THE C
side
OF AUSTIN
east side
MAKERS MADE AROUND THE CORNER SOLD TO THE WORLD
Richard Overton His Secret to Longevity at 110 Years Old
The Archibald Project
How Storytelling Changes the World
NOVEMBER 4.5.6
SHERWOOD FOREST 35 M S N I L E S EA T O F A U ST I , T X
FRIDAY PHANTOGR AM • RUN THE JEWELS • DESCENDENTS • DEATH GRIPS G U I D E D BY VO I C E S • TO D D BA RRY • CU RS IV E • FI D L A R • TH E E O H S E E S • B E AC H S L A N G • J O H N N Y PE M B E RTO N • TH U N D E RC AT • E M PRE S S O F • S H A N N O N A N D TH E C L A M S • TO U C H É A M O RÉ • T U RN STI LE • TH E R A N G E • H I N DS • D E N Z E L CU RRY • PL A N E S M I STA K E N FO R STA RS • G OO D RI D DA N C E • I NTO IT OV E R IT • C LI PPI N G . • SW M RS • D I E T C I G • C A LLI O PE M US I C A L S • M AG N A C A RDA • BOY FRN DZ • WA R O N WO M E N • PI N ATA PROTE ST • PROTE X TO R • TH E N E E D LE D RO P PO DC A ST • O N E N I G HT STA N D DATI N G G A M E • Y U N G JA K E • L AU G H , DA M M IT • T WO K N I G HT S H OW: SO U N D O N SO U N D FE ST VA RI E T Y H O U R • SO U N D O N SO U N D PO DC A ST LIV E
SATURDAY BE ACH HOUSE • PU RIT Y RING • B I G BO I • M AC D E M A RCO • FL AG BOYS N O I Z E • D E A D M I LK M E N • JAGWA R M A • TI M H E I D EC K E R • W I LD N OTH I N G • YO U TH O F TO DAY (’8 8 LI N E U P) • J O E M A N D E • D I LLI N G E R E SC A PE PL A N • H E A LTH • O LD M A N G LOO M • A E SO P ROC K W/ RO B SO N I C • A LE X G • PO U YA • M E T Z • G I RL S AG A I N ST BOYS • D I A RRH E A PL A N E T • C A R S E AT H E A D RE ST • TH E RE L ATI O N S H I P (B RI A N B E LL O F W E E Z E R) • S M A LL B L AC K • B LE AC H E D • A M E RI C A N S H A RKS • H A RD PROO F • R A D I OAC TIV IT Y • O RTH Y • M OV I N G PA N O R A M A S • A N YA • US W E E K LY • T U RN E D O U T A PU N K PO DC A ST ( W/ DA M I A N A B R A H A M FRO M F U C K E D U P) • A I R S E X C H A M PI O N S H I P • FR AG I LE ROC K • T WO K N I G HT S H OW: SO U N D O N SO U N D FE ST VA RI E T Y H O U R • SO U N D O N SO U N D PO DC A ST LIV E
SUNDAY EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY • COURTNEY BARNETT • YO U N G T H U G • T H U R S D AY A-TR A K • C H A RLE S B R A D LE Y A N D H I S E X TR AO RD I N A I RE S • STRFK R • A CO N V E RS ATI O N W ITH PUS SY RI OT • WA LE • N Y H C PA N E L W ITH YO U TH O F TO DAY, H OSTE D BY TO N Y RE T TM A N • C A RC A S S • BO B M O U LD • TH E M O N K E Y W RE N C H • C H E RU B S • PROTO M A RT Y R • RECOV E R • BA RO N E S S • BA I O • B U LLY • W H ITE LU N G • K E RO K E RO BO N ITO • YO U TH CO D E • O PE N M I K E E AG LE • N I G HT D RIV E • TH E FRI G HT S • LEO PO LD A N D H I S FI C TI O N • I LLUSTR ATI O N S • D I E YO U N G • E M I LY WO LFE • BOO M BA P TI ST • A LTE RC ATI O N PU N K CO M E DY TO U R • E V E R M A I N A RD • G RE E TI N G S FRO M Q U E E R M O U NTA I N • TH E N E W M OV E M E NT • T WO K N I G HT S H OW: SO U N D O N SO U N D FE ST VA RI E T Y H O U R • SO U N D O N SO U N D PO DC A ST LIV E
PASSES ON SALE NOW SOUNDONSOUNDFEST.COM
JARED MCCANN @wearejared
@yogaeastaustin
EAST THE CREATIVE
side
OF AUSTIN
1801 East 51st Street, Suite 365-501 Austin, Texas 78722 512.809.9804 eastsideatx.com Publisher Nillo Studios Creative Director Will Bowling Managing Editor Ashley Bowling Business Development Todd Meador Photo Editor Eric Morales November 4-6 • Hatha and Vinyasa Classes Backbending, Hips, and Inversions Workshops yogaeastaustin.com
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Copy Editor Pam Bowen Culinary Photographer Ashley Haguewood Contributing Photographers Whitney Runyon, Matt Bradford, Scott Wade, Leah Muse, Amy Higg Contributing Writers Jess Hagemann, Jennifer Simonson, Matt Cooper, Jessica Devenyns, Kaitlyn Pleasants, Ben Haguewood, Keith Kachtick, Eric Morales, Al Fini, Walker Lyle, Mary Bryce, Sam Lauron Stylist Laurel Kinney, Meggie Copeland Distribution info@eastsideatx.com Submissions info@eastsideatx.com Advertising sales@eastsideatx.com
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Copyright © 2016 Nillo Studios, LLC. EASTside Magazine is published by Nillo Studios, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.
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itsitalianmarket.com 2025 E 7th St Suite 115 Austin, TX 78702 4 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
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eastside / editor’s note
The ART of Creating I can't remember where I heard it first—from my grandfather or my dad—but one of them told me when I was a little boy that the secret to happiness was making stuff with your hands. As I've grown older and have worked with my hands all my life, whether it was working side-by-side as a young child with my Gramps (a carpenter) in his wood shop, or if it was refurbishing old cars with my dad, I look back and have fond memories of days gone by. Those days where I was knee deep in sawdust or had paint beneath my finger nails were truly blissful times. In college I took just about every art class there was from water color to ceramics. I've had my hand in just about every medium one could have it in. I was never particularly good at any of them, but I learned some skill and respect for the craft of how things are made—the conceptual thought, the time put forth, the honed skill, the patience in the making, and the persistence to make it great. The sole task of creating something out of nothing transforms into what, in the end, looks so simple. Creating this issue was like magic to me—to be around makers who had ideas and did not just stop there but took their ideas and made something beautiful with it. The concept behind this issue is to highlight just a few of the amazing makers on this side of town. I believe these artists are truly some of the happiest and most insightful people that I have come in contact with. There is nothing quite like making things with your hands, and they do it with love, sweat, and tears. The best advise I can give, passed down from the wiser generation, is do what makes you happy. Pick up a brush, a hammer & nails, or even get your hands dirty and make something. With dirty hands and a happy heart, Will Bowling will@eastsideatx.com
C U S T O M H A N D M A D E J E W E L R Y agnesseebass.com
512.568.8405
On the Cover
Wednesday–Friday: 1pm-5pm Saturday: 11am-2pm or by appointment
The cover was shot in an nondescriptwarehouse building where Joshua Bingaman, designer and owner of Helm Boots, offices. The pile of shoes in the cover photo was an effort by the company to recover a bunch of older pairs of boots from loyal customers to serve as a record of Helm's evolution of different styles. It shows the history of Helm Boots, with just about every single pair of shoes that Bingaman has designed. Photo by Eric Morales
Studio & Showroom 507 Calles St. Suite #121 [the creative side of austin]
eastsideatx.com
5
contents
30 features
Editor’s Note 05
20 Supercentenarian
EASTside Local 08 Art+Entertainment 12
48
Style+Beauty 16
22 East Side Makers
Five makers that span from nationally-known craftsmen to completely hand-made heirlooms to mini makers who are just learning to access their creative abilities to make beautiful things.
Go+Do 35
30 Storytelling Changes the World
Home+Away 41 Sip+Taste 47 6 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
One of America's longest living World War II veterans is an east Austin resident. The guys at Pool Party Studios had the pleasure of sharing their first-hand account of Richard Overton, just as one would if they gathered daily on his front porch, smoking cigars, reminiscing on days gone by, watching the constant change, talking about the ‘secret’ to living a long, happy life.
36
Austin and abroad, how one east side couple is changing orphan care one story at a time. Since 2012, they’ve documented dozens of adoption and foster stories, spent countless hours volunteering at and vetting foreign orphan care organizations, and inspired a social media movement that is actually changing lives.
find more at eastsideatx.com
An Entire Neighborhood Devoted to Modern Design THE REBIRTH OF AN INCREDIBLE CONCEPT IN EAST AUSTIN.
CONTACT:
Ann Rayborn (512) 318-9567 annr@intown-homes.com 3-4 BEDROOMS STARTING AT $400K 6 mi. east of Downtown on MLK ge without notice. Square footage is approximate. No representation or warranties either expressed or implied This community is as much about the people as herein or with respect to the suitability, usability, merchantability or conditions of any property hereinModel described. Home: it is about the architecture. Come discover Agave. 5805 Pinon Vista Drive
eastside / local
“Dharma Yoga is a treasure chest with its lid flung open.”
