Austin Arts Collective

I was in a hurry. As I was rushing to get in the car, I heard a fluttering sound and the daylight was flickering like a dying neon light bulb. I glanced up then stopped. Stunned, riveted, frozen, one foot stepping forward off the ground. My hand reached for the door handle. I stopped. Slowly putting my foot down, I craned my neck to look and look. Hundreds of thousands of monarch butterflies were flying just over my head, blocking the sunlight. I slowly glanced around. My street was deserted, middle of the day, everyone at work. But I stopped, dissolved in wonder.
Miracles like these are being crushed by humanity. But that will not work and does not work. We are all one. What a joy and gift it is to be alive and here in this miracle. I’m painting my homage to miracles. There are these sweet bits that dilute the ferocity in life. Mother Earth, our Mother Nature.
Ribbon of Life as butterflies – insects are key to human survival. I use butterflies as a symbol of all insects and bugs. I have seen their decline. Missing are the masses of fireflies, the roly polys, the monarchs, and the beetles of all kinds. I’m thinking about the ribbon of life – respect, love, kindness, courage….
-Melanie Hickerson
BIO: Melanie Hickerson received her MFA from the University of Texas in Austin, TX, in 1985. She is an experienced artist whose work is in the permanent collection of The University of Texas at San Antonio plus many private collections around the world. Ms Hickerson continues to actively exhibit and execute commissions. She has lived and worked in Rome, Italy; Berkeley, California; New York, New York and Austin, Texas and has traveled broadly. Ms Hickerson had two one person exhibits at Ceres, NY, NY in 1993 and 1996. Ms Hickerson now lives in Austin, Texas. Her work has been exhibited at the Austin City Hall In 2011, 2015 and 2016.”

"I’m very intrigued by reflective and translucent surfaces, so those are things that frequently make their way into my work. I use a lot of imagery that seems meaningful to me, in some dream-like fashion, and layer that with texts of all different kinds – Braille, music, diagrams, what-have-you - that add a level of content and contribute visual texture. I am fascinated by ancient alphabets and languages, and the connection with the world of spirit that lives within text.” -Jacqueline May

Join us for our biggest recurring event: Every second Saturday of the month!
Amongst our many boutiques and shops and more than 100 artists, you will experience an exciting creative vibe, special events, refreshments, and more!
Events vary from month to month and something is always happening in the Muse Gallery so make this a regular fun stop to chill with artists in their natural habitat!