9th Annual Little Artist BIG ARTIST Art Show

Please join us on Thursday, April 27 from 6–8pm at the Dougherty Arts Center for our 9th Annual Art Show! The Spring Art Exhibition is the culmination of 10 weeks of work by our 40 Little Artists.

These 5th and 6th graders represent six East Austin elementary schools. Each Little Artist will show one of their two artworks alongside one of their BIG ARTIST mentor’s pieces.

little artist big artist

We’ll also have live music from the Blackshear Soundwaves Orchestra, Maplewood Ukulele Choir, Allison Dragon Choir and the Barbara Jordan Choir. The reception is free, and Spanish translation will be provided. Come out and experience a unique Austin art scene!

Find out more information on the event page.

Big Artist Interview with Angel Ortega

Big Artist Angel Ortega

Angel Ortega is a Big Artist mentor to TWO Little Artists, Angie and Melanie at Allison Elementary. Learn about her experience being an artist and arts mentor.

How long have you been a Big Artist?
This is my first year as a Big Artist. I loved it so much that I took on a 2nd Little Artist!

What is your favorite thing about the program?
I love seeing the creativity of my Little Artists. At the beginning of each work day, we talk through what we were going to work on and they are always creative in accomplishing it. It’s very cool to see them complete their work.

2017 Big Artist Angel Ortega

What is it about teaching and mentoring that makes you happy?
It is always fun to help people grow and learn. I learned so much from my mentors and I hope I can have that same influence on others.

When you were a kid, did you have a mentor or someone who gave you a push toward art?
I learned a lot of skills from my junior high and high school art teachers Ms. Fundis & Mr. Kolache. They encouraged me and often loaned me art supplies so that I could practice my skills. I still use a lot of what they taught me in my work today. In my 30s I went back to school to study graphic design. Austin Community College has an amazing visual communications program and I learned a lot from Gail Bayeta, Oen Hammonds, Edd Patton, and Sam Coronado. My greatest mentor is my dad. He always encouraged me to draw on the entire sheet of paper.

Where can people find your work?
You can see a fun collaboration piece I did with my Little Artists April 27th at the Dougherty Art Center. It’s going to be a great show. The future is talented! I have my own graphic design company, Garzig Design. You can find me online to buy merchandise. Keep up with all my work on Instagram.

Big Artist Interview with Jeremy Wahlberg

Jeremy Wahlberg

Jeremy Wahlberg is a Big Artist mentor to Little Artist Hikaru at Govalle. Learn about his experience being an artist and arts mentor.

How long have you been a Big Artist?
This is my first year!

What is your favorite thing about the program?
My Little Artist! And, the opportunity to provide art mentoring for our young community.

Jeremy Wahlberg

What is it about teaching and mentoring that makes you happy?
Being there and witnessing the Little Artists ‘get it’ — when they finally have breakthrough or get really excited – that is just amazing to be part of!

When you were a kid, did you have a mentor or someone who gave you a push toward art?
This is a long list! I had many wonderful mentors and still do – that’s why I am doing this, too. I couldn’t be where I am or doing what I do without their support.

Where can people find your work?
Right now the best opportunity to see my work is through our company website Delineate Studio. We have some great architecture projects going up around town. Also some of my personal art projects work are here.

An Interview with Gabi Williams a Little Artist Ambassador

Learn about the experiences of Gabi Williams, our first Little Artist Ambassador, who went from being a student in our LaBA program to exhibiting at the 2016 Cherrywood Art Fair.

First, I’d like to know about your overall experience in the Little Artist BIG ARTIST program, and how has it impacted you personally within your artistic goals?
Answer: My close friend Stella and I were paired up with a weaver named Patricia Day. Visiting her home/studio and being exposed to the life of a full time artist was amazing to see as a fifth grader. It was the first time I realized that I could potentially go into an artistic career and make a living off of my art. Overall, it motivated me to take more art classes and become more interested in the art world.

What did you enjoy the most during your Little Artist BIG ARTIST mentoring sessions?
Answer: I very much enjoyed being able to work in an artist’s studio. Seeing someone with that dedicated work space was inspirational. I also enjoyed being able to discuss the process of selling art with someone who knew all about it.

If you were to give advice to a young artist what would that be?
Answer: I would tell a young artist to create as much as they can. The best practice is making art whenever possible. I would also suggest experimenting and learning about different media types because you never know what you are going to end up enjoying.