Buddhism on a Sticky Mat
T
From novelist and Texas Monthly writer to Buddhist yoga teacher, Dharma Yoga founder Keith Kachtick brings Eastern mindfulness to stressed-out east-siders.
he road for me to get to the east side, like most things Austin, was weird. Thirty years ago, I was waiting tables at the Texas Chili Parlor, a gig that led to meeting the never-before-interviewed daughter of Lee Harvey Oswald, which led to writing for Texas Monthly, which led to moving to Manhattan and meeting a Buddhist monk who invited me to teach meditation with him in New York City prisons, which led to writing a novel about Tibetan “hungry ghosts.” In 2004, shortly after the novel was published, I returned to Austin to give a reading at Book People. Driving around the UT campus the night of the reading, after two decades on the east coast, perhaps inspired by the omnipresent smell of breakfast tacos, I decided to move back to Texas and open a Buddhist yoga studio. I had no training in business, no connection to the Austin yoga community, but opening Dharma Yoga was the best decision I ever made. Early on, the studio resided on Guadalupe, in the original Half Price Books. Three years ago, while biking through east Austin, I spotted a for sale sign beside a rare free-standing live-in commercial building on Manor Road, near Mueller Lake Park. I promptly relocated the studio and moved in with my dog. My commute to work is now a barefoot stroll down a pinewood hallway. There are no landlord hassles, and my front yard is a beautiful 30-acre greenbelt and pond. Moving Dharma Yoga to the east side is easily the second best decision I ever made.
8 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
find more at eastsideatx.com
Dharma Yoga WORDS BY KEITH KACHTICK PHOTOS ERIC MORALES
Native Knowledge: Dharma Yoga offers discounts to students, teachers, and social workers, as well as scholarships for its teacher trainings.
Since we opened in 2005, over 10,000 Austinites have come to Dharma Yoga. Our visitors range in age from 15 to 80, with as many UT professors as co-eds, and include novelists Oscar Cásares and Mary Specht, east-side chef Chris Turgeon, musicians Darden Smith, Jimmy Dale Gilmore, and members of Arcade Fire, artist Stella Alesi, and Tibetan meditation teacher Lama Surya Das. Becca Hensley, an international travel writer specializing in yoga and wellness spas, says, “I've been to ashrams in India, studied yoga in the Yunnan, Bali, Mexico, the Caribbean, Switzerland, Italy, Africa and beyond. But this is the studio I want to come home to. Dharma Yoga is a treasure chest with its lid flung open.” In addition to our 27 weekly public classes with everything from Gentle Hatha to advanced Vinyasa Flow, a morning meditation series, workshops, and musical events, we offer private one-on-one sessions with Dharma Yoga’s co-director Camilla Figueroa, MSSW, a clinical therapist who specializes in women’s issues, including trauma from cancer, sexual abuse, eating disorders, domestic violence, and peri-natal loss. We’ve trained and certified over 500 Dharma Yoga teachers, who now work in almost every yoga studio in Austin, as well as nationally and internationally. Adam Deatherage, a recent graduate, says, “I drove from Wichita Falls each weekend, over 7,200 miles, to take Dharma Yoga’s teacher training, and I don’t regret a single mile. I got a job within two weeks of graduating.” Erinn Lewis and Mark Herron, co-owners of popular Sukha Yoga in south Austin, are both Dharma Yoga graduates. “So much of my personal meditation and spiritual practice was cultivated during the years I spent with Keith and Camilla at Dharma Yoga,” says Lewis. “And now Buddhist teachings and practices are an integral part of what we offer at our studio.” However, you do not have to be a Buddhist to practice at Dharma Yoga; all are welcome.
THE FOX DEN
PLANTS | HOME | LIFESTYLE 1105 CHICON ST.
the.fox.den
shop.the.fox.den
EE SS FR 1st CLA A.NET VID SOMA .1580 8 512.62
The décor of the studio is Tibetan meets industrial Danish. Our practice room holds thirty mats and meditation cushions. Having no mirrors, we go inward, not outward. There’s no artificial heat, and no sense of competition. Classes festively blend asana, mindfulness exercises, Thai yoga massage, Kendrick Lamar-fueled “shaking meditations,” pranayama, and sacred chanting, with quirky themes like “Fibonacci Sequence as Metaphor for God” and “Zen Handstands.” The guiding, awareness-based principle of Dharma Yoga can be helpful for anyone who ever feels stressed out: rest in the silence between our thoughts, and eventually we realize we are the silence. We welcome you to our sangha!
WORK. LIFE. YOGA.
A Wellness Coworking Community in the Heart of East Austin
DAILY YOGA - MASSAGE ACUPUNCTURE - COWORKING
contact:
3317 Manor Road Keith@Dharma-Yoga.net Dharma-Yoga.net
Introducing COYOGA this Fall, Yoga Class + Coworking for only $15 a day [the creative side of austin]
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O U R FAV E E V E N T S
Pick 9
FOR THE EAST SIDE
&
OCTOBER NOVEMBER The Capitan Asked For a Show of Hands
September 30–October 30 What does a hand hold? Ask yourself this question as you visit the Gray Duck Gallery and consider artist W. Tucker’s work. Through his series of black and white drawings, you are asked to contemplate your own hands, and it may surprise you the power that lies in them. 2213 E. Cesar Chavez | grayduckgallery.com
POP Austin International Art Show
October 13-16 For $20, you can admire the work of some of the world’s top tier contemporary artists. Whether you are an art aficionado or an art appreciator, POP Austin will enthrall your senses with its dynamic gallery setting that is purposefully free of any alienating aloofness to leave you free to experience each piece as it demands. The gallery will be held at Fair Market. 1100 East 5th St. | popaustin.com
Dia de los Muertos Music Festival
October 15, 3-10pm At Fiesta Gardens, it is no surprise that the celebration of the blending of Día de los Muertos traditions is driven to a Latin beat. Featuring renowned recording artists from Texan and Latin traditions, music will flow all day while you wander around sampling different historical performances and traditions. General admission is $30, cash only at the door. 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. | austindiadelosmuertos.com 10 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
L’enfant Terrible
October 22, 6-11pm Immerse yourself for one evening in an exploration of your childhood fantasies and consider how these once cherished memories influenced your adult self. Austin artist Denise Prince will host L’enfant Terrible at the Scottish Rite Theater, as a vibrant and interactive multi-media exploration of this transformation, with the hope that you will be inspired to participate in the journey. 207 W. 18th St. | deniseprince.com
Texas Fireworks Dia de Los Muertos Celebration October 31, 9:30pm Bring your candy with you and come celebrate Halloween a little differently this year. Planet K will light up the sky with their annual intricately designed display of pyrotechnics at the Kreig Softball Fields. 517 S. Pleasant Valley | planetktexasfireworks. com
Austin Celtic Festival
November 5 & 6, 12-7:30pm Would you like to take a peek into the past and celebrate authentic Celtic music, dance, sports, and dogs? Unlike many festivals of this type, the Austin Celtic Festival at Fiesta Gardens reaches beyond the gimmicky costumes to highlight the traditions and achievements in craftsmanship that made the Celtic people leaders in folk music, dance, and artisanal works. 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. | austincelticfestival.com find more at eastsideatx.com
Dinosauria
October 29–November 26 Art.Science.Gallery presents dino-inspired art which will be on exhibit at Austin’s only gallery for artwork galvanized by science. Explore prehistoric biology, paleontology, and ecology before the extinction of this one-of-akind show. 916 Springdale Rd. Building 2 #102 | artsciencegallery.com
Texas Book Festival
November 5 & 6 With Nick Offerman, Hannah Hart, and T.C. Boyle on the schedule, there is now even more reason to come celebrate literacy and creativity in Central Texas at the Texas Book Festival. Even if you don’t want to spend your weekend with your nose in a book, all ages can enjoy live music, local food, cooking demonstrations, and readings from reputed authors. texasbookfestival.org/2016
East Austin Community Fall Festival
November 5, 12:30-6pm It's that time of the year again for the 3rd Annual East Austin Community Fall Festival. The event will take place at Space12. Come enjoy great food, listen to live music, shop vendors, and meet your neighbors. 3121 E. 12th St.
CALENDAR BY JESSICA DEVENYNS
Arts + entertainment
October + November 2016
12 enter-
tainment
POET & ARTIST, EBONY STEWART, TELLS IT LIKE IT IS.
14 east side art HIGHLIGHTING 15 ARTISTS WHO HAVE BEEN ON THE EAST TOUR SINCE THE BEGINNING
"I don't think there's a life worth living that isn't uncomfortable." -Ebony Stewart p.12
eastside / entertainment
Where Mighty Words Dwell
Ebony Stewart WORDS BY WALKER LYLE PHOTOS BY ASHLEY HAGUEWOOD
Amidst a fully booked tour extending through February 2017, local poet and artist Ebony Stewart was able to provide some insight into her artistic origins, inspirations, and her history throughout the spectra of theater, writing, sex education, and human awareness.
