Introducing 8 Women Makers Living And Working Right Here In Austin
Read for a delightful introduction to eight artists, designers and craftspeople in Texas from The Front Market's Spring 2023 Season.
As we wrap up The Front Market’s Spring 2023 Season, meet 8 women artists and creatives on our lineup based right here in Austin. Over the summer, you can catch their curated Pop-Up Shops in The LINE Austin lobby, as part of our EMERGE Program. Enjoy!
Meet the Makers:
No. 1 — Allegory Handmade
Iris Rylander (she/her) is a multimedia artist based in Austin, Texas. She draws inspiration from the line work of tattoo artists, pen and ink drawings, and other printmakers.
She believes the placement of a single line can define or destroy her work and is fascinated with the control and attention to detail that these works require. Iris often portrays elements of nature in her work. She has worked under several local artists based in Austin.
Her latest body of work is a series of linoleum prints under the name Allegory Handmade. She is part of Contracommon, an art collective and nonprofit organization that supports emerging artists.
@allegory.handmade
No. 2 — Terre Gaillarde
Run by Amanda Nwobu (she/her), Terre Gaillarde centers aromatic artists who are inspired by their sense of home, heritage, and lived experiences.
Through curation, they aspire to connect indie fragrances that broaden and reclaim olfactory narratives with people who use scent to enhance the joy, peace, and reverence in the spaces they occupy.
@terregaillarde
No. 3 — Chiquitas Clay
Founded by artist and designer Melissa Santos (she/her), Chiquita’s Clay is a Latina owned brand that specializes in handmade polymer Clay Accessories, apparel, and trendy home decor.
@chiquitasclay
No. 4 — Tak Tak Goods
Founded by multidisciplinary artist and glassblower Risa Recio (she/her), Tak Tak began over a Friendsgiving dinner in Chicago in 2018.
Their dream is to make glass more accessible for folks everywhere—and they hope these tabletop companions bring joy, humor and magic to your daily ritual.
@taktakgoods
No. 5 — MKLFRIED
Mikaela Friedman (she/her) AKA MKLFRIED is a multidisciplinary artist based in Austin, Texas.
Beyond creating hand-painted boots for customers and collaborations alike, Mikaela works on multiple creative community projects, including MUTINY MARKET and the Slow Fashion Fest.
@mklfried
No. 6 — Wavyroller Art
Victoria (she/her), creator behind Wavy Roller, is a self-taught artist residing in Austin, Texas. Her art explores both connection and lack of connection that is within self & her own traumas, others, and nature through her paintings.
@wavyroller.art
No. 7 — Sister-2-Sister Vintage
Sister-2-Sister Vintage is a second-hand vintage shop curated by sisters, celebrating sisterhood & creating a better world thru sustainable fashion.
”We offer a range of eclectic styles for every style of sister!”
@sis2sisvintage
No. 8 — Clayhouse Candles
Started by independent artist and designer Tai (she/her), Clay House Candles was born out of wanting to create candles that are truly one-of-a-kind.
“A lot of our creative process involves thinking "Why not?" and testing some of our most playful ideas, even when they seem impossible. All of our candles are hand-poured and packaged here in the U.S. as well as being vegan, Non-GMO, and Kosher friendly.”
@clayhousecandles
The Front Market's Spring 2023 Season: The Official Recap
On May 13 and 14, we took over Distribution Hall in Austin, Texas for one weekend—exhibiting 150+ creatives and welcoming 3,000+ visitors.
On May 13 and 14, we took over Distribution Hall in Austin, Texas for one weekend—exhibiting 150+ creatives and welcoming 3,000+ visitors. Keep reading for a full look at this season’s impact.
All photos by Yvonne Uwah
this season’s five highlights:
✰ No. 1 — 150+ Vendors Exhibited
We exhibited more than 150+ women and LGBTQ+ creatives and independent business owners across Texas.
✰ No. 2 — 3,000+ Visitors Welcomed
We welcomed 3,000+ visitors at Distribution Hall over the course of two days (3,500, if you include dogs).
✰ No. 3 — $1,500+ Fundraised
Thanks to donations at the door and our Cocktails For Good Bar by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, we fundraised $1,500+ for our community programs.
✰ No. 4 — $10,000 In Commissions & Contracts
The market’s production and programming generated more than $10,000 in commissions and contracts for women- & queer-owned creative teams in Austin, too.
