01/01/2022
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
Goodbye Gusto, Hello Driftwood
As the end of another year approaches, the end of another year in an ongoing predicament that none of us saw coming, we all find ourselves looking for ways to navigate this new landscape safely for ourselves and with our loved ones in mind. It’s been a challenging time on one hand, but transformational on another, as we all seek to embrace the daily choices we need to make to move thru this. I see myself and others embracing more of what we have always wanted in our lives and leading this charge with our heARTs.
After a year and a half shuttered, in November of last year Gusto Studios was finally able to safely open its doors again for an in person event. You were there for us and we will be forever grateful. It was such a boost to reconnect with you in the space. It almost felt like old times. This year we have been able to publicly open for the Austin Studio Tour in November and for our Annual Christmas Market at Thornton Road Studios in December. We premiered the photographic talent of Kris Chambers for the Austin Studio Tour, his work, both ephemeral and cinematic, bloomed in the imaginations of several collectors and found home there. Rodney Bursiel was our most recent guest for our annual Christmas event. Rodney’s African wildlife work is beyond expectation. Captivating, the work has it’s own spirit, a longing lives in each piece, a longing to give these great animals a voice. A true call of the wild. I am honored to have had both of these guys share space with me in our final days.
Our last large gathering was so appropriate for our friend Geoffrey S Ryder as he was one of the biggest hearted guys and a HUGE supporter of the arts, a real connector and great human being, a Memorial fitting for the man he was. Thank everyone for coming to celebrate Geoff’s life with his daughter Merritt and the myriad of friends from all walks.
I am beyond grateful for what Gusto Studios, our guest artists, patrons, collectors, musicians, chefs, non profits and friends have all added to our experience but the time has come to close the chapter on this book. Originally established in 2012 by Greg Davis and William K. Stidham, Gusto helped raise lots of money over the years for local non profits, H.O.P.E., Well Aware, Love Hope Strength, and others as well as offering a space for the works of talented artists like Dave McClinton, Sarah Annie Navarrete, Michael Mitchell of Iona Handcrafted Books, Michael Weintrob, Kris Chambers, Thierry-clément Bignolet, Carlos E. Ortiz Art, Hannah Austyn Reed, Robert Hurst and Rodney Bursiel Photography. Over the years we all swayed and swung to the live music of Afrofreque, Atash, Monte Montgomery, The Whiskey Sisters, Kalu James, John D. Boyd, Charlie Mars, Jacob Gonzales, carolyn wonderland, Shelley King, Bob Popular Band, The Movers and Shakers, Hunter Hendrickson Band, Tomar Yassien Williams, Graham Wilkinson, the Voice’s Whitney and Shannon and Cilantro Boombox! And we will be forever grateful to our partners who showed their undying support; Deep Eddy Vodka, Topo Chico, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Thirsty Planet Brewing Company, Dripping Springs Vodka, Chef ATX, Cazamance, Chef Gonzales, Thai Fresh and SLAB BBQ!
I was super honored several times over the years to offer Austin Photo Night Group a warm place when it was too chilly to hold their normal backyard slideshows at the Full Circle Bar. Presenting photographers included, Raymond Thompson Jr. and Sarah Wilson. Get involved by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
The next chapter for me, more like the next book, will be opening on our property out near Driftwood. I will return to my roots there and have an at-home studio/gallery, opening in the Spring of 2022. The only constant is change. As we all evolve into the next iterations of ourselves, know that I truly appreciate the support of my gallery and studio in Austin's coolest zip, 78704. It has been a great honor to be a part of such an amazing community of artists at the Thornton Road Studio Complex and to have your support of me and my work. I’m excited about this new path that I’ve chosen and I hope to see you on the trail. May it lead you all out Driftwood way.
If you’d like to stop by Gusto and pick up some art during the month of January, just let me know when and I’ll meet you there! I will be offering some of the works at significantly lower prices so come 'Do it with Gusto!' one last time!
Sincerely,
Greg
www.gregdavisphotography.com
Walk down memory lane here:
http://tinyurl.com/gustomemories
Ever been to an event at Gusto??? Share your thoughts below!
Special thanks to all of the photographers who helped make these memories of Gusto assessable...Matt Charnitski, Jennifer M. Ramos, Michael Schaffer, Michael Weintrob and the good folks at Vannagram.
FB photo by Amy Beavers Walker