B
orn and raised in Baytown, Texas, Ebony inherited a poetic connection and artistic desire as one would receive a family heirloom. Ebony recalls with a smile, ”My grandmother handed me a Maya Angelou book when I was nine…” This poetic seed, fostered in blood and tradition, would grow into a career aim, landing Ebony at Texas State in San Marcos as an English major. While she expresses a culture shock with the move, stating she "didn't like it very much," the young writer overcame the difficulties in standardized creative education, remembering "all but one or two professors told me that I was a poor writer, that I didn't have clear and consecutive thoughts. When they told me that, it deflated me. It made me very self-conscious, and I never wanted to share my work with anyone." But, like an open flame dampened and compacted in a downpour, her passion smoldered into a raging heat that would emerge in truth and craftsmanship. Eventually connecting with Austin Neo-Soul in San Marcos, Ebony found a welcoming community of poets; her talents augmented through artistic fellowship with the likes of Zell Miller III and Da'Shade Moonbeam. She landed in Austin in 2007, and her accomplishments in theater and slam poetry numbered among the local greats to this day. This chosen family has given her a place to call home, for better or worse. "The poetry community here is very family-oriented,” she says. "[There are] moments where maybe you’re the big sister and you didn’t sign up for this,” Ebony expands yet, “that love, and those connections will never be lost, and it’s why I’m still so connected to Austin." Her love is a fierce love and extends to every facet of the human experience that we can bear witness to in this city. "I know people come because it’s sunny, or it’s 'cool,' or ‘weird,’… but I’m
12 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
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here because my family is here," she assuredly states. Her inspirations stem from a deep connection to the marginalized human experience, manifesting most prominently in sex education and how humans perceive each other. "Teaching 6th and 7th graders were some of the best performances of my life," she laughs. "You gotta be quick, careful, and mean what you're saying. You gotta be willing to say 'I don't know' and ‘go look it up.’" Her experiences with public sex education, along with its inherent challenges in the public sector of the American south, are the foundation of a style that promotes a long overdue understanding, respect, and even worship towards one another, seeing each other as what Ebony calls “holy cavities,” a sentiment which she strives to bring back to our daily lives. Ebony is adamant in her creed, declaring "I am a part of whatever artistic energy that is going to allow me to be great, and honest, and true, and passionate about what I’m doing. I can’t fake this.” This survival is the sustaining force amidst constant change, where so much is at stake. “As I’m making this a career, I only want to do what I can feel good about. Just make good art. Art keeps the world alive. Art is about survival." She is sure of her position, saying, "If I’m at least writing a poem that’s honest, if I’m showing up, if I’m validating, if I’m listening, willing to learn, to do something different, and to be uncomfortable.” Ebony adds with passion in her voice, “I don’t think there is a life worth living that isn’t uncomfortable."
contact:
ebpoetry.com StoryOfTheBlackGirlWinning EbPoetry
2830 Real Street Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, open to the public www.imagineart.net
» Free studio space, supplies and artistic direction with opportunity for exhibition and sales » 10k square feet of warehouse space off East MLK Blvd.
» 65+ artists gather daily to be creative » On mission to restore the lives of artists with disabilities » Serving as a creative catalyst for social change
eastside / art
East Austin Studio Tour 6
Hawkeye Glenn is making some metal, wood and stone lures. Kind of like fishing lures... but sculptures, kind of like religious... but serious, kind of funny... but art. 405 Springdale Rd. blacksmithindustries.com
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FA M I L I E S - W E D D I N G S - E V E N T S
K AT I E - J - P H O T O G R A P H Y. C O M
Creating Heirloom Quality Journals and Albums
WE
701 Tillery Street (in back building) ionahandcraftedbooks.com 512-247-4700
Visit us during EAST November 12-13 & 19-20
14 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
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Come join Kincannon Studios (as Archaic) as they celebrate the sculpting of BLACKBIRD, in the spirit of “Please Touch the Art Movement." Commissioned by the City of Austin Art in Public Places, this large-scale artwork will nestle into Republic Square Park. Meet the artists, excavate a song, and savor the delights available. Nov. 12, 2-9pm, 2601 E. 5th St. kincannonstudios.com
4
Ryah Christensen is capturing movement, subtlety in depth of paint while working with the solid, durable materials of glass, stone, and porcelain tile. Her work strives to wear its labor plainly and to pay homage to the individual's humble place as one thread woven into life's tapestry. 1180 Pandora St. 1180pandora.com
2
Fisterra Studio by Jennifer Chenoweth is "Ready for Now," the theme of Fisterra Studio and guest artists' work. Fisterra invites you to enjoy their community art party with an open house and studio, sculpture, drawing, painting and contemporary media. 1200 E. 2nd St. fisterrastudio.com
3
Barry George has been creating found object art from his studio since 1987 using welding and forging techniques. Often his work is created for the yard or garden but some works are fine rusty yard art. 204 Attayac St.
Sun McColgin's current series of sculptures are a metaphor for the fragility of what is often taken for granted as being indestructible. Much like a single drop of water can find its way into a crevice of rock and freeze–slowly the crack grows until the rock explodes and shears away. He's attempting to recreate this process: to celebrate the passage of time and lost memories and the promise and beauty of what will be shaped by the unseen forces of the future. 5305 Bolm Rd., 1180pandora.com
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Susan Wallace's studio is again open for EAST. Large scale commissions and stellar grillwork for residential clients has kept her out of the limelight. In celebration of her return, there will be prototypes and sample grillwork for sale. 2012 E. 16th St. susanwallace.net
find more at eastsideatx.com
Mychal Mitchell's studio, Iona Handcrafted Books, will be the best smelling one on the tour guaranteed. They've got old bookcases full of gorgeous leather journals and albums. This is where the magic happens y'all! 701 Tillery St. ionahandcraftedbooks.com
New Patien t Specia ls
EAST 2016 is November 12-13 & 19-20, 11am-6pm.Visit east.bigmedium.org for more details.
Visit the dentist. It’s good clean fun.
EAST is a free, annual, self-guided art event spanning across two weekends in November. Through collaboration with the community, it provides opportunities for the public to meet the makers: the local artists and artisans who drive Austin’s vibrant creative culture. Be sure to visit the 15 artists who have been participating since the beginning.
FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY FOR CONFIDENCE WHEN YOU SMILE.
Call Us Today! (512) 539-0093 On 11th Street Just 4 blocks East of I35
13 9
Brian David Johnson has been exploring wood craft since opening his own studio in 2002 at the Splinter Group Cooperative. In February of this year, he moved down the street establishing Cloud Tree Studios & Gallery. In addition to handmade wood decor offerings, BDJ Craft Works will be showing new sculpture and wall pieces. 3411 E. 5th St., bdjcraftworks.com
10
/11 Visit Philippe Klinefelter and Sunyong Chung (Ginko Studios) space where they live and create beautiful art. Philippe primarily creates large-scale sculptures in wood, metal and stone. Sunyong works mostly with colored porcelain to produce table wares, tiles and sculptures. 800 Gullett St. philippeklinefelter.com ginkopottery.com
12
Jana Swec (as part of Sodalitas): explore the paintings that keep her mind fresh and her body dirty. 5305 Bolm Rd. littleswec.com
www.sunnydaysdental.com
Leona Gallery (formally Obsolete Industries) is curated by Billy Bishop, Lydia Emily, Josef Kristofoletti, and Tim Kerr, all striving to bring new and innovative works of art to Austin. Allow the gallery to inspire you to make and enjoy art. 1700 E. 12th St. leonagalleryaustin.com
14
Macek Furniture Company is the design and custom fabrication workshop of Mark Macek. Each piece has been made individually, with particular care given to the materials and fabrication processes. Most projects are one-of-a-kind commissions. 405 Springdale Rd. macekfurniture.com
15
Ryan McKerley creates porcelain pottery, using a technique called water carving. He looks to mass-produced glass, metal and plastic for inspiration just as much as to contemporary and historic pottery. 2710 E. Cesar Chavez ryanmckerley.com
FOR A BETTER
EAST AUSTIN Serve Your Community
-Become a Board Member -Be a Program Volunteer -Coach a Sports Team -Help at Events We have programs tailored to your talents.
Make a Difference EAST COMMUNITIES YMCA
5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin, TX 78723 (512) 933-YMCA • AustinYMCA.org
[the creative side of austin]
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15
Antwerp Coat by Delfina Balda Loup Gabrielle Pants from Olive Vintage Silk Scarf Top Model: Kiana McDaniel @kianamcdaniel 16 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
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Style + beauty Dual Dressing
October + November 2016
Weather changes call for wardrobe rethinking. WORDS BY SAMANTHA LAURON PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES
When the seasons change in Texas, we say goodbye to constant sun and hello to the roller coaster of unpredictable weather. One day it’s sunny and 75, and the next we’re scraping ice off our cars. The back and forth tends to leave us confused and asking the question–what do we wear?
Vintage Suede Full-length Jacket Navy Shirt from Anne Marie Beard Men’s Model: Heru Odyssey @Captain.Odyssey
If there’s one thing to remember when dressing for an Austin autumn, it’s that layers and versatility are key. Making sure you’re suited for both cold and warm weather is a necessity. And while there certainly are days during the colder months when it feels like a swimsuit might be an appropriate option, keep in mind that there are many ways to incorporate your summer wardrobe into the fall and winter seasons. Find wardrobe inspiration through this hot and cold season featuring a few local favorites, including Olive and Helm Boots.
16 fall
fashion UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER IS ON ITS WAY, SO WE ARE PROVIDING VERSATILE WARDROBE OPTIONS NO MATTER THE DAY, NO MATTER THE CLIMATE.
Grey/Clear Heeled Ankle Campers Boots from Creatures Boutique
Fall Dockers Pants from Olive Muller Teak Boot by Helm
18 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
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From chic armchairs to avant-garde sitting sculptures, Domus Outdoor curates a unique selection of high-quality outdoor furniture made in the U.S. & Europe. DOMUSOUTDOOR.COM 201 WEST 5TH ST. // SUITE 1100 // AUSTIN, TX 78701 855.740.4960 // INFO@DOMUSOUTDOOR.COM
A.J. Morgan Sunnies from Creatures Boutique
Vintage Silk Scarf A.J. Morgan Sunnies from Creatures Boutique
Vintage Fur Full-length Jacket Necklace by Mirina Collections Black Patagonia Swim Shorts
Vintage 90’s Sheer Gold Top by THE LIMITED from Olive
Telling your Story
Black Tabernacle One Piece by Samantha Pleet
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19
Supercentenarian
the secret to life WORDS BY MATT COOPER PHOTOS BY SCOTT WADE
On a bright, east Austin afternoon, a two-ton excavator climbs its way onto the front yard of a 1940s postwar bungalow. Soon, the lot will be cleared, making way for a 3-story architectural marvel. It’s a common sight these days, part of a real estate boom that shows no signs of slowing.
T
he machine roars, lowers its steel claw and crushes through the roof. Across the way, two neighbors observe the impending demolition. One of them, Rocky Conly, recently moved up the street with his young family. The other, Richard Overton, who's been here a while longer. Smoking one of about a dozen cigars he will enjoy today, Mr. Overton blows a puff of smoke into the air and muses, “I remember when they built that house.”