✰ No. 5 — 100% Community-Led
It took two full-time team members, 25 volunteers and curators, 200+ collaborators and six months of planning to open The Front Market’s Spring 2023 Season.
THREE WAYS TO STAY INVOLVED:
✰ Head to thefrontmarket.com (click here) to tap into the Spring Season 2023 lineup at anytime.
✰ Remember why spaces like The Front Market matter.
We dive deeper into what supporting women and LGBTQ+ vendors, as well as our local creative and small businesses communities, means at thefrontmarket.com/mindset.
✰ Explore all we do at Future Front—and find what’s for you—at futurefronttexas.org/programming.
Thank you to our sponsors, partners and friends.
✰
Thank you to our sponsors, partners and friends. ✰
We would not be able to use the market as a space to nurture the creative communities we care about without support from our sponsors, members, staff, volunteers, friends and you. Thank you.
How To Approach Buying A Home In Texas: A Mindset Guide For Creative Types
Move through this journaling guide and mindset activity to consider some actionable steps that you can take toward homeownership—even within a creative career.
In this guide, real estate investors and creative home-buying specialists, Kristina Modares and Steph Douglass (co-founders of Open House Austin and supporters of Future Front!), take you through a journaling guide and mindset activity to consider some actionable steps that you can take toward homeownership—even within a creative career.
ABOUT OPEN HOUSE AUSTIN:
“Co-Founders Kristina and Steph here! We believe homeownership done well inspires community, income and creativity. That’s the driving force behind Open House Austin, our real estate brokerage and education company. We help people break through the barriers of traditional homeownership every day through creative house hacking strategies and one-on-one Realtor support.”
Below, FIND FOUR actionable steps you can take toward buying your first home.
STEP 1 — Identify your mindset.
What is currently holding you back from buying a home: finances, responsibility, time or something else? Feeling anxious about purchasing your first home is entirely normal. What’s not okay is slipping into analysis paralysis—and losing out purely due to fear. The first step forward in your home-buying journey is actually looking backward.
So, grab a pen and some paper or open up your notes app… then, answer the following questions about your history/relationship with real estate:
Growing up, did your family buy a house(s)?
Did your family rent all or part of the time?
Did they complain about the mortgage and costly repairs?
Did your parents live in one house for 30 years?
Imagine having the tools you need to not have the same problems that your family did. Would you still have the same fears or limiting beliefs as you do now?
Once you figure out what you’ve been trying to protect yourself from, you can think more critically. Your home-buying journey doesn’t have to look like your parents or other authority figures’. And it often shouldn’t.
STEP 2 — Consider your financial plans and potential options.
Once you’ve identified your mindset. It’s time to plan your strategy. Determine how much you’d need to save for a down payment and imagine what you may be able to do to offset your rent and moving costs. Once you’ve identified all of your potential costs, you’ll be able to craft a budget and start to set realistic goals toward home ownership. (Not sure where to start? Take Homeschool on YouTube—a completely free resource that’s already helping thousands of people learn about buying a house!)
At Open House Austin, we’re no strangers to budgeting—or getting creative. With our first homes, we each did something we call “house-hacking” to afford the investment costs. “House-hacking” is a real estate strategy where a property is bought to generate rental income while the homeowner resides in the same property. This helps to offset or eliminate mortgage payments, generate passive income and build equity.
Here are some house-hacking examples:
Bedroom For Rent — Fill your spare bedrooms with short- or long-term roommates. A long-term rental can be on a month-to-month basis or for one year. Either way, you have your tenant/roommate sign a lease agreement. This person pays you a set amount of money each month that you’ve agreed upon. A short-term rental through a hosting site, like Airbnb or Vrbo, allows you to rent out your space for a few days up to a month and sometimes longer (you can determine minimum and maximum days in your booking settings). Long-term rentals provide a steady stream of income with someone in your space for an extended period of time. Short-term rentals rates are higher, so you could get a larger return, but you’ll likely have a revolving door of new people coming and going.
Sneaky Duplex — Add an additional unit to your single family home. You can do this by converting a wing of your house, or even your garage, into a livable space.In any scenario, you will definitely need a bathroom added or available. For short-term rentals, you often don’t need a kitchen (maybe just a mini fridge). We’ve both used this house hacking strategy. Check out Kristina’s current space.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) / Tiny Home — An ADU is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a detached single-family home. This is also known as a tiny home. You can choose to rent these out as long- or short- term rentals, regardless, you don’t have to share your physical home with other people which can be a huge perk. Many of our clients have turned sheds into tiny homes or used other existing structures to cut down on costs! Check out Steph’s DIY tiny house experience.
