Arts alliance benefits from Austin artists locating to Taylor
TAYLOR — Celebrating the call to be creative, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the arts is gaining support and recognition in eastern Williamson County after a successful inaugural event in 2024.
The Taylor Arts Alliance hopes to build on its success and expand its programming in 2025. In April 2024, the Inaugural Taylor Studio Tour sponsored by TAA saw 36 artist-participants unite to promote a thriving arts community in East Wilco.
With 22 individual stops on the tour, residents and visitors alike explored Taylor, discovering the expressive side of what many recognize as a vibrant arts community.
That’s just the beginning, organizers said. A free, open-to-the-public Second Annual Studio Tour is planned for early April.
FOSTERING AN ARTISTS’ COMMUNITY
As Austin rents reach for the stars, area artists branched out to find more affordable space in neighboring communities. Drawn to Taylor’s downtown character and the small-town vibe, creatives started popping up in the area.
Local artist Cindy Chapter fosters the arts in East Wilco and attends area studio tours, such as the Austin Studio Tour, each year. In December 2023, she and a group of volunteers came together to make Taylor’s own studio tour happen in 2024.
“I thought it would be a really nice way to showcase our local talent and bring people together. After talking with several downtown community leaders, and getting their full support and encouragement, I decided to just go for it and make it happen,” said Chapter, president and director of TAA and a clay artist.
FROM CREATIVE IDEA TO EVENT SUCCESS
According to Chapter, last spring’s studio tour grew exponentially as both artists and small businesses volunteered resources. The 2024 Studio Tour had the creatively curious discovering the area as they explored boutiques, cafes and other hidden gems.
Residents found neighbors with creative talents, and visitors got to explore Taylor and experience what they call its “unique appeal.”
“Individual businesses are invited to host emerging artists who may not yet have a formal studio of their own, which encourages a lively pattern of foot traffic throughout the downtown area.
Both artists and shopkeepers are able to showcase their product and art in a fun and welcoming atmosphere,” said Judy Blundell, business owner and artist.
PURSUING NONPROFIT STATUS
“The Taylor Arts Alliance was created with one clear mission: to support and empower artists of all kinds while building a stronger, more vibrant arts community here in Taylor,” Chapter said.
Shortly after the organization came together, planners said it became obvious they needed to register as a nonprofit.
According to Chapter, receiving financial assistance from businesses made it easier to be approved as a nonprofit.
Drawing on past experience, Tina Lewis, TAA treasurer and artist, spearheaded the process in 2024.
“Our goal is to make sure everyone—no matter their background or where they’re coming from—has access to the resources, opportunities and platforms to share their creativity with the world,” Chapter said.
CREATIVE OUTREACH TO BUILD COMMUNITY IN 2025
To grow and foster the creative community in eastern Williamson County, the alliance plans to host networking events in 2025. These social get-togethers will blend professional speakers and small group workshops for area artists.
“This organization is all about celebrating the power of creativity and connecting artists with the resources they need to grow. We know firsthand how art has the ability to bring people together, spark conversations, and make our community a better place,” Chapter said.
She added the TAA plans to hold monthly artist meet and greets with an education component in 2025. It wants to empower Taylor artists to get out there more.
TAYLOR STUDIO TOUR 2025
Building on its initial success, the Taylor Studio Tour will be back for 2025. The Second Annual Studio Tour will be noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6. There is no charge, and more details are coming.
According to its website, “The Taylor Studio Tour provides opportunities for Taylor artists to show the community their studio, share their art and build community.”
For this year’s event, the organizers anticipate adding live music at some locations and hope to increase the artist roster as well.
The 2024 Taylor Studio Tour drew regional interest, attracting news coverage from Austin’s KUT, Taylor Press and other outlets. Last year’s event coincided with a similar tour in San Marcos.
HOWTOSUPPORTTHEARTS
IN TAYLOR
As a new nonprofit, the TAA solicits monetary donations via its website, TaylorStudioTour.com.
According to Chapter, TAA is adding automated donations via payroll deductions, such Benevity.
The TAA also plans to join the Greater Taylor Foundation, which was founded in 2022 to fund local nonprofits by pooling resources from businesses and individuals.
To further its mission, Amplify Wilco is another funding source that TAA wants to pursue in 2025.
To support its mission, all donations to the Taylor Arts Alliance are tax-deductible with its new nonprofit status as a 501(c) (3) organization. Artists who want to participate in the Second Annual Taylor Studio Tour should visit the website for more information.
The tour also seeks sponsors, hosting businesses and volunteers to make this year’s event successful.
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