Many Austinites have stopped by the art studio compound Canopy at some point to explore, but next month a newcomer freshens things up. Open Canopy, the first Saturday afternoon every month, welcomes the locally well-known artist-run collective and magazine Almost Real Things (ART) for the first time February 7.

ART had a big year in 2025, when it took control of the citywide Austin Studio Tour. The annual event has been around for more than 20 years, and it's become one of the biggest and most inclusive art happenings in the city. But the dissolution of Big Medium, the nonprofit that organized it, meant that it needed a new steward. ART stepped in and helped artists across the city welcome locals to their studios, host pop-ups, and more.

Open studios are business as usual for ART and for Canopy, so this should already be a well-oiled machine. There will be 57 studios participating, showing off the work of more than 72 artists.

Another important, less visible change: as of summer 2025, Canopy's immediate neighborhood is considered the Govalle Cultural District, unlocking funding from the state. Canopy's presence was important for the designation, which was given as a result of the area's high artist population.

Even when there aren't new studios and news from the state, Open Canopy is a good place for art-lovers to congregate monthly. More than 300 people pass through each time the event is held, and seeing the art makes it easy to strike up conversations with others taking it all in. The artists are also usually happy to talk about their inspiration and process, giving a deeper look into what's on display.

Open Canopy takes place at 916 Springdale Road from 1-4 pm.