We at the State Fair of Texas are thrilled to focus on all-things artsy through our 2019 theme, “Celebrating Texas Creativity.” From new ways to compete in our annual Creative Arts competitions to exciting soon-to-be-announced exhibits running through the duration of the 2019 Fair, we’re highlighting the best of Lone Star creativity.
In celebration of our theme, we’re excited to spotlight five Texas-based artists and companies who are killing it (creatively speaking) with their art-focused products. Enjoy!
Cactus Dallas Skyline Tee – $24
Whiksi Designs – Dallas Farmers Market
http://whiskidesigns.com/item/cactus-dallas-skyline
You might’ve seen India Hearne’s works at shops across Dallas, Austin, and other parts of the state, but you’ve got to check out her new, quintessentially Texas brick-and-mortar store at the Dallas Farmers Market. The new spot showcases not only Whiski Designs but features local artists’ works. Even better, everything in the new shop is sourced from Texas businesses – now that’s something we can get behind.
It’s hard to choose a favorite item from the shop, but we’re fairly impartial to this Cactus/Dallas Skyline tee.
Dallas Pegasus Coasters – $20
We are 1976 – Oak Cliff
https://www.weare1976.com/homewares/1976co007
Around since 2008, We are 1976 has been a go-to shop for paper goods, art prints, stationery, and odds-and-ends in the Bishop Art District (and off Henderson for a minute) for more than ten years. Not only is We are 1976 a showcase of graphic design and goods from around the world, owners (and family members) Vynsie, Jully, and Derek operate their in-house graphic design and letterpress studio.
There’s a TON of Texas-related goods throughout the store, but if you’re not able to make it to their Oak Cliff shop, we recommend their coaster set showcasing a variation of Dallas icon, Pegasus.
Nova Brass Ring – $20
Tribe and Sol – Houston
https://tribeandsol.com/products/nova-brass-ring
An online “souk,” or bazaar based in Houston, Ndi Jeru’s Tribe and Sol focuses on “inclusive offerings and jewelry with organic shapes, inspired by calligraphy,” per ‘Sol’s website. Jeru states she’s had a love of jewelry from a young age and began teaching herself the craft in 2007, adding clothier to her skillset in 2010.
The selection of Tribe and Sol’s jewelry pieces run the spectrum of simple elegance to universal energy. Her Nova Brass Ring takes a new approach on the chevron shape and wears beautifully.
Various Findings from Texas Artists
Austin Art Garage – Austin
https://austinartgarage.com/collections/joel-ganucheau/
Two Austinites, Jake Bryer and Joel Ganucheau, created Austin Art Garage as a way to make it easier for people to find and purchase original art without entering a world of debt while exposing emerging artists to said people. Austin Art Garage offers original art from a variety of Texas-based artists, with pricing as low as $20.
It’s hard to select one piece from the volumes of art for sale, but the works of AAG’s founder Joel Ganucheau is a great place to start your hunt for original Texas art.
2019 Limited Edition State Fair of Texas Theme Poster – $20
https://bigtexstore.com/collections/2019-state-fair-of-texas-theme-collection/products/sfotnv0029-2019-limited-edition-state-fair-of-texas®-theme-poster-by-ryan-raschbaum
State Fair of Texas – Dallas
In each of the past three years of State Fair themes, we’ve emphasized Big Tex as the core component of the artwork and 2019 is no different. Teaming up with Dallas-based artist Ryan Raschbaum, the Fair unveiled this year’s artwork in early March.
Here’s your chance to own a piece of *limited* State Fair history. Grab one of our signed and numbered official theme posters printed by famed Industry Print Shop out of ATX and celebrate Texas creativity all year long.
This article was featured in our monthly Big Tex Insider newsletter. Want fun and unique content like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up to be a Big Tex Insider below and keep an eye out for exclusive savings to Fair tickets, merchandise and more!