STEP 3 — Find a house you can add value to—now or eventually.
Once you’ve determined your budget and reached some of your financial goals, it’s time to find a house! To do so, and this is crucial, you’ll need an experienced agent by your side. We recommend finding a realtor that does more than just show you homes—they should be your biggest source of information and your advocate throughout the home-buying process. It will be up to you both to find a home that can gain a lot of value over—whether that’s due to an up-and-coming location or through updates/renovations you can do later.
As for your house search, think strategically about the future. Will the location attract renters if you need to house-hack? Are the homes in the area continuing to appreciate each year? Does the home need extensive repairs or can you take on small updates over time? Does the home meet your needs for daily life or offset costs for your creative practice? How long do you plan to live in the home? Are you buying a house you’d want to fix-up and sell later as an investment?
STEP 4 — Repeat as necessary!
After you purchase and settle into your first home, your options for creative home-buying don’t have to stop. Did you know that you can buy another house to live in with low money down within a year of buying your first house? You can also use your first home as leverage and take out a line of credit or do a cash out refinance to get funds for the next purchase. You could even pull in a friend or family member and invest in property together (check out our Buying A House With A Friend Mini-Course for more info on this!)
Want more information on Open House Austin? If you're looking for one-on-one support, reach out to our team. You can also sign up for our newsletter or follow us on TikTok and Instagram. For anything and everything else, visit our website at openhouseaustin.co.
Want to stay involved with Future Front?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
On Community Salons And Reimagining Hospitality: Krystal Frame
During SXSW 2023, we partnered with Sustain Frame to launch their first-ever Colloquy, a salon-style experience reimagining community conversation through experiential food. Now, we’d like to introduce you to Krystal Frame—a long-time collaborator of Future Front and the creative behind Sustain Frame.
All photos by John Leon Jansen, unless otherwise credited.
During SXSW 2023, we partnered with Sustain Frame to launch their first-ever Colloquy, a salon-style experience reimagining community conversation through experiential food.
Taking over eleMINT Skin in East Austin, Colloquy blended sex education with sensual exploration. From a communal plate installation to sex health educational tools and self-love rituals, the event served as a living altar to appreciate our bodies and the nuances of reproductive health.
Now, we’d like to introduce you to Krystal Frame—a long-time collaborator of Future Front and the creative behind Sustain Frame.
Portrait of Krystal Frame by MinkMade
ABOUT KRYSTAL & SUSTAIN FRAME
Krystal Frame (she/her) is the founder of Sustain Frame, an experiential series exploring environmentalism.
Now working in operations for creative nonprofit and community initiatives, her career started in the fashion and hospitality industries working in various positions. Krystal found herself lost in the mix, concerned by the ways her industries of work were negatively impacting the planet.
She decided to set her eyes on advocacy work in the environmental space with an awareness of the connections of social justice issues. Through Sustain Frame’s community offering, she hopes to offer windows into radical shifts toward sustainability and consciousness within the retail and hospitality industries.
Q — How did Sustain Frame come to be?
A — I started off in the Fashion Industry, but quickly found the shortcomings that came with it. (I realized early on that this field of work runs off of unhealthy habits and unsustainable practices.) In addition to these issues, the lack of inclusivity in the space led me to quickly burn out, as the work seemed to do more damage than good.
My background in the service industry helped kickstart Sustain, as I got curious about the lack of interest within creative experiences and events toward advocating for the greater good of the environment. I started Sustain officially during the pandemic, too, and my first few events simply explored ways to give back to the environment. Now that Sustain has grown into what it is today, I now curate and program experiences that explore sustainability, community and environmentalism from many angles—through dinner series, salon-style conversations and experiential summits.
Q — Walk us through how you started your salon-style series, Colloquy. What inspired you?
A — Colloquy came to be when I began to delve into the history of salons. Salons were once used for artists and creatives for communal communication and a space to grow. These casual spaces sprung up as moments to discuss societal issues of the times and act as a safe space for those who frequent them.
Using this as inspiration, I wanted to mirror that salon-style experience over food. And that’s how our first pop-up during SXSW came to be. For our first one, we chose sex education as our topic, because conversations surrounding sex health are often labeled as taboo, due to misinformation or a lack of reliable information.