How did your BIG ARTIST help you and what was important in your relationship?
Answer: Participating in the LaBA program has really been a big part of my artistic career because it is something that sets me apart from others. I thought more people at my Fine Arts high school would have been in LaBA but there are only a few of us. When I applied to the program at McCallum Fine Arts, I brought the pieces I created alongside Patricia as part of my portfolio. I think having that unique, individual artwork was what made it possible to be accepted to the Fine Arts Academy. Having input and creative critique from someone other than family or teachers was one of the best things about working with Patricia

 

Gabi, although only 15 years old now, represents exactly what we are trying to accomplish with the Little Artist BIG ARTIST Program, future creatives developing a sustainable future. She is a graduate of the Little Artist BIG ARTIST Program and was one of our ambassadors at the Cherrywood Art Fair (CAF) last year. Gabi had a booth set up next to her BIG ARTIST at the Cherrywood Art Fair and sold her very own art pieces.

Attend the Little Artist BIG ARTIST Opening Night Reception on April 27, 2017 from 6–8 pm at the Dougherty Arts Center to see the works of our 2017 LaBA Program Class. The Spring Art Exhibition will continue to be displayed through May 21.

If you’d like to get involved in the Little Artist BIG ARTIST Program click here for more information.

9th Annual Little Artist BIG ARTIST art show

Our next event is the 9th Annual Little Artist BIG ARTIST art exhibit opening. Join us Thursday, April 27 from 6–8pm at the Dougherty Arts Center. The art exhibit is the culmination of 10 weeks of work by our 40 Little Artists and 35 BIG ARTIST. Our Little Artists are 5th and 6th graders representing six East Austin elementary schools. Each Little Artist will show one of their two artworks alongside a piece created by their BIG ARTIST mentor.

We’ll also have live music from the Blackshear Soundwaves Orchestra, Maplewood Ukulele Choir, Allison Dragon Choir and the Barbara Jordan Choir. The reception is free and Spanish translation will be provided. Come out and experience a unique Austin art scene! Can’t make the art opening reception? The artwork will be available for viewing through May 21st.

HUGE thanks to our Little Artist BIG ARTIST sponsors, Pentagram, KLRU, Verts Mediterranean Grill, Lantana Hummus, Wheatsville Co-op, and Nothing Bundt Cakes for their dedication to the arts community in Austin!

9th Annual art exhibit

When: April 27 – May 21, 2017
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 27th | 6:00–8:00pm
Where: 
Dougherty Arts Center | 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Price: FREE and all ages are welcome!
RSVP
facebook.com/events/200109117146434

 

 

 

Today is the day to play! The Family Fun stage is in full effect

Who could ask for more than eating, shopping, and playing? In the midst of being productive and crossing everyone off your holiday gift list, you can entertain the kiddos and entertain your taste buds at our Foodpalooza. Braid Babe will be onsite for a custom hairdos and you can complete the makeover with a little face-painting.

Kicking off the Family Fun stage at 11am is a little magic by Carlos, and closing out the Fair is a family-friendly comedy act by The Flying Theater Machine. The day is stacked with entertainment, so check out the full schedule here: http://cherrywoodartfair.org/2016-lineup/

Your day will not be complete without visiting with our community partner booths to build a robot (LASA Robotics), learn about wildlife rescue (All Things Wild), pet a foster dog (Austin Pets Alive), create your own upcycled ornament (Break It Down), or perusing the Fifth Dimension Books Bookmobile.

Once you’ve made all the rounds, stop by the Austin Creative ReUse booth for complimentary gift wrapping of all your Texas-made treasures. They are located in the cafeteria where our silent auction is located, featuring items from Chula League’s Little Artists, Cherrywood Art Fair artists, and local business goodies such spa services, restaurant gift cards, and more! The silent auction closes at 3pm, so get your bids in early.

Share your Cherrywood Art Fair experience by utilizing our custom Snapchat filter and don’t forget to vote for your favorite Artist Booth on our Facebook page. We hope it’s a day of being Merry!

Cheers to 15 years! Cherrywood Art Fair begins today.

Since its inception in 2002, Chula League’s Cherrywood Art Fair has come a long way but still features all original art from 91 local makers! Plan your shopping with our artist booth map or preview their work on our website here.

Did we mention we also have music, oh-so-good music? From 11am-5pm you can enjoy a diverse selection of tunes from country, to brass, to pop to indie rock to Austin School of Rock. Personally, we are are a little star struck by this year’s headliner, Suzanna Choffel. Don’t miss this Austin favorite—and former “The Voice” contestant—at 3pm. Music lineup.

