8 Austin Art Exhibits to Check Out This Spring

High-caliber artists are bringing their hotly anticipated artwork to galleries and museums around town

By Meher Qazilbash

Austin’s art scene is one of the most impressive trademarks of the city, with celebrated artists from all over the world coming here to showcase their work. Take advantage of its offerings by wandering through new exhibits and filling your mind with paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, videos and more cultural treasures from great creators of the past and present. Below is a varied list of our favorite current shows, many of which are free.

I Heart Justice

800 Congress Avenue

May 11

If you’re looking for last-minute plans for tonight, I Heart Justice could be an enriching and interesting experience for you. This one-night, free exhibition will feature the works of 20 Texas artists and offer complimentary food and drinks from local businesses. Art lovers will be able to purchase limited-edition prints, with all proceeds benefiting Texas Appleseed, a nonprofit that promotes social, economic and racial justice for all Texans. The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. and an RSVP is required.

Lorena Morales: im/perfect home

Camiba Gallery

Through May 21

Multidisciplinary Houston-based artist Lorena Morales explores the concept of home in her latest exhibition. The show is an emotional consideration of the many things such a space can mean, from a place of comfort, love and security to a place of trauma, anxiety and loss. The various themes and understanding of home are displayed through intriguing mediums like colorful plexiglass sculptures. Camiba Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays or at other times using their scheduling tool.

Arboretum Artsfest

The Arboretum

May 21 & 22

For those who prefer a more interactive art experience, check out the Arboretum’s May Artsfest. Partake in the weekend of family-friendly, amusing and creative happenings that will feature artwork for sale and viewing. Enjoy exhibitions, live painting, a typewriter poet, live music, games and other activities. The Arboretum Artsfest is free to attend and will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 21 and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 22.

May Open House ft. Steph Ivelisse

The Cathedral

May 27

East Austin gallery The Cathedral will host a special night to showcase Austin’s largest locally-based women artist collective, atxGALS, on May 27. Observe and shop a diverse array of over 200 original works and thousands of prints in the charming setting. In addition to the visual art, enjoy live music by Honey Son and complimentary drinks. Get your tickets for the evening event taking place from 7 to 10 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Asian Family Support Services of Austin.

Patrick Puckett: Daydreamers

Wally Workman Gallery

Through May 29

The captivating portraits of Austin-based artist Patrick Puckett are now on display at the Wally Workman Gallery. This exhibition of paintings presents subjects who are lost in their thoughts, lounging around in slouched postures. The artwork draws viewers in with gorgeous coloring and standout prints. Spend a laid-back day with Puckett’s fanciful characters at the Wally Workman Gallery, open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

Icons and Vandals

West Chelsea Contemporary

Through May 30

Now showing at West Chelsea Contemporary is an exhibit shining a light on visionaries and disruptors of the status quo in the art world. See influential contemporary artwork spanning 60 years, made by notable artists such as Alex Katz, Banksy, Robert Indiana, Keith Haring and Takashi Murakami. Rock n’ roll fans are in for a treat with Bob Gruen’s legendary photographs of John Lennon, Debbie Harry, Mick Jagger and others. Look at these challenging works from different eras and decide for yourself what makes a vandal versus an icon. WCC is open seven days a week.

Oscar Muñoz: Invisibilia

Blanton Museum of Art

Through June 5

Invisibilia, the first retrospective of famed Colombian artist Oscar Muñoz in the United States, is a dreamlike experience. The exhibit covers five decades of Muñoz’s career and presents some of his most powerful creations, combining photographic processes with drawing, printmaking, installation, video, sculpture, sound and more. Rarely seen outside of Colombia, Invisibilia is an exploration of memory and image. Free public tours of the display are offered on select days in both English and Spanish and included with admission. See the tour schedule and get tickets to catch the mesmerizing show Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visits are always free on Thursdays!

Burner: A Group Exhibition of International Street Artists

Ao5 Gallery

Through June 10

Ao5 Gallery’s latest exhibit presents an impressive selection of works from some of the world’s most renowned graffiti artists. Valuable pieces from the biggest names in street art, such as Banksy, Zero Gradient, Harry Bunce, KEF! Dalek, Pure Evil and KAWS, are free for the public to observe and available for acquisition. Ao5 is open seven days a week, no appointment required.