As the HOPE Outdoor Gallery spends its final months at its original location before being demolished at the end of the summer (the gallery is moving to Carson Creek Ranch), traditions are still being carried out in full-force—including its annual SXSW paint day. This year's event, dubbed "Piece Out", will take place on March 14 from noon to 5pm, and will be the very last of its kind held in the now-iconic Clarksville spot.
The paint day will host 30 to 40 muralists, street artists, spray experts and supporters of the gallery, who will all collaborate on a complete makeover of the space. A handful of DJs will be bringing the beats, and visitors will receive silent disco headsets that offer a tour of the outdoor gallery and its many artists.
“It’s one of the most exciting days for us all year because it’s breathtaking to see so much collaboration, creativity and community in one day!” says Andi Scull Cheatham, founder and executive producer of HOPE Events.
Of course, it wouldn't be a HOPE event without a party. Following the paint day, visitors are invited to head to Native Hostel from 6 to 10pm to meet and mingle with the artists, including Kristin Freeman, GOMER and Miles Starkey.
The new HOPE Outdoor Gallery will open on a 58-acre ranch at the end of 2018. Until then, stop by one of Austin's most beloved cultural institutions at its famed original spot—and maybe leave a mark for yourself as well.