CULTURE CLUB
TAYLOR — It’s back to business for a local group of artists, ceramicists and musicians as they converge to share the joy of creating.
The Second annual Taylor Studio Tour swings into town from noon to 5 p.m. April 5 and April 6.
Coming off a successful inaugural tour last April, the Taylor Studio Tour pairs local creative professionals with small businesses in the Downtown Historic District.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2025
According to Cindy Chapter, president and director of the Taylor Arts Alliance and clay artist, this year’s Taylor Studio Tour is more organized. The event will offer additional signage directing visitors to the individual locations.
Last year’s sidewalk chalk will be back; however, there will also be larger directional signs.
The Taylor Studio Tour is an annual event hosted by the newly formed Taylor Arts Alliance, a nonprofit to promote arts in the area. In addition, there will be a staffed table at the McCrory Timmerman Building offering maps during the event.
Last April, the Inaugural Taylor Studio Tour saw 36 artists unite to promote a thriving creative community in Eastern Williamson County. With 22 individual stops on the tour, art enthusiasts explored Taylor, discovering the creative side of a vibrant community.
“We want to provide space to artists that don’t have a dedicated space,” Chapter said.
Artists are signing up earlier than the previous tour, according to Chapter. At press time, 26 were confirmed.
FINDING MORE ARTISTS
From former university deans to selftaught painters, the Taylor Studio Tour aims to be a home for those who create.
“If they feel like they are an artist, then they are an artist,” said Chapter, when asked who is welcome to register.
Each year, art enthusiasts and visitors meander through downtown, finding art galleries, working art studios and businesses hosting the tour, such as Curio Mrvosa Books and More, 114 N. Main St.
The Taylor Studio Tour will hold a Preview Exhibition Opening 6 p.m. March 28 at the McCrory Timmerman Gallery, 201 N. Main St.
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE.
Some artists will be in businesses in downtown Taylor, such the Black Sparrow Music Parlor, 113 W. Second St., which will host local graffiti artist and cartoonist Dennis Levitin.
His cartoons run each weekend in the Taylor Press, the sister publication of the East Wilco Insider.
“Art is for everyone; it should evolve some type of feeling or be temporary. That is the essence of graffiti,” Levitin said.
He will show his street art and a selection of comic strips from the Press at the tour.
EVERY TIME INSTITUTE OPENS IN TAYLOR
Recent Taylor arrival Nicolas Nadeau opened a new studio space, Every Time Institute, in Old Taylor High earlier this year. Born in Ipswich, England, Nadeau grew up in San Antonio; however, he lived in Australia as well.
He attended Rhode Island School of Design and studied illustration. He most recently lived and worked in Austin before relocating to Taylor in 2024.
“Art enriches everyone’s life,” Nadeau said.
Every Time Institute will teach art classes, including painting, drawing and photography, for students 8 years and older. There will be gallery and studio space available with natural light.
A grand opening is planned for April 4 with a deejay and refreshments. The institute will also be available for the Taylor Studio Tour.
It is located at 410 W. Seventh Street, No. 203. Classes begin in April and the site operates from Thursday to Sunday. For more, visit www.everytimeinstitute. com.
GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY
During the tour, Art Off Center will host clay contests again this year. Each event is timed, and each winner will receive a handmade trophy.
According to Melanie Shaw, Art Off Center owner, the contests are open to all, and no experience is necessary.
Artists based out of the center will exhibit and sell their work during the tour.
April 5 events:
1 p.m. — Best 2-pound Wheel Thrown Vase 3 p.m. — Blindfolded Throwing
April 6 events:
1 p.m. — Longest Coil Handle Pulled from 1.5 pounds of clay 3 p.m. — Widest 2-pound Bowl with 3-inch base Art Off Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It offers multi-week classes in wheel-throwing and handbuilding. It also hosts introduction sessions, ideal for those new to clay.
It is at 116 W. Second St., Suite 108, on Potter’s Alley.
MAKE WAY FOR PET PORTRAITS
Pets are valued family members, and the pet-portrait trend is here to stay. This year’s Taylor Studio Tour will partner with the Texas Critter Crusaders to showcase pet portraits and animalinspired art from local artists.
“We plan to have a space full of art with local artists doing on-demand pet sketches –– hopefully including some high school students. We will have a place to learn about Texas Critter Crusaders and our mission,” said Valerie Kanak Poynor, Critters treasurer.
According to Poynor, the organization provides medical help and financial assistance to residents who cannot secure the necessary care for their companion animals.
The local nonprofit runs a trap-neuterrelease program for street cats, providing spay and neuter services and medical needs for injured feral felines. It also takes kittens from TNR colonies to tame so they can go to a shelter for adoption.
The Texas Critter Crusader stop will be at 1301 W. Lake Drive.
FIND A FREE LITTLE ART GALLERY IN SOUTHSIDE
A F.L.A.G., or Free Little Art Gallery, is coming to Taylor’s Southside. It is a tiny outdoor gallery where anyone can contribute or collect small works of art.
Teri Williams is part of a community organization called Southside Community Engagement that promotes the spirit and stories past, present and future from the Southside.
“(When) I started working on our community-focused goals and bridging the gap for this side of town, a F.L.A.G. was the first thing that came to mind,” Williams said.
She wants residents to discover creative outlets through various art mediums.
“I’m a creative at heart and enjoy that art is an interpretation of the creator. It can open so many doors and be a voice to the voiceless,” Williams added.
The Free Little Art Gallery is at 701 S. Main St.
HOWTOGETINVOLVED
As a volunteer-run event, the Taylor Studio Tour is asking for donations. The tour is also looking for more musicians. All the tour stops are within central Taylor.
For more, visit www.taylorstudiotour.com.
Comment
Comments