So, incorporating fun and interactive activities for people to engage in, that first Colloquy was designed to challenge the negative connotations revolving around sex education and sex health. We worked with Future Front, eleMINT Skin, Plan C and individual creatives to make it all happen, too. And, to stay true to Sustain’s message, all food and materials were locally sourced. It’s important to me that all of our experiences uplift local voices.
Q — Having lived in Austin for some time, what does “homegrown” mean to you?
A — Although I’m now based in New York, I’ve made it a priority to connect with folks in Austin still. Austin holds a special place in my heart, and I hope that people can continue to foster new ways for incomers to come and explore what the city has to offer. I believe in the importance of making Austin welcoming, where people can feel at home within it, as I owe this town for giving me a safe space to develop and become the person that I am now.
Q — The world is your oyster. How do you want to expand this year?
Now that I’ve launched Colloquy, the salon series, I hope to continue creating conservations around sustainability and other societal issues. In regards to Sustain as a whole, my main priority is space. I hope to eventually obtain physical space in upstate New York to embody Sustain’s mission toward a revisioned hospitality experience.
*Photos from Colloquy’s launch during SXSW 2023
This special edition of Colloquy is part of Future Front’s Texan Feminist Initiative.
At Future Front, our work is guided by a commitment to improving representation and resilience in our creative and small business communities. This has a distinct relationship to our understanding of social justice in Texas—which includes reproductive justice.
We envision a Texas that acknowledges and fights against the intersectional issues that affect our communities’ health, like access to reproductive cares, systemic racism, transphobia, abuse and violence, sexual miseducation and more. We envision a Texas without sexual stigma—a Texas that does not work to prevent all genders and sexes from receiving appropriate health services.
We envision a Texas where spaces that prioritize individual agency and the communication of truthful, responsible information thrive. We envision a Texas where abortion is decriminalized. We envision a Texas where we can speak for ourselves.
So, annually, we collaborate with women and LGBTQ+ creatives, small business owners, leaders and like-minded orgs to share resources and explore reproductive health equity in Texas—through everything from creative guides to cool parties, fundraising $25,000+ for community initiatives.
And you are always invited to join us. Share what you can, send us hot tips and tell your friends!
Channeling Your Inner Child: A Portrait Series by Dani Parsons & Katherine Lam
In this photo installation, Future Front’s 2023 Communications Fellow, Katherine Lam, collaborates with Austin-based photographer Dani Parsons to reimagine play, sparkle, glitter and fun through the compassionate eyes of community.
What does it look like to nurture your inner child?
To honor and love where you started—and how you’ve grown? In this photo series, Future Front’s 2023 Communications Fellow, Katherine Lam, collaborates with Austin-based photographer Dani Parsons to reimagine play, sparkle, glitter and fun through the compassionate eyes of Future Front’s creative community.
Katherine Lam, as photographed by Dani Parsons
“I’m a Fourth-Year Psychology student at the University of Texas at Austin. Through my fellowship with Future Front, I was given the opportunity to produce my own portfolio project.
This project is meant for me to wrap up what I’ve learned through these past months, as well as a pathway to explore my creativity in a safe space. I decided on ‘Channeling Your Inner Child’ as my portfolio project theme.
I wanted to revisit childhood, the simpler times when I had no responsibilities or real-world consequences. As much as society loves hustle culture and the overall busy-ness of life, I wanted this opportunity to be a way for people to take a break from life. Often, we have to act accordingly in our everyday lives, in which we’re expected to be ready for the world at an early age. I especially feel this way as I’m graduating this semester, and I know others can also relate.
I decided to collaborate with Dani Parsons, the photographer and the magician behind these photos, to capture Future Front community members in the spirit of their childhood selves. Dani and I were able to come together to work toward a collective image in order to hit home with these portraits—giving our subjects permission to be silly and escape from the formalities of living.
As we age, we begin to learn more about the realities of life, often acting as a barrier to whatever we’re doing. These portraits are a reminder to let loose. I’ll use these—and my time at Future Front—as a reminder to stay true to myself, to be curious and forever ask questions that may or may not have an answer.”
ALL PHOTOS BY DANI PARSONS (@THEDANICREATIVE)
Want to stay involved with Future Front?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
The Work Conference Returns After Three Years in Shutdown!
For the first time since 2020, Future Front welcomed back its annual conference, WORK for a day of art tours, hands-on workshops, talks and sounding board sessions—all exploring community, entrepreneurship, storytelling and wellness in creative industries and the arts.