When talking about his experiences in war, a conversation with him quickly turns philosophical. “The Army teaches you to go forward,” he says. “If you go forward, you could get shot, but if you turn around and go the other way, you could still get shot. So you may as well go forward.” He pauses for a moment, then adds, “But man can’t kill you, only God can do that.”
He would. As of last May, Mr. Overton is 110 years old, a “supercentenarian.” He moved to east Austin in 1945, when he bought his home for $4K. “That was a lot of money back in those days,” he notes.
Parked in his driveway is his 1979 Ford pickup, which he bought new. He always loved to drive, and up until last year, he still was. Texas has no age restriction as long as elderly drivers pass a yearly eye exam and keep their information current. However, since his recent bout with pneumonia, friends and relatives have convinced him to stop, much to his dismay.
Born outside of Bastrop in 1906 to Jim Gentry Overton and Elizabeth Franklin, Mr. Overton learned the value of hard work at an early age. “I was always working,” he recalls. “I picked cotton, pulled corn, shucked hay. I worked for 25 cents a day. And my Dad taught me to save my money.” One of ten brothers and sisters, he has long since outlived them all.
His ability to drive well past 100 was precisely how he met his companion, neighbor Earlene Love. Upon learning that she needed transportation to church, Mr. Overton was happy to oblige. She’s now a constant presence by his side. “We go to the grocery store, go to church, visit people in the hospital. She’s just a nice person.”
He recalls seeing his first car at a time when east Austin was made up of only dirt roads. He remembers the Austin streetcar that carried passengers east to 12th and Chicon. He married twice, sadly losing each of his wives to cancer, and never had any children.
He graciously welcomes curiosity seekers who come to his door almost daily. They take pictures, shake his hand, drop off some cigars or whiskey. Inevitability, he is asked about his secret to longevity. He scoffs, says he doesn’t know, and chalks it up to good luck. However, the amount of goodwill Mr. Overton has created in his life is evident on the smiles of anyone who comes near him.
He worked as a messenger under Governors John Connolly, Bill Clements, and Ann Richards, whom he recalls fondly. And true to his tireless nature, after a day’s work, he would often mow his neighbors’ yards to make a little extra money. Walking into his home today is like walking into a time machine. Pictures and memorabilia from a bygone era line the walls. Well-wishing letters from politicians are framed, including his picture with President Obama. A display above the mantle holds several medals from his three years as a Sergeant and sharpshooter in World War II. “We went to hell and back,” he says, reflecting on his medals. “But if Uncle Sam calls, you gotta go.” Mr. Overton is the nation’s oldest living World War II veteran.
Richard Overton • Oldest surviving World War II vet • Moved to east Austin in 1945, buying his home for only $4000 • Met President Obama in 2013 on a trip to Washington D.C. • Grand Marshall of the 2014 Austin Veteran’s Day Parade • Smokes 12 cigars a day • Still drinks whiskey • Goes to church every Sunday
He doesn’t sleep much and he’s usually awake by 3 am. He eats very little, only when hungry. Yet there’s one item he never goes without. “I eat ice cream every night,” he says. "It makes me happy." As they watch the last scraps of the home being torn down, Mr. Conly asks, “I bet you’re tired of all these new people like me moving into the neighborhood.” Mr. Overton puffs on his cigar and thinks for a moment. “Doesn’t bother me,” he responds. “Keep it moving forward.”
In 2013, east Austin filmmakers Rocky Conly and Matt Cooper began filming some of the day-to-day life of Mr. Overton. They spent countless hours with him, listening to his stories and capturing his thoughts and reflections on what was then 107 years.
What resulted was a 13-minute short film completed earlier this year. The film has already garnered acclaim, screening at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the Cinequest Film Festival, the Heartland Film Festival and the LA Shorts Film Festival.
“After meeting Mr. Overton, I was inspired to just start following him with a camera,” says Conly. “Now, he is like a grandfather to me, and I feel blessed to be able to sit on the porch and talk with him.”
“We wanted to create the experience of a visit with Mr. Overton,” says Cooper. “We hope our film can help document some of the extraordinary life of this very special man.”
Pool Party Studios
512.692.9352
2028 E Cesar Chavez St.
poolpartystudios.com
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21
M AKERS 2016
Designed in East Austin, Made in America, & Sold to the World
BREWED
LAST
TO
WORDS BY BEN HAGUEWOOD PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES
Shafts of light peek through cracks between shoe boxes stacked to the ceiling at Helm Boots’ office on a balmy Monday morning. A couple hundred square feet in a nondescript warehouse in industrial east Austin serve as the company’s storeroom, design studio, and worldwide headquarters. “Nobody knows about being on the road unless you’ve been in a band,” says Helm founder and former touring guitar player Joshua Bingaman sitting at a small meeting table covered in samples. He’s just returned from a visit to one of Helm’s manufacturers in Maine, and he has a trip scheduled to visit another factory in Arkansas, two of the last eight remaining American boot makers that contract to make each pair of Helm boots by hand. Getting one of these remaining eight factories to produce a custom line is not as simple as sending a design and an invoice, it’s a relationship. He jumps back up, “Anyone want a coffee? I’m having one.
It’s my last vice,” Joshua confesses. That and entrepreneurship, it would seem. Joshua moved to Austin to start a coffee roaster, which he did, pouring his life savings from a vintage sneaker shop named Subterranean Shoe Room into a dilapidated warehouse just east of I35. “I just wanted
HELM BOOTS to be over here, as soon as I heard about it, don’t know why. Everyone said it was a terrible idea, but we did it anyway,” he says with pride. This is a persistent theme in each of Bingaman’s ventures. The coffee roaster he started, Progress Coffee, and its storefront sold to become what is present-day Wright Bros. Brew & Brew. Joshua took the money from that sale onto the next thing, pushing all his chips to the middle of the table again—this time with Helm Boots. “Bottom-line gets a little more complex when your heart gets involved.” Joshua pitched the idea to dozens of investors, but those seeking only return on investment begged off. Music, coffee, and footwear seem like an unlikely pattern to anyone but Joshua. “People, product, profit. In that order,” he says. It’s fair to say Joshua has built Helm from the ground up—but from the inside out is more accurate. The last—or shoe mold around which the boot is built—is the form and essence of the boot. It’s the first thing that determines the depth and narrowness of the toe-box, heel—everything really that distinguishes one type of shoe from another and makes it look more formal, casual, utilitarian, or otherwise unique. Joshua has become something of a last expert. “Last designs are actually intellectual property, and when the patents expire, they become public domain,” he notes. Joshua has collected, examined, studied, and otherwise obsessed over lasts, from golf shoes, derby shoes, bowling shoes, and more. “In Italy, they use concrete lasts, isn’t that wild?” he adds. Now Helm has begun to produce some of its boots on lasts Joshua designed.
24 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
With no formal design training, Joshua just goes by feel. He holds up a tan suede sample that slightly resembles the classic Frye campus boot and adds, “I just knew it didn’t look right, too much of a boot boot.” Joshua sent it back, same material, but different last. The narrower, sleeker finished product would become the Riley, a shorter more refined version with a side zip, more akin to a Chelsea boot—sort of Brit-pop meets Merle Haggard. Moving from one sample to the next is a company history, Joshua tossing each one into a pile. “The sole of this shoe is based on a paratrooper boot…this design came from a prison boot.” Each one has a story and a name. Helm’s boots go by a given name, but it’s not just something to make people identify with it—they’re his 'people.' The company name, in fact, bears the same as his first son, and the name of one of Joshua’s longest and closest friends, “Let’s just say he’s pulled me back from the brink more than one time.” Helm boots are made by the same small boot manufacturers that produce the oldest American brands, but Helm is not “heritage,” not even close. The designs are fresh, and in the middle room of the east Austin office, they’re looking two years out with material, texture, color, and style, which has caused hiccups with traditional bootmakers—but that hasn’t slowed them down. The stacked sole, prominent on several Helm standards, has a layer of leather, rubber, and leather. The producer balked at the idea of sewing them all together, to which Joshua shrugged, “I just said try it. And they did. And it worked.”
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contact:
helmboots.com HELMBoots helmboots helmboots
IONA HANDCRAFTED BOOKS “We don’t do anything with a machine. Everything is done by hand.”
BINDING MEMORIES INTO HEIRLOOMS WORDS BY JESSICA DEVENYNS
PHOTOS BY ASHLEY HAGUEWOOD
Journals are a record of the mind. They are the preservers of memories. They are a trusted friend that provides a clear perspective in a noisy world. However, most importantly, a journal never forgets the details of a moment. At Iona Books, details are everything. From the origin of the leather to the composition of the paper, every journal that Mychal Mitchell creates is made with the tender, caring oversight that a mother lavishes on her children. Each piece of twine that binds the books is waxed and painstakingly woven through hand-torn pages. Clasps are individually selected and then fashioned until they gleam against supple leather covers. For 22 years, details have been the backbone of the Iona brand. However, Mychal’s journey into her profession as a bookbinder wasn’t her destination. In fact, it was when she had her backpack stolen in Rome that she found herself suddenly in need of a way to record her memories. With no idea where to find a well-bound journal, Mychal
started asking around. “When I got to Venice the next week, I was flirting with a very handsome street artist,” Mychal remembers with a sly smile. The smile did the trick. It turns out that the artist had a friend who crafted books and who was more than happy to share his work. As Mychal walked into the Italian’s bookshop, she suddenly realized there was more to a journal than just its functionality. “I wasn’t even thinking that I even wanted to learn how to make books, but I was fascinated.” She wanted to know more. Noting her curiosity, the shop owner invited her to stay and learn about the art of bookbinding. She accepted, and when she landed back in the States a month later, Mychal found that she had not only brought home a new journal filled with memories, but a way to build her future. Since her unexpected beginnings as a bookbinder, Mychal has perfected her craft. Today you walk into her airy east side studio and are greeted by the enveloping smell of leather min-
[the creative side of austin]
gled with paper and oil. The walls are hidden by the evidence of her craft: reams of paper, scrolls of leather, and drawers full of antique adornments – all destined to become a part of a book. What space is not filled with binding materials is taken up by her beautiful, completed creations. Mychal describes her approach to bookbinding saying that, “We don’t do anything with a machine. Everything is done by hand,” in order to create something meaningful. She further explains that, “[I am] creating something that is, I think, a wonderful product.” For Mychal, journals, like memories, never age. “They’re meant to last a lifetime,” she clarifies. “That’s why I call them heirlooms.” Her books are meant to hold a part of you. Through her books, Mychal designs enduring creations that she hopes will travel through life with their owners. In her studio, she works tirelessly to create a means by which to keep memories alive. Each thought is a treasure; one Mychal hopes will be written down and preserved well past the living memories of those who told them.
