Cosmic Vida

Austin curator is back in the game with powerful exhibit to connect us all

Sleeping Carperos by Adriana Maria Garcia is part of "Cosmic Vida's" exploration of the human race.

Photo courtesy of KLRU-TV

Editor's note: CultureMap is proud to present the latest installment in our partnership with KLRU's documentary series Arts in Context. This unique series celebrates stories about the arts in Austin and the people who make this such a vibrant and creative city.

In the video above, join Raul Valdez for a glimpse into curating the “Cosmic Vida” exhibition at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. With artworks of various mediums, colors, sizes, and imagery, he explores the literal and symbolic meaning of the exhibit’s title and hopes the audience is inspired to make their own interpretations on the universal experiences of La Raza, the human race.

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS is dedicated to telling stories that entertain, inspire, and change our lives. KLRU highlights what makes Austin unique — whether music, arts, or public issues — by creating and distributing award-winning original content. KLRU produces several series including Austin City Limits, Arts in Context, Central Texas Gardener, Civic Summit, and Overheard With Evan Smith. As a nonprofit educational organization, KLRU also prepares children to succeed in school and creates lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Curator Raul Vida takes in the "Cosmic Vida" exhibit.

Raul Valdez Cosmic Vida

Photo courtesy of KLRU-TV

Curator Raul Vida takes in the "Cosmic Vida" exhibit.

video galleries

The Artist Next Door

Free San Marcos art tour opens doors to studios, parties, and more

San Marcos Studio Tour stop

Photo courtesy of the San Marcos Studio Tour

More than 85 applicants have signed up to be part of the 2025 tour.

Art lovers around Central Texas are in for a visual treat as the San Marcos Studio Tour announces its third annual run. This year, it'll take place over two weekends: April 4-6 and 12-13. The tour is free to attend.

The tour will take place in places around town where artists make and show their work — personal studios, art spaces, and some local businesses — making it a fun way to explore the town and the art scene simultaneously. The goal is to help artists and the pubic connect and engage with each other, ultimately leading to organic support for the arts.

In addition to more typical gallery showings, hosts can organize demos, workshops, parties, cookouts, screenings, live music, moving tours via bike or foot, or more.

The open call for 2025 collected responses from more than 85 applications, so attendees can stay busy if they plan to visit as many stops as possible. In 2024, there were more than 50 stops on the tour. Although the call for artists in 2024 is over, there's still time to submit an event proposal or business sponsorship. Both deadlines are Februrary 11.

The business partnership arrangement is new this year: business sponsors can host events or showings in their own spaces and send one artist's work to a group exhibition at MotherShip Studios.

That's a good place to start for attendees who want to see lots of art at once and branch out from there. According to the MotherShip website, the team there includes "working artists, professors, university students, curators, and art advisors."

The kickoff party will be Friday, April 4, at 7 pm. Then the first weekend's tours will run from from noon to 6 pm on April 5 and 6, and the same hours on April 12 and 13. MotherShip Studios is located at Bay 5, 20027 San Marcos Hwy #80.

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