⭑ ✺ ✰ ✹ This is a space to explore your work. ⭑ ✺ ✰ ✹
On February 18, 2023 at Rowling Hall, Future Front welcomed back its annual WORK conference—for the first time since 2020.
More than 200 of y’all joined us in Austin for a day of art tours, hands-on workshops, talks and sounding board sessions, all exploring community, entrepreneurship, storytelling and wellness in creative industries and the arts.
Keep reading for a look at the Work Conference’s 2023 debut.
All photos by Yvonne Uwah and Jessica Joseph
BASK IN THE VISUAL RECAP.
Meet our 2023 speakers.
Thank you to our sponsors, partners and friends.
✰
Thank you to our sponsors, partners and friends. ✰
Launched by Future Front in collaboration with TEXAS McCombs in January 2018,Work emerged from genuine conversations between women and LGBTQ+ leaders in creative industries, tech, nonprofit communities, small business & the arts.
Now, this one-day annual gathering serves as a moment to share stories, community-source inspiration and get real about the frameworks required to do big work. We would not be able to produce WORK without support from our sponsors, members, staff, volunteers, friends and you. Thank you.
Our First SXSW Showcase With Plan C Film
On March 12, 2023, Future Front curated our first-ever official showcase for SXSW, Day of A, featuring performances from Austin-based acts, Flora & Fawna, Chulita Vinyl Club and Nicole Cardoza (the Black Girl Magician).
On March 12, we curated SXSW official showcase, Day of A, featuring performances from Austin-based acts, Flora & Fawna, Chulita Vinyl Club and Nicole Cardoza (the Black Girl Magician).
In collaboration with grassroots nonprofit Plan C Pills, Day of A was designed to celebrate the SXSW premiere of Tracy Droz Tragos’ Plan C, a feature-length documentary chronicling the intersectional issues surrounding the abortion pill landscape.
Together, alongside partners like Fund Texas Choice, Jane’s Due Process, Wisp, It All Media, Texas Signal and SIECUS, we held space for abortion activists and grassroots organizations working toward reproductive rights and reproductive justice in Texas, despite the overturn of Roe v. Wade and Texas’ abortion ban.
BASK IN THE VISUAL RECAP.
All photos by @johnleonjansen
LEARN MORE ABOUT DAY OF A’S PARTNERS & FRIENDS:
✰ PLAN C FILM
To keep up with plans for the film as well as screenings and ways to watch, please follow along at @plancfilm on Instagram and/or on Plan C Pills’ website here! If you would like to host a screening at your home, church, school, company or otherwise, please reach out to hello@jessjacobs.com for more information.
✰ PLAN C PILLS
As a nonprofit organization, Plan C is on a mission to share safe, responsible information on abortion pill access in the United States. No matter where you are, Plan C has informational guides, including stickers (in English and Spanish), for whoever might need them. You can access guides for your area here and complimentary stickers shipped to your door here.
✰ IF/WHEN/HOW
If/When/How's Repro Legal Defense Fund is a fund supporting people who are investigated, arrested, or prosecuted for #SelfManagedAbortion or for helping someone else end their own pregnancy. If/When/How's Repro Legal Helpline provides information and a legal helpline for people who have been investigated, arrested, or are facing arrest for ending their own pregnancy, too.
✰ FUND TEXAS CHOICE
Due to recent wins in legislation, Fund Texas Choice is thrilled to be doing abortion travel for Texans again! Our hotline is OPEN, and we’re here to help Texans travel legally and out of state. It’s also Fund-a-thon season so we’re bringing back Furry-Friend-a-thon! Follow Fund Texas Choice on social media to learn how you and your furry friends can raise your paws in support of abortion access.
✰ WISP
Wisp (hellowisp.com) is the largest and most accessible provider of sexual and reproductive telehealth services in the country, including abortion. With Wisp, Americans can get same-day prescriptions in 3 hours or less for common vaginal infections like, BV, UTIs and yeast infections, plus birth control, emergency contraception and medication abortion services.
✰ IT ALL MEDIA
Join Wisp, IT ALL Media and SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change for virtual and IRL events convening experts, thought leaders, artists, and activists for conversations spanning everything from the patriarchy and perimenopause to better orgasms and bodily autonomy. This is the 'ah-ha, jaw-dropping, you've-got-to-be-kidding-me, oh-damn-you-too?" conversations we not only want, but deserve. You can enroll in "class" here.
Day of A is part of Future Front’s Texan Feminist Initiative.