contact: ionahandcraftedbooks.com
701 Tillery Street, Suite B3 IonaHandcraftedBooks iona_handcrafted_books eastsideatx.com
25
CHRIS LONG CERAMICS
MUG SHOT
WORDS BY JESS HAGEMANN PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES
Chris Long, 27, insists that while he’s been throwing pots on the wheel for nine years now, his craft is still in its infancy. The potter’s journey is “lifelong,” Chris says. “The more time and the more of myself that I give to [my craft], the better I get … I still have so much to learn.” And yet, since his early days as a ceramics student at ACC, Chris has seen his art go from part-time hobby to full-time profession. He does well enough that pottery is now his sole source of income. Such success would suggest that Chris is a ‘real’ artist—but with a knowing smile, he admits that ‘going pro’ has been a harder transition than it appears. For a long time, Chris saw his art as a “pure” thing, strictly “outside the sphere of commerce.” When he re-
26 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
alized he could also pay his bills with it, however, he got down to business. What inspired Chris to pursue a career as a potter was the month-long residency that he completed in Taiwan, shortly after graduating from ACC. “That part of the world has a totally different respect for the ceramic art form than the Western world does,” explains Chris. “Everyone drinks tea, and they respect the tea wares— as well as the ceramic artists who make them.”
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In Taiwan, Chris honed his teapot-making skills, then returned to the States ready to make Austin love pottery as much as he does. Since that experience, Chris’s clay-work has focused exclusively on ‘functional’ rather than sculptural art. His favorite pieces to make are mugs, and his favorite glaze colors are on the gray-scale. As featured here, his latest creations range from organic-in-form dark brown mugs with etched ‘rings’ reminiscent of a tree trunk cross-section, to these small creamy cups
Why mugs? “You actually bring your lips to [them]. You have a close relationship with this piece of art that you don’t even think about. It’s intimate.”
3317 Manor Road/Dharma-Yoga.net Native Knowledge: Chris is currently designing whole sets of dinnerware for a brand new east side restaurant. The details are still under wraps.
washed with soft black stripes. Why mugs? “You actually bring your lips to [them]. You have a close relationship with this piece of art that you don’t even think about. It’s intimate.” Lucky for him, Chris gets to make a plenty of mugs. They’re top sellers at the HOPE Farmers Market, where Chris hocks his wares nearly every Sunday, and they’re in high-demand at the Blue Genie art market and other local holiday fairs (in such demand, in fact, that he starts creating inventory four months in advance). When he’s not filling commissions, Chris also throws custom mugs for Third Coast Coffee roastery. Although Chris no longer calls east Austin home having recently moved closer to UT, his studio space, which he rents from fellow artist Ryan McKerley, is permanently on the east side, where the collective has room for their wheels and kilns, and favorite supplier Armadillo Clay (featured in EASTside’s April/ May 2016 issue) is just around the corner. If you’re in the neighborhood, drop in and watch the artists at work.
MIDWIFERY CARE
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contact:
2324 E. Cesar Chavez www.tandemmidwifery.com tandemmidwifery@gmail.com
etsy.com/shop/chrislongceramics chrislongceramics
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27
WOODWORK AT 17TH
MATERIAL-CENTRIC WORDS BY JESSICA DEVENYNS PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES
As Austin Evers walks into Hops and Grain, you at once know that he is the man who crafted the sleek table tops and the well-used bar that fill the taproom—the resemblance between Evers and his furniture is unmistakable. Both are hewn with strong lines, but their large presences are softened by the manicured edges of a smooth, well-polished nature. In fact, it would not be remiss to say that they have both been crafted at the crossroads of elegance and functionality. Listening to Evers speak, one would imagine that he has been a master woodworker for years. However, he is unexpectedly new to the business. “We’ve lived here for six years now,” he admits as he relates how he began working with wood at WoodWork at 17th when he moved to Austin. “We feel newish to Austin sometimes.” New or not, Evers is a natural artist whose craftsmanship brings the understated symmetry out of untouched wood to create the focal point of any room. Although he may not have the years of experience under his belt, he more than makes up for it with his unique approach. Instead of relying on seniority to recommend him, he says, “I know that what can set me apart though is really quality material that I don’t mind doing tons of homework on to pick an extremely beautiful piece.”
28 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
For him, the quality of the wood that he selects is the defining element of his projects. “I may have to be on a waiting list for it, I may have to talk to a lumber broker for it, but I can get, hopefully, a piece of walnut that is going to detract from any flaw I have as a woodworker,” he states humbly with a grin. And the material does indeed speak for itself. As he sits down, he spreads his strong hands on top of one of his tables, subconsciously feeling the grooves and knots of the glossy wood. Even off duty, his hands speak of a man dedicated to his craft. Although impeccably clean, you can see the wood shavings dusting the underside of his fingernails, and there is a deep earthen scent about him that reminds you how deeply rooted in his work he is. Unsurprisingly, his material-centric approach seems to be doing the trick. The life that Evers coaxes out of what most of us would
label wood is unexpected. With simple hand tools and an eye for the beauty in the every day, Evers is steadily growing a following for his minimalistic designs. “I’m attracted to straight lines, simple design, I let the material speak for itself,” he offers. When you see his work, this claim is clear to see. However, though his work speaks of simplicity, to Evers, furniture is more than working with beautiful slabs of wood. It is about creating art. From the way he deftly answers questions about form and technique to the manner in which he assesses the feel of the wood beneath his hands, at WoodWork at 17th, furniture is more than just function. It is everyday art that should be enjoyed. So like Evers says, when it comes to furnishing your house, don’t just select pieces to hold your weight, instead, “Let’s make it matter.”
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When he’s not pouring his heart and soul into his woodworking, you’ll find Evers pouring both into his community and neighbors. Austin is the teaching Pastor at an east Austin church plant that believes in local outreach, restoration, and relationships called The Church At East. An open invitation is extended to visit his church and learn more about their involvement in the east side community. Sunday services are held the first 3 Sundays of each month at: Imagine Art, 2830 Real St., Austin, TX. 78722. Learn more at churchateast.com
contact: woodwork17.com
woodworkat17th@gmail.com woodworkat17th
MINI MAKERS
Located in a nondescript shopping center off Airport Boulevard, Austin Tinkering School is a wonderland of activity, with drills, handsaws, 3D printers, sewing machines, books, chickens, welding equipment, hot glue guns, a pint-sized recording studio, and a plethora of power tools. Here, boredom is impossible.
you can learn the rest,” he assured her. Around the same time, the Maker Faire came to Austin. The fair is a festival of invention and creativity, featuring robots, inventions, and crafts from home makers and crafters from all over the country. Attending the fair was Kami’s second 'aha' moment, “This is my thing, I’m a maker,” she realized. Inspired, Kami began to slowly teach herself how to build and create things in her own backyard, and even went to the Bay Area to learn Tully’s teaching methods for children. She began to teach classes out of her backyard on Holly Street, until she finally got a kickstarter campaign together to help her find an official space for the Austin Tinkering School.
After hearing a TED talk called "5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do," long time east Austin resident Kami Wilt couldn’t stop thinking about tinkering. In the talk, speaker Gever Tully suggested that children should learn to make and create things with their hands and with power tools. Tully had actually gone on to create what he called a “Tinkering School” in the Bay Area. Kami loved this idea so much so that she actually contacted Tully and asked him to start a tinkering school in Austin. He said that she should start it. “As long as you get the philosophy,
Despite sky-high rent across the city, Kami was determined to stay in her own neighborhood. “There’s so much change [on the east side] and businesses disappearing. I wanted to bring something new and enriching to the people, especially because I live here.” She also was drawn to the area because of its history. “East Austin is a creative community of artists, makers and builders, and I want to embrace that spirit.” After a great deal of
WORDS BY MARY BRYCE PHOTOS BY LEAH MUSE
AUSTIN TINKERING SCHOOL
searching, the Tinkering School found its home in a small shopping center off Airport Boulevard. Since then, the space has had more than 450 children each summer for camps. The Tinkering School is a welcoming and inspiring environment where children are allowed to dream up and execute projects on their own terms. During the summer, maker camps have a thematic arc, where campers learn to work in a team on a bigger group project, such as building a roller coaster, or a boat that can go on the water. With the help of instructors, (who are referred to as collaborators) kids learn to use power saws, drills, weld, sew, print, create, and play. The Tinkering School has also begun to expand its offers, including sessions in the recording studio, spoon carving, welding lessons, as well as adult classes and parties, to make tinkering and creating even more accessible for everyone.
contact: 415.701.7777
tinkeringschool.com 1122 Airport Blvd. info@tinkeringschool.com Austin-Tinkering-School
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CHANGING THE WORLD ONE STORY AT A TIME a photo is worth more than one thousand words WORDS BY JESS HAGEMANN PHOTOS BY WHITNEY RUNYON & AMY HIGG
30 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
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Just three years into their marriage, Nick and Whitney Runyon founded The Archibald Project—an international orphan care advocacy program based in east Austin. Since 2012, they’ve documented dozens of adoption and foster care stories, spent countless hours volunteering at and vetting foreign orphan care organizations, and inspired a social media movement that is actually changing lives.
