Arts and Music

From beatboxing to ballet folklorico, from murals to ceramics to glasswork, East Austin overflows with artistic talent. Many East Austin artists are tapping into traditions that cross borders, that pay respect to the past, and that move Austin arts into the future. One such artist is Clarence Pierce, blues guitarist for the Texas Eastside Kings. He is adding to an Austin blues tradition that goes back to the 1940s, and continuing to do what the blues has always done best: tell stories, even when the songs have no words. Another East Austin artist with a song in her heart, although she works in glass, is Rejina Thomas. The proprietress of Graphic Glass has created unique glass pieces for private collectors, the Texas State Capitol, and admirers around the world. After nearly four decades of success, Thomas has plenty of advice to share with young artists in her community. Above all, she says, don't wait for the money to come before you devote yourself to what you love. And judging from the films in this section, plenty of East Austin artists, like Manuel "Cowboy" Donley, tattoo artist Arnoldo Carrillo, and the dancers of Aztlan Dance Company, have a similar take on their art and their lives.