At Future Front, our work is guided by a commitment to improving representation and resilience in our creative and small business communities. This has a distinct relationship to our understanding of social justice in Texas—which includes reproductive justice.
We envision a Texas that acknowledges and fights against the intersectional issues that affect our communities’ health, like access to reproductive cares, systemic racism, transphobia, abuse and violence, sexual miseducation and more. We envision a Texas without sexual stigma—a Texas that does not work to prevent all genders and sexes from receiving appropriate health services.
We envision a Texas where spaces that prioritize individual agency and the communication of truthful, responsible information thrive. We envision a Texas where abortion is decriminalized. We envision a Texas where we can speak for ourselves.
So, annually, we collaborate with women and LGBTQ+ creatives, small business owners, leaders and like-minded orgs to share resources and explore reproductive health equity in Texas—through everything from creative guides to cool parties, fundraising $25,000+ for community initiatives.
And you are always invited to join us. Share what you can, send us hot tips and tell your friends!
How To Ice-Dye And Up-Cycle With Cindy Popp
What’s one thing Texas heat is good for? Ice-dyeing. Throughout 2023, we partnered with artist and Future Front collaborator Cindy Popp to produce a number of community ice-dye experiences.
What’s one thing Texas heat is good for? Ice-dyeing. Throughout 2023, we partnered with artist and Future Front collaborator Cindy Popp to produce a number of community ice-dye experiences.
In this how-to guide, Cindy Popp (@cindy.popp) walks you through how to ice-dye your own tees, totes, socks and clothes at home—and on your own.
ABOUT CINDY POPP
Photo by Dani Parsons
Cynthia Muñoz (she/her) is based in Austin, Texas. She has a passion for community engagement and creative collaboration. AKA Cindy Popp, she creates art inspired by fashion, cinema, and clowns. She lives with her partner and cat and tries to watch a movie every day.
WHAT IS ICE-DYEING?
About Ice-Dyeing & Upcycling:
With a couple bags of ice, some powder dye and soda ash, you can transform old pieces of clothing into refreshed and unique garments.
In this how-to, multidisciplinary artist Cindy Popp will walk you through how to ice-dye clothing and other items in your closet to give them another life.
Things You’ll Need:
The item you intend to dye
Drip buckets
Wire drying racks
Soda ash
Powder dye
Plastic bags
Gloves
Cool and warm water
HOW TO ICE-DYE IN 11 STEPS:
1.) Soak pre-washed items in a mixture of soda ash and warm water within a plastic bucket or tub for 20 minutes using gloves.
2.) Squeeze/wring out excess solution by hand. Do not rinse.
3.) Identify a tub or vessel as your item’s drip bucket. Place the vessel on a protected floor or outdoor area.
4.) Scrunch up the item you’re dyeing into a small flat ball and place it on a wire cooling rack or other permeable surface on top of the drip bucket.
5.) Cover the item in ice cubes.
6.) Sprinkle small amounts of powder dye over the ice. Be mindful of how the colors interact.
7.) Once the ice is fully melted, place the item in a plastic bag. Clean your dyeing area and other tools.
8.) Either leave the item in the plastic bag for at least 24 hours (preferably in the sun or heat) or place the bag on a paper towel in your microwave for two minutes. (The plastic will puff up, creating a heat chamber trhat helps bond the dye with the fabric.)
9.) Once you have dried or heated your item, remove the fabric from the plastic bag and let it cool down.
10.) Rinse the fabric / dyed item in cool water until the water runs clear. This is important to prevent unabsorbed dye from bleeding into other areas of the item or on other pieces of clothing. For the best results, lay the dyed item flat while you rinse.
11.) Wash the dyed item in cold water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry!
12.) Enjoy your new ice-dyed gem!
Photos by Tess Leslie
Photos by Tess Leslie
Photos by Tess Leslie
Want to stay involved with Future Front?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
On Textile Art, Immersive Installations and Identity: Molly Sydnor
In this interview, Dallas-based artist Molly Syndor swaps notes on her recent installations with Future Front, as well as her approach to art-making in Texas.
Throughout 2022 and 2023, Future Front worked with Dallas-based artist Molly Sydnor on a solo installation—Oh, The Places You Could Have Gone!—at The Future Front House, as well as a group show—Hot Texas Summer—at The LINE Austin.
In this interview, Molly swaps notes with our team on these installations, as well as her approach to art-making in Texas.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Molly Margaret Sydnor (she/her) is a Dallas-based multidisciplinary fine artist with an eye for fiber. She received a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2015.