“We want to eliminate the orphan crisis,” says Nick. “That’s the long-term vision.”
Adopting Archie Whitney was photographing a friend’s two-year-old daughter when she learned that the girl’s parents were in the process of adopting a son. At that precise moment, Whitney describes feeling a profound calling to accompany the family to their child-to-be’s home country of Bulgaria and to document his adoption story as a gift. Because Nick was a pilot, the Runyons were able to fly standby to Sofia, where Whitney caught the whole beautiful event on camera. The adoptee—a seven-year-old boy with Down Syndrome— was named Archie. Upon returning to the States and with the adoptive family’s permission, Whitney shared the photos on social media. Before long, the story had reached a much broader audience than either party had ever expected, such that a few weeks later Whitney was both surprised and humbled to receive an encouraging email from a total stranger. The email said that thanks to Archie’s photos, another couple had decided to adopt a chronically-ill child from Ukraine. “[Nick and I] were blown away,” says Whitney, “that photos could help kids find families.” Nick felt the same desire as Whitney to help more children in need, so right away they formed a 501(c)3 and called it The Archibald Project after Archie.
A Full-Time Need The deeper that Nick and Whitney delved into what they call “the orphan crisis,” they realized that orphan care is much more complicated than it appears. UNICEF has determined that over 153 million kids are orphans—but that the systems in place for matching orphaned children with adoptive parents are in large part failing them.
"Sometimes people ask how to adopt, and we can refer them to ethical organizations."
For example, there are insidious pockets of corruption operating at both the individual and agency-wide levels. Consider the average American family wishing to adopt a child from east Africa. Explains Nick, “There are a lot of really well-meaning people with the best of intentions and beautiful hearts who are making huge sacrifices to try to care for orphans. But there are people in every part of the world who are looking to take advantage of well-meaning people.” A person might approach a poverty-stricken family in a developing nation and say, ‘Hey, how would you like for your child to go to the United States and receive a great education?’ and those parents might jump at the opportunity, and sign away their rights without realizing what they’re doing. Then those kids, who have one or more biological parents yet living, get adopted and no one is any the wiser. 32 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
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As one might expect of a young married couple who now spend their days traveling the world, Nick and Whitney Runyon met in the middle of another adventure: cliff-diving at Lake Travis. Following an intense courtship, the then-airline pilot asked his wedding-photographer girlfriend to marry him, establishing a partnership that has since set the world on fire.
That’s why a crucial component of the services that The Archibald Project provides is personally vetting organizations for ethical practices. “We’d like to have an official ‘Archibald stamp of approval’ for groups that we’ve vetted,” adds Whitney, which right now means facilitating internet exposure through their brand for those organizations that are doing legitimate work. “Sometimes people ask how to adopt, and we can refer them to ethical organizations. We’re journalists for orphan care. We’re telling stories, showing all the different sides … [and] advocating all the different avenues.”
Media Missions In 2014, Whitney stopped taking wedding photography requests and Nick quit flying commercially so they could “tell way more stories and have a stronger impact” on the orphan crisis. Since then, the Archibald Project’s activities have been almost exclusively funded by private donations. “Media missions” help spread the word about the project, increasing the number of adoptions and organizations that Nick and Whitney can profile. Socially-conscious artists working in any medium can apply for a media mission, wherein they travel with the Runyons to a specified country
and spend a week getting to know a vetted organization’s mission and the children they serve. During this time, Nick and Whitney teach the artists how to use their photography, writing, or painting skills to “tell the story of those who don’t have the opportunity to share their own stories,” and then the artists return to their home communities as Archibald advocates. Note: There’s a holistic application and interview process, for as Whitney affirms, “We do not want to promote volunteers … [who] just want social media photos of orphans. We ensure that the artist’s true desire is to advocate for orphan care.” Media missions are like mission trips, with a couple major differences. While the Runyons are Christian, the Archibald Project is educational in nature, not faith-based, so they don’t limit their work to Christian organizations or families. As Nick says, “It doesn't matter what faith you are, we can all get behind caring for children.” When anyone contacts The Archibald Project asking about job, internship, or volunteer opportunities, the Runyons direct them to the media missions, and will so do until such time as the Project can expand its staff.
Eliminating the Orphan Crisis “We’ve been to 8 or 9 countries so far,” muses Nick, including Bulgaria, China, Taiwan, Haiti, Uganda, India, Romania, and the Congo. Many of the countries they’ve been to multiple times, as the Runyons work side by side with the organizations they promote. Just as the organizations rely on The Archibald Project to spread the word, so Nick and Whitney couldn’t do it without each other. “I’m the visionary,” Whitney smiles, “but Nick makes it all happen.” “We want to eliminate the orphan crisis,” says Nick. “That’s the long-term vision. We know there are always going to be orphans in the world, but we don’t believe it needs to be a crisis. If we can advocate for better and more educated practices, we believe it will greatly reduce the number of kids out there living in unloving and less than ideal environments.” Ones to practice what they preach, the Runyons next plan to start fostering children themselves domestically. As of 2014, there were more than 31,000 children in foster care in Texas alone—4,000 of them waiting for adoptive families.
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To celebrate national adoption month in November, the Archibald Project will feature a series of stories by adults who were adopted as children. “You always hear about the ‘Gotcha Day’ [the day a new member joins the family] or the story from the parents’ perspective,” says Whitney, so she’s excited to follow-up with the adoptees’ perspective.
Also in November the Archibald Project will release its most recent adoption video, showcasing the story of a boy adopted from China.
contact:
info@thearchibaldproject.com thearchibaldproject.com thearchibaldproject thearchibaldproject
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Godo+
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36 go&do
WHAT BETTER WAY TO START YOUR HOLIDAY TRADITION THAN CUTTING DOWN YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE AT ELGIN CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
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VISIT THE TEXAS STATE CEMETERY AND BE AMAZED AT THE HISTORICAL FIGURES THAT HAVE SHAPED TEXAS.
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outside PLAY, HIKE, AND
Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hay rides and train rides are just some of the fall fun at Elgin Christmas Tree Farm. p.36
DISCOVER THE GREAT OUTDOORS AS THE WEATHER COOLS DOWN IN ONE OF EAST AUSTIN'S LOCAL PARKS.
eastside / go&do
Come Rain or Shine
Fun on the Farm WORDS BY JENNIFER SIMONSON PHOTOS BY ASHLEY HAGUEWOOD
Out on the farm, the weather dictates everything. Sometimes there is too much rain. Sometimes there is not enough rain. And sometimes there are record-breaking days of low rainfall and high temperatures, and it stays that way for years. According to these farmers, all you can do is wait it out and pray for the best. That, along with a lot of hard work, is how Marc and Twyla Nash got through the recent drought that gripped Central Texas. The couple owns and operates Elgin CHRISTmas Tree Farm, a Christmas tree farm about 25 miles east of downtown Austin. The 100-acre farm at the end of a dusty gravel road not far from Highway 290 has been in operation since 1984. It was then that Twyla’s father, Walton Dalton, started planting Christmas trees as a retirement business. The farm quickly became a holiday tradition where local families come to select the perfect tree to help make their Christmas memories. 36 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
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In 2002 when the retirement project grew into a full business that required more work and attention than Walton wanted to give it, Marc and Twyla bought the farm. With a background in environmental engineering, the couple was happy to work outside and on something they could call their own. When Marc and Twyla took over, they added fall pumpkin activities, acreage to rotate the tree crop more effectively and more family-friendly fun. If problems or challenges arose that they couldn’t figure out, they would ask Walton for advice.
But then 2008 started and the normal hot, dry Texas summers turned even hotter and drier. When records for low rainfall and high temperatures began to break month after month and the National Drought Mitigation Center posted pictures of the state of Texas colored in dark red, Marc and Twyla again turned to Walton for advice. For the first time, he didn’t have any to offer. So the Nashes did the only thing they knew how to do: doubled the workload and prayed. “I didn’t sleep for more than four hours at a time, because every five hours the irrigation needed to be moved,” Marc recalled. Marc watered the fields in the middle of the night every night. Every morning the couple and their three children (they have since adopted a fourth) woke up at dawn to hand water the trees. They lost a lot of trees to drought, but because of their diligent watering, they didn’t lose them all. Never far from their faith, the Nashes always counted their blessings including the value of hard work this hardship was instilling in their family. “We were able to teach our children a work ethic during the drought. If we were going to survive, we all five
had to get out there at 6 am and work through 100 degree days,” Twyla said with a smile. And survive they did. During the lean years, they supplemented the supply of Christmas trees by selling some trees from a farm on the East Coast. The weather eventually turned around, providing better soil for the 7000-8000 trees planted every year. Finally the Christmas trees they worked so hard for, the trees that endured the drought, are now being sold. Besides a few skinny trees standing alongside of the 4-to-14-foot bushy ones, nothing remains of the drought.
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The work continues, and the couple is gearing up for its busy season. Every October the farm opens up for families, community groups, and students on field trips to enjoy pumpkin painting, scenic hayrides, a corn maze or a ride aboard the train. The day after Thanksgiving the farm reopens for its busiest weekend of the year. About 1,000 trees per day are sold during this weekend. Guests can take a hayride through the acres of Virginia Pine and Leyland Cypress trees until they find and cut down the Christmas tree that will be the symbol of their holiday season.
MARC & TWYLA NASH
Native Knowledge: Open the day after Thanksgiving, Monday-Saturday 10am–5:30pm, Sundays 12-5:30pm. In addition to tree shopping, scenic hayrides, farm animals, a corn maze, and a playground are available to the public.
contact:
512.281.5016 info@elginchristmastreefarm.com 120 Nature's Way, Elgin TX 78621 elginchristmastreefarm.com ElginChristmasTreeFarm
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“People Who Made Texas so Texas” WORDS BY GENE FOWLER
Texas State Cemetery “So Far, So Bueno.” Thus reports the late Austin writer Edwin “Bud” Shrake, speaking from the mysterious territory that awaits us all at some distant date when each of our hearts must grow cold and still. The encouraging words are incised upon his tombstone in the Texas State Cemetery, an oasis of repose and reflection amidst the often hectic pace of Austin's boom.
