Austin's Chuckle Hut

For a safe Saturday night bet, choose Sure Thing comedy at Austin Java

It’s easy to get into a predictable routine when Saturday night rolls around; most people choose to go out, hit the downtown clubs and bars and regret that decision the next morning. If you’re looking to break the usual Saturday night routine, particularly with a few laughs, then Sure Thing at Austin Java is a guaranteed funny way to spend a night out on the town.

Sure Thing is a weekly comedy showcase that features a lineup of comedians both based in Austin and from all corners of the country. But want to know the best part about the show? It’s free of charge. So what do you have to lose?

While Sure Thing may only be a few weeks old at this point, hosts Duncan Carson and Brendan K. O’Grady have plenty of experience hosting weekly showcases of standup comedy — both were hosts of The Laugh Lounge, a show sponsored by Comedy 102.7, for an initial 10-week run last summer.

“We kept the show going after that and kept the name,” says co-host Duncan Carson, “but we were looking for something more unique the whole time. There are shows and comedy clubs named Laugh Lounge in many other places.”

Eventually, Carson and O’Grady decided on how to revamp the show. Starting with new artwork and set design, Sure Thing began to look like a comedy show more to their liking. And instead of switching off hosting duties each week, the two combine their talents to tackle the job of emceeing every show.

So far, local comedy fans have been incredibly responsive. Just a little word of mouth and self-promotion is all it took to turn the past weeks’ shows into packed houses. Saturday's upcoming show will likely follow the same trend. Austinite David James will headline and be joined by Sara Reihani, Doug Lewis, Mario DiGiorgio and Joe Hafkey.

For future lineups, be sure to follow Sure Thing, especially for what could be a special show on March 9 for SXSW. It’s about time you found a new routine for Saturday nights.

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Outside the Lines

Buda artist releases intuitive drawing book with fun prompts

Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Artist Ronald Gross creates an intuitive drawing with crayon, which he considers a "joyful" medium.

Buda-based artist and writer Ronald Gross released a book in November called Unlock Your Creativity: A Guide to Intuitive Drawing, which will walk aspiring expressers through drawing without worry. On December 6, he'll be on hand to help in an intuitive drawing demo at Buda Public Library's Holiday Open House.

The book is a hands-on guide that teaches readers how to lean into their own desires and intuitions when drawing, whether they feel like an artist or not. In this way, intuitive drawing should feel relaxing, meditative, and ultimately, beneficial for mental health. If you find coloring books relaxing and meditative, intuitive drawing may have the same effect on you.

"Intuitive drawing is the practice of creating art without a specific plan or outcome in mind," says Gross. "It’s about letting your hand move freely, guided by emotion, curiosity, or subconscious impulses; not about making something perfect."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Intuitive drawing is simple, joyful, and according to Gross can calm the mind much like meditation. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

This book presents exercises to access a mindful state: freeform doodling, blind contouring drawing, drawing from the imagination, and drawing from emotions. For artists feeling stuck, Gross also includes plenty of exercises for overcoming creative blocks and even discusses ways intuitive drawing can be applied to other creative projects and areas of life.

In the December workshop, Gross will give a quick demonstration on how to create an intuitive drawing using nothing but lines, shapes, and simple marks. Then participants can try it out with a variety of crayons, because crayons are "tactile" and can quickly transport people into a "playful, unselfconscious space," according to Gross.

"The workshop is all about creating a supportive, judgment-free space to explore intuitive drawing," he says. "Attendees will leave with tools to keep practicing on their own and, hopefully, a renewed sense of creativity and playfulness."

An intuitive drawing from author and artist Ronald Gross. In college Gross was taught how to take a doodle and elevate it into fine art.Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross's own journey into intuitive drawing started at a young age, when he would doodle and sketch throughout the school day. Years later at the Academy of Art University, a professor encouraged him to lean into this more intuitive and abstract style of art. Since then, Gross has been exploring intuitive drawing's ability to access a meditative state, as well as tap into the subconscious mind.

"When you draw intuitively, you’re fully present in the moment," Gross says. "Your mind quiets, and you become attuned to the flow of your thoughts, feelings, and physical movements. It’s akin to meditation, only instead of sitting still, you’re actively channeling your inner experience onto the page."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Gross's intuitive drawings each evoke a different feeling through his simple use of color and linework. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross adds that over time, doing some of the exercises included in the book may even help boost confidence, since intuitive drawing can help people learn to trust their instincts.

"Intuitive drawing can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and help people reconnect with their inner selves," he adds. "It offers a space to process emotions, spark ideas, and break free from perfectionism or overthinking."

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