By Grace Heimsness

Austin ArtWorks Education and Marketing Coordinator

We all know that old character trope: the starving artist, sequestered in an unbearably hot (or cold) room, slaving away in pursuit of some masterpiece — the Mona Lona or Partly Cloudy Night or Titanic 2 (yes, all of my jokes are bad ones).

Art has become known as an almost categorically lonely pursuit, and perhaps for good reason; it’s hard to write the next Gatsby while you’re out gallivanting with your pals.

But we here at the ArtWorks Center are working to tear down that barrier between easels. Our weapon of choice is the open studio — a time when any and all are welcome to work and share stories, whether they be of rejection, triumph, or what they had for breakfast.

Held in the Center’s Clay Cavern, our open studios run 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to noon Fridays.

They’re free for all AACA members and $5 for nonmembers, with clay available to purchase ($35 for a 25-pound bag of clay, with glazing and firing costs included). Resident experts in various mediums will be attending most sessions, ready to lend a hand and share their own stories. They’ll also lead periodic orientations for anyone who’d like to work with clay. Of course, you’re welcome to bring your paints, charcoals, pastels, and current projects to work on as well.

Even if you’re not starving, and even if you shy away from the heavy title of “artist,” you’re welcome. If you are hungry, we’re very sorry to report we won’t have much in the way of food. But we will have good light and better vibes, and that has to count for something, right?