T
he Texas State Cemetery is indeed a great place to contemplate the larger-than-life figures who shaped our state and charted the course of its government. Allow yourself to amble amongst its stones, letting the mind unroll and wander as it may, musing about the lesser-sung lives represented here. Seek out the grave sites of those whose magic power was snatched from thin air in stories and visions—artists, writers, healers, performers of the seemingly impossible.
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Situated at East 7th and Navasota, the cemetery's 18 acres of landscaped hills are the final resting place of thousands of movers and shakers of the Lone Star State, from a 17th century Frenchman who went down with his ship in Matagorda Bay to Navy Seal sniper Chris Kyle, killed in 2013 by a fellow Iraq veteran suffering from PTSD. In the words of the authors of the 2011 book, Texas State Cemetery, these are “the people who made Texas so Texas,”
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from politicians to soldiers, lawmen, educators, athletes, artists, authors and other influential residents. Bud Shrake represents the “Mad Dog” school of Texas literature in the prestigious graveyard. Remembered for a golf tome that became the best-selling sports book ever, Shrake engaged readers as the author of evocative novels about the contemporary and pioneer Southwest such as Strange Peaches and Blessed McGill. Bud's latter life romantic interest, Governor Ann Richards, rests beside him.
Sculpted in flowing white bleeding the patient and marble, Ann's headstone administering toxic substancimparts a sense of feminine es such as mercury. Noting strength. The quote on that the cure was often worse the stone, from her 1991 than the disease, he concludgubernatorial inauguration ed to quit “the man-killing address, sounds almost like business” and sought out a description of our state a Choctaw medicine man from some forgotten dream. to learn the Indians' herbal “Today we have a “A museum of treatments. vision of a Texas where opportuni- history unlike After moving to ty knows no race, any other in Texas in 1848, Lincecum hung a no gender, no the state.” shingle as a “botancolor—a glimpse -Harry Bradley ic physician.” of what can He also became happen in government if we a remarkably productive simply open the door and let naturalist, contributing plant the people in.” specimens to the SmithsoEmbodying that vision nian, the British Museum, perhaps more completely and the Jardin des Plantes in than any other Texan, the late Paris. He corresponded with U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Charles Darwin and other Jordan, an African American progressive thinkers of the who rose from humble era. beginnings in Houston's Fifth Another intriguing find is Ward, also rests here. “Many the final resting place of people come to the cemetery Fred Gipson, author of the solely to pay their respects 1956 classic Old Yeller. On to her,” confided TSC Senior Gipson's birthday, February Historian Will Erwin. 7, Old Yeller fans leave dog TSC superintendent biscuits at the author's grave. Harry Bradley describes The headstone of El Paso the cemetery as “a museum novelist-painter Tom Lea of history unlike any other features a carving of a mounin the state.” Fittingly, the tain. The stone reads, “I live unique museum includes on the side of a mountain. It the gravesite of the “Father is the side to see the day that of Texas” and the capital is coming, not the side to see city's namesake, Stephen F. the day that is gone. The best Austin. As with most historic day is the day coming.” Look cemeteries, the elaborate and to the future, the day that is varied headstones provide coming because one day it an important museum will be gone. component. The Art Deco headstone of Governor Jim “Pa” Ferguson and Governor “Ma” Ferguson, for instance, reflects a design style popular during the 1930s, when the couple provided the people of Texas with “Two Governors for the Price of One.” One of the most unusual stories in the cemetery is that of Gideon Lincecum. Born in Georgia in 1793, Gideon studied medicine informally as a young man and began to treat people according to the allopathic system of the day, which often involved [the creative side of austin]
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best parks Picnic, Play, & Hike
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Roy G. Guerrero Park Sporty and Scenic
Nothing says “Austin” like a park dedicated to disc golf. Known to locals as the best spot to play this mildly intense sport, Roy G. Guerrero Park is a great destination for running around and perhaps for some hiking. With its proximity to the lake, you will be spoiled by the view of downtown buildings across the way, too. 400 Grove Boulevard
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Mueller Lake Park
Perfect for all Ages
The Mueller community has given east Austin plenty of local gems, and some of them are the array of beautiful landscapes and parks. Take Mueller's Lake Park, for instance. The 30-acre park is centrally located in the Mueller community and boasts an open-air amphitheater, interactive playscape and a picnic peninsula, food trucks, and fishing – perfect for a day with friends or family members of all ages. 4550 Mueller Boulevard 40 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
WORDS BY KAITLYN PLEASANTS PHOTO BY MATT BRADFORD
Summer has come and gone. Texas is cooling off where we can thoroughly enjoy the beautiful outdoors! This fall, explore what east Austin has to offer and peruse its many eclectic and scenic parks.
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Givens Park
East Austin Staple
Givens Park is situated between E. 12th Street and Springdale. The large park is complete with a recreation center, two softball fields and a neighborhood swimming pool to cool down in the scorching Texas heat. Historically, the park has been named after east Austin dentist and civic leader, Dr. Givens, since 1974 and is considered a cultural and communal staple on the east side. 3811 E. 12th Street
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Edward Rendon Park Perfect for Picnics
Head over to the Holly district, and you’ve got Edward Rendon Park situated on Holly Shores. This park is right off Town Lake and is home to some of the best shady trees in town. Think better picnic weather and some of the best local music festivals. 101 Jesse E. Segovia Street
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Govalle Park
Plenty to Explore
Govalle Park covers a large 26 acres of land, so there’s plenty to explore and a little bit for everyone. The park itself also covers part of the beautiful Walnut Creek Trail as well. Plus, there’s also ample space for basketball, baseball and getting in a last summer BBQ at one of its many BBQ stations. 2101 Jesse E. Segovia Street
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Mueller Southwest Greenway
East Side’s Hike & Bike
Located near Mueller neighborhood, Mueller Southwest Greenway boasts a 10-foot wide hike and bike trail. The large trail is the secret to more space (and less crowding) if you prefer to keep some distance from many of Austin’s hiking destinations. And, if you’re feeling more educational, Mueller Southwest Greenway also offers educational stops and signs as you enjoy your time there. 2501 Tom Miller Street
Young tobacco farmers in Viñales Cuba p.42
Home + away October + November 2016
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cuba
BEHIND THE SCENES: EXPLORE CUBA FROM A TRAVELER'S PERSPECTIVE
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EAST SIDE DESIGNER DISCUSSES HER ROLE IN THE PROGRESSIVE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN WORLD
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HAVANA TRINIDAD CAYO HUESO VIÑALES
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Discover Cuba WORDS & PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES
Tourists go to places to see things and buy souvenirs; travelers go to places to experience life and collect memories. Sean Stillmaker and Kelley Mullarkey, founders of majestic disorder magazine based in London, are travelers to the nth degree whom I adventured with in Cuba during the sweltering summer months of July and August.
I
n what seemed like an instantaneous stopover during our two week excursion, majestic disorder knocked out a fashion editorial, a look book for Dharma Co. eyewear, multiple social media campaigns and several interviews with local farmers, merchants and artists for their upcoming issue. Alongside the touring company Fisheye Journeys, we traveled across Cuba from the capital city of Havana, to the southern seaside town of Trinidad and to the remote village of Viñales where we were warmly met with utmost hospitality and an intimate taste of the local flavor. As direct trade and travel between Cuba and the U.S. just opened in September, this was the last window to experience Cuban authenticity before globalization begins accelerating amongst the country of 11.2 million people. Always fully committed to exploring and connecting global cultures through their print and digital platforms, majestic disorder thrived with this opportunity.
Cayo Hueso neighborhood of Havana If you want to experience authentic daily Cuban life, spend a few nights in this old neighborhood. As we were unexpectedly plunged into Cayo Hueso, we found out later on it also just so happened to be the neighborhood in which the subject for MD’s fashion editorial, jazz drummer Yissy Garcia, grew up. The neighborhood is full of friendly locals and within a few blocks from where we stayed is a street called Calle de Hamel—along the block is an art community center led by Cuban artist Salvador. This is an off the path, must-see for travelers. Our favorite local restaurant was Locos Por Cuba, which was a cozy dive where we ate at least once a day (you may even see our picture on the wall).
Old Havana Old Havana is where the streets are full of local vendors, beautiful architecture and plenty of places to stop in for a refreshing Mojito. The time capsule effect is strong here as the streets are adorned with pristine cars from half a century ago. It’s certainly
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the stomping ground of tourists, but nonetheless a must-see for travelers.
Viñales Mountains serve as the visual backdrop to the rural town of Viñales, which is about 112 miles southwest of Havana. One can horseback ride through the national park and visit the organic tobacco farms and learn how to hand roll a cigar.
Trinidad One of the first cities founded in Cuba by the Spaniards in 1514, the colonial architecture and colorful facades gleam under the sun, while an abundance of rooftop restaurants and hidden clubs will delight all night long. The cobblestone streets only add to the antiquated preservation of this seaside town that has been a protected UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. majesticdisorder.com majesticdisorder
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eastside / home
The Miriam (top): Design Team: Jeanne Schultz Design Studio & Joel Mozersky Design, Development Team: Will Steakley, Taylor Perkins, Jack Lieberman, Photographer: Leah Muse, Home goods: Kettle & Brine, Furniture: Madre East 12th Street Duplex (bottom left): Design Team: Jeanne Schultz & Shane Pavonetti, Developer: Matt Schram, Photographer: Andrea Calo Historical Governor's Mansion (bottom right): Design Team: Jeanne Schultz Design Studio & Joel Mozersky Design, Development Team: Will Steakley, Taylor Perkins, Jack Lieberman
44 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
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Come Meet Us for the East Side Studio Tour East Side Collective Building 2400 E Cesar Chavez, #302 512.487.2928
contact:
Jeanne Schultz Design Studio 512.487.2928 2400 E Cesar Chavez, #302 info@jeanneschultz.com jeanneschultz.com
Q&A PHOTO BY LEAH MUSE
Jeanne Schultz, a young female designer, talks about the benefits of working with a progressive design firm.
