Fair Director’s Picks: Austin 2025

As we prepare for the exciting 2025 edition of the Affordable Art Fair Austin, Fair Director Cori Teague has handpicked her standout selections for this year. These highlights not only showcase Cori’s personal favorites but also provide a sneak peek into the eclectic styles and innovative works you can expect to encounter at the fair.

Dive into the inspiring collection of artworks that have captivated Cori this May, featuring exceptional talent from Austin and beyond.

Ronald Mugabe

Galerie Duret | B21

Ronald Mugabe, ‘Love for the Game’, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 59 x 59in

“Love for the Game” by Ronald Mugabe is a powerful exploration of passion and resilience. This vibrant acrylic on canvas captures the dynamic energy and emotional depth of its subjects, reflecting Mugabe’s unique ability to convey complex narratives through bold, expressive colors and intricate textures. The piece invites viewers to delve into the artist’s world, where every brushstroke tells a story of struggle, triumph, and the unyielding spirit of those who play the game of life.

Beau Simmons

Christopher Martin | A17

“The World Needs More Cowgirls” is a striking archival pigment print that celebrates the spirit and strength of modern cowgirls. This piece, rendered on high-quality cotton paper, captures the essence of resilience and independence through its vivid imagery and meticulous detail. Viewers are invited to embrace the bold and adventurous spirit it portrays, making a powerful statement about the role of women in contemporary society.

Steven Lindsay

Lime Tree Gallery | A20

“Conversation Piece” is an intriguing oil painting that invites viewers into a world of mystery and contemplation. The painting features a figure in a dark blue dress holding a bouquet of yellow flowers, with their head obscured by a crumpled white paper bag. This striking composition, set against a plain gray background, challenges traditional notions of identity and communication. The piece captivates with its bold imagery and thought-provoking narrative, making it a standout addition to any collection.

Susan Maddux

Lux Umbra Collective | C8

“Terra” by Susan Maddux mesmerizes and invites viewers to explore its intricate textures and vibrant hues. Inspired by the natural world, Maddux masterfully arranges folded canvas pieces in a fan-like pattern, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The transition from deep reds at the top edges to lush greens and serene blues towards the center evokes the earth’s rich and varied landscapes. “Terra” is a testament to Maddux’s ability to blend texture and color, resulting in a piece that is both visually striking and deeply evocative.

Aron Kroes

Al Contar del Arte | D17

Aron Kroes, Maybe Tomorrow, 2024, Acrylics & Synthetic Paint, 100×90 cm

“Maybe Tomorrow” is a compelling abstract painting that captures the essence of uncertainty and hope. Created using acrylics and synthetic paint, this piece features a human figure with obscured facial features, enveloped in thick, textured layers of paint. The interplay of colors, including shades of gray, white, yellow, and beige, adds depth and complexity to the composition. The background transitions from light beige at the top to a reddish-brown gradient towards the bottom, enhancing the sense of movement and emotion.

Jacob Lovett

Commerce Gallery | B20

“And Yet it Doesn’t Matter” by Jacob Lovett is a thought-provoking oil painting that explores themes of identity and anonymity. The painting features a figure adorned in a black cowboy hat and a blue denim jacket, embodying the timeless spirit of the cowboy. The work captures the essence of the cowboy’s life, marked by solitude, resilience, and a profound bond with nature. “And Yet it Doesn’t Matter” celebrates the enduring legacy of the cowboy in Western culture.

Gareth Maguire

Flatbed Center for Contemporary Printmaking | A32

Gareth McGuire’s “The Eyes Speak” is a visually arresting monotype that weaves together symbolic imagery and text to create a rich tapestry of meaning. The piece features a grid filled with handwritten words and symbols, punctuated by three striking red lips with yellow teeth. These lips serve as a focal point, symbolizing communication and expression amidst the chaos of the surrounding text.

Jeff Peters

Washington Gallery | C22

This work captures the delicate balance between commitment and uncertainty. The painting features a blurred representation of white flowers with green leaves set against a serene light blue background. This choice of subject and technique evokes a sense of fragility and introspection, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of devotion.

Bruce Lee

Yard Dog Gallery | B26

Bruce Lee, High Chaparral, Ink on Vintage Cotton Seed Bag, $2,000

Bruce Lee’s work often reflects his ability to bridge cultural divides, much like his namesake, who revolutionized American culture by blending Eastern and Western influences. This imagery draws on the iconic symbolism of the American West, celebrating the rugged individualism and adventurous spirit of the cowboy. “High Chaparral” embodies this fusion, combining the traditional cowboy iconography with a modern, expressive style that invites viewers to explore the deeper cultural narratives at play.

Kelly Moran

Koelsch Gallery | D20

Through her innovative approach, Moran transforms everyday materials into a cohesive and thought-provoking artwork that invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of diversity and the strength found in togetherness. Moran’s use of layered paper creates a rich texture, adding depth and dimension to the composition. The juxtaposition of different patterns and colors highlights the beauty of individuality within a collective whole. “United We Stand” is a visually engaging work that invites viewers to reflect on the themes of solidarity and cultural diversity.

Explore these works and so much more at our second edition!

All of these artworks and many more will be available to see and purchase at Affordable Art Fair Austin from May 15 – 18 at the Palmer Events Center.

Book your tickets and take a look at our full exhibitor list to start planning your visit!