social mixing. Diners either brought their own delectables or purchased boxed meals from local eateries.
All this to raise awareness of the Waller Creek Conservancy, the nonprofit that is partnering with public entities to provide a design framework for floodprone lower Waller Creek once the big dig is done.
Byron and Charlotte Davis
SafePlace needs no introduction here. The warriors against sexual and domestic violence have long been Austin champions. Its Day to Shine gala presents a fashion show, thoughtful speakers and a dining experience at the Hilton Austin.
I dropped by after the picnic — I parked easily for both at East Third Street on the other side of the freeway — to see the local celebrities walk the runway. Competing in the tux-and-shiny-vest category were Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo and Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton. Among the social treasures gracing glamorous gladrags were Donna Stockton Hicks, Carla McDonald and Lisa Copeland.
Worth it for the view and chances to chat with spouses Jack McDonald and Tanya Acevedo. Hey, why weren’t they up there on the runway, too?
Natalie Kopp, Nicole Kessler and Elizabeth Buchanan
Rounded out the evening at Camp Mabry. The Elizabeth Ann Seton Board proved the base’s parade grounds make an excellent spot for an outdoor gala. An enormous tent and a nearby stage were erected on that great lawn. Lamberts Downtown Barbecue provided the filling grub.
There are a couple of minor flaws to the Texas Military Forces headquarters as a regular venue: Tight security and familiarity with the camp. Even though I explored the historical sectors of Mabry just a few weeks ago, I got lost on my way out. Small potatoes.
The wind kicked up as the live auction ended, but the western-themed gala already a hit, pleasing more than 1,000 guests. Along the way, I learned from Seton multi-star general Ken Gladish the differences among the health nonprofits several support groups. Elizabeth Ann Seton Board, named, of course, after the service order’s founder, represents young women leaders in the community.
Glad to learn that. Oddly, it seems the older the Austin charity, the harder it is to crack, perhaps because they don’t feel the need to explain.