Describe the work environment at East Side Collective. The East Side Collective is both a community and an office space. It’s where my firm’s studio has found a home, among other small-scale designers. Together we share resources and collaborate to empower one another. In addition to the goings-on of business as usual, we almost always have local artwork showcased. We also bring in local musicians for intimate shows and gatherings, brew intense espresso, and celebrate our office dog–Maui Russell, an apricot poodle. Describe your progressive firm and why you run it in such a way. My firm is interdisciplinary and collaborative. In addition to architectural and interior designers, we have graphic designers, woodworkers, sketch artists, and other design professionals who participate in both the creative process and production. I chose this team structure because it enables us to provide our clients and projects with an integrated, holistic approach. I think our process is elevated with the contribution of individual craft expertise, in that together we figure out how things come together and really hone in on the details. What is the value of working with an architect/ design professional? I think the greatest way that design professionals bring value is through our ability to make all the parts and pieces come together. It takes a lot of people to build a building and to create space. We strive to manage all of the relationships between constituents and maintain a continuous vision throughout the project. Other ways that we bring value are by providing the tools for clients to realize their vision, as well as the resources to execute it. One of my favorite instructors in college, Larry Speck, said, “Architecture is a subliminal experience.” For example, we all experience space in buildings and other structures each day.
But rarely do we analyze what it is about those spaces that enable us to be productive or enjoy ourselves. Part of our roles as design professionals is to really think critically about that and define those experiences. What criteria do you use to establish priorities and make design decisions? Our first priority is to understand the client’s objectives and the physical site to determine what is feasible for the project. Through experimentation in sketches, modeling, and abstraction, we work to discover what the project is about. Our formal design decisions are then guided by a few principles in order to realize that big idea: dynamic space that can be achieved in as few architectural gestures as possible, rational geometry, and a refined material palette. What is your role and the client’s role with the contractor? We suggest that our clients bring on a contractor as early as possible. Contractors contribute great value to the design process as we work through budget and construction constraints. We can assist the client in finding the right contractor, communicating design details, and working as a team throughout the duration of the project. Do you ever integrate low or no cost sustainable design strategies into projects? Absolutely. ‘Sustainability’ is a buzzword, and I think many people have an understanding of what it means in relationship to things like energy and building materials. However, sustainability encompasses environmental, social, and economic practices. We strive to address each of these appropriately considering what’s feasible per project. It may mean sourcing material locally to reduce our carbon footprint, designing to minimize physical site intervention, or promoting a safe, fair-waged construction environment.
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Condo Tips and Tricks 1. Make sure your condo is warrantable. If you are not paying cash, Fannie and Freddie will not back the loan if the condo does not meet certain classifications. 2. Are there any pending assessments? Everyone must pitch in to take care of the building. This is done through assessments that the HOA approves. If your condo of interest has outstanding HOA dues, you could be liable for the balance once ownership is obtained.
3. Was your condo a converted apartment? This is important if you value soundproofing between you and your neighbor. Make sure modifications have been made to accommodate the sound.
Need more tips? Call Today
Joy Padilla REALTORÂŽ 512.968.7799 ALHWEDDINGS.COM INFO@ALHWEDDINGS.COM 512.431.4161
joypadilla@realtyaustin.com *Condo tips are for informational purposes only and exceptions may apply. Please contact for details. 46 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
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Sip + taste A true farm-to-table dining experience serving a classic, but elegant and oh so fresh, prix fixe menu every weekend on Springdale Farm. p.48
October + November 2016
48 taste
feature
OUTDOOR EATING AT ITS FINEST, SOURCED STRAIGHT FROM THE BACKYARD FARM
50 sip
expert AL FINI PAIRS SELECT ITALIAN WINES WITH AUTHENTIC LITTLE ITALY SNACKS PERFECT FOR YOUR NEXT GATHERING OR PARK PICNIC.
eastside / taste
FLAVOR
FALL AUSTIN’S LONG GROWING SEASON GIVES CHEFS A FULL RANGE OF PRODUCE FOR WEEKLY-UPDATED SEASONAL MENUS. WORDS BY BEN HAGUEWOOD PHOTOS BY ASHLEY HAGUEWOOD
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Tableside Farming at Eden East
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ou can’t see Austin’s unmistakable skyline from the low lying farmland that surrounds Eden East’s outdoor dining area. In fact, if it weren’t for the occasional car passing on Springdale Road, you wouldn’t even know you’re in the fastest growing city in Texas. Austin has maintained a distinctive dining scene by supporting its local restaurants, but there’s eating local, and then there is arm’s-length eating. Many of the vegetables that supply the weekly dishes the Eden East kitchen prepares come from Springdale Farm and other small farms in the neighborhood. The concept is simple, but pulling it off takes a dedicated team with a singular vision and a lot of logistics. Each week the Eden East chefs prepare a menu based on available produce and meat from a list of local farms, ranches, and fish purveyors that it supports. Each menu is balanced, playing each ingredient and dish off one another, but unfussy, always allowing the freshness of the ingredients to stand out and often giving a nod to other Texas food ways, like a roasted pork rib glazed in fermented Texas honey and finished with a crumble of chicharron, and the faint smoke-tinged onions that spike the fragrant summer vegetable succotash and sweet corn and coconut soup. The pre-fixe menu is full of bold flavors and subtle surprises with each course, such as a tuna crudo topped with a fresh kimchi puree, and smoked Wagyu beef in a shallow pool of Juliette BBQ sauce—a rich, red puree that takes BBQ as one knows it back to its simplest and purest elements: fresh tomato, real smoke, and heat from gardenfresh roasted peppers. Diners should expect to make a 2-3 hour evening of the multi-course menu and are encouraged to linger at the long, knotty pine communal tables under a canopy of tents with low intimate lighting. Eden East is BYOB and provides an opportunity to enlist your wine merchant for innovative pairings. A good reason to arrive before your reservation is to walk the grounds of Springdale Farm to see the current crop that makes up the menu and the neat, tilled rows of rich soil that will create the next one. [the creative side of austin]
NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: EDEN EAST ALSO SERVES BREAKFAST ON SATURDAYS FROM 9AM-1PM WHILE THE SPRINGDALE FARM'S MARKET IS OPEN, WITH CLASSIC HASH AND EGGS, SHRIMP AND GRITS, BACON AND EGGS, EGG SANDWICHES, AND MORE.
contact:
755 Springdale Rd. edeneastaustin.com edeneastaustin edeneastaustin edeneastaustin
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eastside / sip expert
Wine Pairings: Poderi Oddero Barbera D’Alba Doc 2012 Piedmont Barbera is known for its racy acidity, rusticity, and earthiness. Pair with wild mushrooms or gamey meats and get ready to fall in love with this classically structured Barbera from one of the finest wineries in Barolo.
pairings: The Oddero
Native Knowledge: Italian style happy hour is Monday through Friday 4-7pm with food and discounted drinks. We offer dozens of beers & wines by the glass ranging from $5 and 10% off any wine bottle. To simply say thank you, Friday night is wine tasting night, 6-9pm for customer appreciation, where we provide the wines and snacks at no cost.
It’s Italian
WORDS BY AL FINI PHOTOS BY ASHLEY HAGUEWOOD
When you are tired of ordinary, step into little Italy.
A
few years ago, I was in my kitchen preparing for a wine dinner for later that night. I truly wanted some white truffle to finish off the risotto dish I was cooking. It was a last minute addition and, of course, nowhere to find it in town! I asked myself, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a specialty Italian market in Austin?” Just like that, a dream was born! The main question was where in Austin we would open such a market? One year of searching and east side was the obvious answer. On March 2016, we opened the doors to our neighbors and could not have made a better choice. Warm and kind people have overwhelmed us to say the least.
50 EASTside | Oct/Nov 2016
It’s Italian: a unique specialty market where you can find all things Italian, hundreds of wines to choose from hand-picked by our certified Wine Location Specialist and, of course, Italian craft beers sold by bottle or growler. With wine bottling on premises, wine tastings, wine classes, coffee, tea, pastas, olive oils, cold cuts, cheeses, gelato, sauces, mushrooms, truffles, olives, vinegar, spices, chocolates, cookies, gift cards, and gift baskets, It’s Italian Market has you covered. We invite you to step into little Italy and feast your eyes. If you can’t find it here, we will source it out for you.
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Barbera red wine is ideal to accompany hard cheeses such as Pinzani pecorino with raw black truffle or Auricchio aged Parmesan, Rotolini such as Calabro mozzarella & prosciutto and salame such as Beretta Salame with fennels.
Malvira Roero Arneis Docg 2015 Piedmont
Straw yellow, the nose expresses Arneis Tradition with clear floral hints of elder and acacia which is flanked by citrus references. The taste is fresh, has nice acidity and is balanced.
pairings: Malvirà Arneis
white wine is ideal to accompany soft cheeses such as Caseificio dell’Alta Langa Robiola, Fabbri Amarena Wild cherry and Lazzaroni bruschette rosemary crackers.
contact:
512.482.8655 2025 E. 7th St. #115 itsitalianmarket.com itsitalianmarket its_italian_market iiimarket
EAST SIDE
QUALITY + NATURAL + HEALTHY
PET FOOD + SUPPLIES 2505 E. 6th St. Unit D (512) 482-8219 TUESDAYS - SATURDAYS 10AM - 7PM SUNDAYS 12PM - 6PM
primepetaustin.com | primepetaustin
is proud to announce our EASTLINE community 2000 E 7th St Austin, TX 78702
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