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Much like its original East Austin Studio Tour (but on the other side of town), Big Medium's West Austin Studio Tour (WEST) is a free, annual, self-guided art event spanning two weekends in May.
Starting at Dougherty Arts Center space Due WEST, participants plan their tours, which provide not only the chance to enjoy approximately a metric ton of art and design, but also an opportunity for to meet the artists and artisans of Austin in their creative spaces.
Now its sixth year, the WEST tour started last weekend and will take place on the upcoming one, May 20-21, as well. The 2017 tour includes 331 participants: 172 artists studios, 45 galleries, 92 temporary exhibitions, 11 happenings, six libraries, and five schools.
WEST’s range is truly wide (or perhaps long), encompassing the area between Highway 183/Research Boulevard and Drive, all west of IH-15 (and even venturing past Mo-Pac in a few cases).
Below are just a few examples of the artful design that was on display at WEST last weekend, with an emphasis of home- or civic-related objects (because, you know, Curbed).