Originally brought to Dallas for a career in product development specializing in interiors, textile, and rug design, Sydnor has traded in her 6-year corporate career to creative marketing for non profits. She is an advocate for adults with disabilities, and has transitioned her professional career to focus on DEIB&A. Molly runs Local Queer Collective and her work can be found locally in Austin at The Little Gay Shop or in Dallas at Sweet Tooth Hotel.
ABOUT MOLLY’S ART SHOWS WITH FUTURE FRONT
✰ Oh, The Places You Could Have Gone! on view at The Future Front House at East Austin Studio Tour 2022
As a solo installation by Molly Sydnor, Oh the Places You Could Have Gone! is a direct response to perceptions of excess.
Through a rainbow immersion of mixed textures, childlike color and play, Molly Syndor’s optical illusory takes you into a false sense of reality. Intended to evoke an experience of both a calming sense of order yet extreme maximalism. The very colors, lights and textures that invited you in are now doing the most.
This overindulgence seeks to question if we are enjoying the experience or overwhelmed by the sensation of consumption. It’s meant to evoke the push-and-pull dualities of the real and the illusory, the tactile and the intangible, the relationship between childhood freedoms and adult restrictions.
Sydnor manipulates your physical sense of space, too, employing different translucencies, sproftacchel shapes, familiar youthful textures and lights. Ultimately, this immersive installation illustrates the Places you Could have Gone (if you were not restricted by self-created boundaries).
✰ Hot Texas Summer 2023 Group Show at The LINE Austin
A testament to Future Front’s vibrant artist community and the multicultural roots of Texas art, HOT TEXAS SUMMER features works by women artists in Texas, including: Molly Sydnor, Chantal Lesley, Steph Granillo, Tumi Adeleye, Tanya Zal, Darcie Book, Calder Kamin & Ani Bradberry.
Oh, The Places You Could Have Gone! on view at The Future Front House at East Austin Studio Tour 2022
Oh, The Places You Could Have Gone! on view at The Future Front House at East Austin Studio Tour 2022
Oh, The Places You Could Have Gone! on view at The Future Front House at East Austin Studio Tour 2022
Q — What was your inspiration for “Oh, The Places You Could Have Gone!”?
A — My work pulls inspiration from both past projects i've made as well as experiences around me. When I was recruited for the grant that led to this installation, it was right after finishing my installation with Sweet Tooth Hotel in early 2021. By the time I pitched "Oh, The Places" to be considered, it was Fall 2021. I had just completed a container install and considering the grant required an Austin-based installation, I had to take experiences into mind while conceptualizing. My experience from the long-draining install nights from Sweet Tooth, in combination with the speed and efficiency of installing in a container, I combined the two. Once I knew my buil- out, it was easy to take a concept I had always wanted to make and go from there!
Q — Your work takes a unique approach to themes like anxiety and narrative identity, while also exploring textures, fabric and color in vibrant and immersive ways. What role does color play in your life?
A — It’s funny. Installing my work drives my anxiety, but not making art does as well. In a way, the duality of the push and pull between being so busy that I’m anxious and having too much free time that I’m anxious plays a major role in how I make my artwork.
My work draws viewers in. The goal is to bring you in and then talk to you about complex ideas. My pieces for Future Front, in particular, are very overwhelming after a while. But when you first come across the work, it’s very fun and innocent.
So, I like the trickery of bright colors and fun textures. I utilize that in my work quite a bit! Ultimately, color is everything to me. Color is a necessity in my life. It brings me comfort.
Q — How often do you create public installations? What is your process typically like from start to finish?
A — I started large public installs in 2019. I had always shown my work "publicly,” but felt it was extremely difficult to get funding to do them. In 2019 I wanted so badly to make a large install and no one would let me show in their space, so I did a giant pop-up in my condo. It was a game-changer and helped put me on the map.
Since then, I’ve done about 10 public installs! The process can be extensive. Usually I start out with grant-writing and try to find funding. That is the biggest part of installs, because once I know my budget, I can conceptualize how big or small the install can be. In the end, it’s always worth it. I always feel incredibly accomplished and love sharing my concepts with the public.
Molly Sydnor within Hot Texas Summer 2023 Group Show at The LINE Austin. Photo by Anne Deis
Molly Sydnor within Hot Texas Summer 2023 Group Show at The LINE Austin. Photo by Anne Deis
Q — Is creating a temporary installation different from other forms of artistic work you do? How so?