When you are ready to refuel, head over to our tasty trailer cuisine offerings such as Mmmpanadas, Jack Hates Coffee, Texas Chili Queens and more! In between, make sure to visit with our community partners to decorate a hula hoop (Hoop Circle, fix a flat (Yellow Bike Project), make an instrument (GirlStart) or decorate your own ornament (LiveMom). Food vendors & Community Partners.

There’s plenty to do, so you may just have to come back for day two!



p.s. share your Cherrywood Art Fair experience by using our custom Snapchat geofilter while onsite!
p.s.s. ears open at noon for our announcement of Critic’s Pick BEST ARTIST BOOTH.
p.s.s.s. you can vote for Audience Pick BEST ARTIST BOOTH via our Facebook page. Polls close Sunday at 2pm.

TGIF – are you ready to EAT, SHOP & PLAY?

It’s lookin’ like a fine Austin winter weekend to get in the holiday spirit. We are open rain or shine, but the forecast looks promising. Gather the troops and make it a day (or a weekend) of friends and family fun. Take advantage of our $5 valet service, utilize our bike racks or score a parking spot in the neighborhood. Free pedicabs will be peddling around if you want to get a lift right up to the entrance (don’t forget to tip). Better yet, show us your bus ticket for a free hot chocolate – there is a stop right next to the Fair.

Doors open at 10am on Saturday and the music stage comes alive at 11am with 18-year-old country ATX country singer/songwriter Bethany Becker. You’ll want to check out the full line-up to make sure you don’t miss your favorite artists, bands and entertainment.

2016 Artists
2016 Music & Entertainment Schedule

It’s Game Time, Volunteers!

We look forward to seeing you tonight for Volunteer Orientation at Maplewood Elementary (3808 Maplewood Ave.) from 6:30-8pm. We will convene in the cafeteria and enjoy delicious pizza donated by House Pizza. Also, your volunteer t-shirts are hot-off-the-press and ready for you to pickup.

Thank you so much for being a part of the 15th anniversary of Cherrywood Art Fair! We couldn’t do it without you.

KUT Get Involved Spotlight: Little Artist BIG ARTIST

Each month, KUT features a local nonprofit to connect their listeners with a program that makes an impact in Austin and highlight ways to help through volunteering or contributing. This month, Get Involved puts a spotlight on Chula League’s Little Artist BIG ARTIST program.

Little Artist BIG ARTIST (LaBA) is a unique, completely free, after school arts mentoring program for elementary school children in East Austin.



Professional artists mentor fifth and sixth graders for 10 weeks, teaching them how to turn an idea into art, and art into a business. Since 2007, Little Artist BIG ARTIST has paired working artists with 174 children within eight different East Austin elementary schools.

Listen to the Get Involved segment and learn more here.

Proceeds generated from the Cherrywood Art Fair fuel Chula League’s Little Artist BIG ARTIST program. Cherrywood Art Fair Event Producers Taylor Wilson and Dani DeMarco have been working hard to help ensure this year’s event is a success. In addition to producing, Wilson and DeMarco’s company Glitter Tribe returned this year as the fair’s Music & Family Attraction Coordinators.

WHAT’s your day job?

Taylor: I’m an Account Manager at CareerPlug, an Austin-based software company.
Dani: I work part time for company called Magnolia Photobooth Co. and as a cocktail server at Half Step on Rainey St!

WHAT’s your favorite hobby?

Taylor: Discovering new music, going to shows, and supporting local bands.
Dani: Is eating a hobby? I like to enjoy new restaurants when I have the time off.

WHAT are you MOST excited about for this year’s fair?

Taylor: The music of course! And being able to shop from such a diverse group of artists.
Dani: This is our 2nd year being involved and I’m really looking forward to meeting more creative people we have in the Austin community.

WHAT’s your favorite East Austin hang out?

Taylor: We spend most of our time working on Glitter Tribe & Cherrywood out of coffee shops like Rio Rita, Brew & Brew, and Sa-Ten.
Dani: I really enjoy hanging out at Yellow Jacket for the food or Hotel Vegas for the music.

WHAT Austin celebrity should come shop at the CHERRYWOOD ART FAIR?

Dani: If Matthew McConaughey stopped by, I wouldn’t be disappointed at all.

IF you could pick any local, family-oriented act (a band, artist, musician, activity, dance team, theatre troop, etc.) to perform at the fair, WHO would it be?

Glitter Tribe is all about supporting women in music so because of that, we’d love to see Girls Rock Austin!