A — I personally enjoy working between temporary public installs and more permanent forms of artwork. Often, my work is hard to "upkeep,” and with temporary installs, sometimes damage happens and thankfully it’s not always necessary to fix it. The longevity of my installs comes from the memories and pictures people take and I’m satisfied with that.
I also like the aspect of reuse that comes along with my installs. Taking an install apart allows me to potentially reuse the materials in a new way—and reimagine them for other things.
Q — Do you have any advice for artists seeking funding via grants or other forms of support?
A — Years ago, I learned that being a full-time artist is sometimes more admin than it is art-making. I spend a good amount of my year applying for funding and opportunities and things. Even if I get something, I still have to continue applying throughout the year.
You’ll apply to 100 things just to get one—so apply, apply, apply. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that no one is going to just give you anything in this industry. No one will ever see the hours and emotionally draining things you put into your projects or the mental space these projects take up before, during and after.
If you are not willing to get your ego bruised over and over and over again, throw in the towel now. If you take anything personally, it helps to change your perspective, because this work is nothing but humbling and will knock you on your ass over and over. So, find a support system to catch you when you fall, because you will fall hard!
Q — Lately, we’ve been exploring what it means to nurture our metaphorical community garden. What does that mean to you?
A — Community is everything. Its both my biggest strength and weakness! I think often times we utilize our communities when we are most in need. Then when we feel amazing, or get new jobs, or new partners, or life throws us curve balls sometimes we can disappear from our community. I think this statement to me means tend to your community. Give as much or more than you get!
Molly Sydnor within Hot Texas Summer 2023 Group Show at The LINE Austin. Photo by Anne Deis
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The First-Ever Texan Feminist Throwdown: $14K Raised For Reproductive Rights in Texas
On January 22, 2023 we hosted our first-everTexan Feminist Throwdown—a community hoe-down for reproductive rights—on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
On January 22, 2023 we hosted our first-everTexan Feminist Throwdown—a community hoe-down for reproductive rights—on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Together, we celebrated the power we still hold to shape the future.
The 2023 Throwdown supported three nonprofit orgs working toward a better Texas, alongside a lineup of bands, DJs and inspiring speakers. Together, we raised a record-breaking $14,000+ for The Lilith Fund, MOVE Texas and Black Mamas ATX.
THIS THROWDOWN’S FIVE HIGHLIGHTS:
✰ No. 1 — 700+ Visitors & Donors!
Y’all showed up and out at Distribution Hall to fundraise and rage to performances by Taméca Jones, Bidi Bidi Banda, Gothess Jasmine, DJ Cassandra and more.
✰ No. 2 — $14,000+ Fundraised!
That’s the most we’ve ever raised in a single event!
✰ No. 3 — 3 Reproductive Rights Orgs Supported!
The Lilith Fund helps Texans pay for abortion when they can’t afford them and works to create reproductive options for all.
Black Mamas ATX provides culturally aligned & client-centered birthing and mental health services that support pregnancy and postpartum experiences.
MOVE Texas is a nonpartisan org working to build power in underrepresented communities through civic engagement, leadership & issue advocacy.
✰ No. 4 — 50th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade!
Whew. We were grateful to share the day in creative, like-minded company, sharing resources, volunteering and dancing a little cumbia.
✰ No. 5 — It was a community affair!
This event came together, thanks to gracious contributions from our cohosts at OTHR Agency and event partners at Distribution Hall, Remi and Gold Florals, Creative Production and Design, Moontower Rentals and Sourced Craft Cocktails.
THANK YOU.
✹ If you didn’t make it, we’ve got your back with a Texan Feminist Resource Guide. ❣️ Enjoy.
*All photos by Tess Leslie Photos
BEHIND THE TEXAN FEMINIST INITIATIVE
At Future Front, our work is guided by a commitment to improving representation and resilience in our creative and small business communities. This has a distinct relationship to our understanding of social justice in Texas—which includes reproductive justice.
We envision a Texas that acknowledges and fights against the intersectional issues that affect our communities’ health, like access to reproductive cares, systemic racism, transphobia, abuse and violence, sexual miseducation and more. We envision a Texas without sexual stigma—a Texas that does not work to prevent all genders and sexes from receiving appropriate health services.
We envision a Texas where spaces that prioritize individual agency and the communication of truthful, responsible information thrive. We envision a Texas where abortion is decriminalized. We envision a Texas where we can speak for ourselves.