West Chelsea Contemporary — Attraction in Austin

An overdue account of a ‘meh’ afternoon made special at WCC: Earlier this month on yet another Saturday of unrelenting 100+ degree heat, where going to the pool (again) had worn out its appeal, my boyfriend and I thought to pop in to the WCC gallery. We hadn’t been in a couple of months and an activity with air conditioning sounded pretty good. We hadn’t anticipated what would be a most memorable visit!

We were welcomed warmly by Megan with refreshing bottled water, an explanation that everything featured in the gallery was curated by one of their own employees, and an open invitation to learn more about any artist or piece specifically.

My boyfriend and I walked the space and Megan appeared at what seemed like the most natural and yet delightfully-timed moments as we were lingering in front of some pieces longer than others. And depending on the gallery or gallery staff, art environments can sometimes make you feel unwelcome or stuffy. But Megan’s personality and the overall vibe of WCC is such a “come as you are”, welcoming, warm, human vibe. We loved learning little quirks about artists or more about the why behind the art. But that wasn’t even the best part…

My boyfriend is a Dali fan (and I’m putting that mildly). After another gallery employee pointed out a tattoo of Dali on my boyfriend’s arm, Megan chimed in, “Do you want to see some Dali pieces we have in archive?” Uhm, heck yes we do! So we ventured to the back and got up close and personal with close to 15 originals that are from a family lineage private collection. My boyfriend is not what you’d describe as overly emotive, but when he says, “This makes me so happy. My day is made.” — trust me, he’s over the moon!

Thank you Megan for such a personal, informative and fun afternoon :) We can’t wait to...

I’ve been a fan of WCC’s collection for years- they have had pieces from my favorite artist The Love Child and I’ve always been in awe of his work. When one came across my radar early this year, I called and Derek immediately asked if I’d like to come in and see some work.

Immediately I was blown away by Derek’s knowledge of not only the pieces I was in to view, but every piece of art we walked by. He took a big part of his day to show me pieces he was passionate about, which made me feel like I wasn’t just there to purchase art but really enjoy an experience. Allee, WCC’s gallery director, is also amazingly passionate and knowledgeable about every aspect of art within the gallery. Her passion (especially for The Love Child) intersects so nicely with her overall welcoming personality and love of the art.

I’ve purchased multiple pieces from Derek and will continue to go to him for my art. He takes his craft very seriously, and his love of art is apparent. Any time I’m downtown I love stopping by to say hey and see the new stuff- Derek and all of the WCC family is so welcoming and excited to show off their latest works.

Lastly, I highly recommend seeing a show here. The gallery layout is terrific for a large show or a small more intimate showing- the setup is perfect. There is always something going on at WCC so make sure to say hey to Derek and get...

Before we moved to Austin my girlfriend and I made it a point to visit this gallery every time we visited. They cycle through there pieces fairly regularly, and there consultants (especially Megan) are extremely well versed in the pieces they show and the artists behind them.

I’m happy to report that while we live in Austin, and have the opportunity to visit more often, “The well hasn’t dried up” so to speak.

To say visiting is a “learning experience” would be a massive understatement. You can truly feel the personal connection that the gallery and the people behind it have toward each and every piece on it’s walls.

Aside from the featured artists cycling through there works on a regular basis, The Contemporary makes a regular effort to showcase art put together by local artists, out of not only Austin, but Central Texas as a whole, which I greatly appreciate.

All in all I’d say this is absolutely a place not only to visit when in town, but a place to return too on a regular basis. If to do nothing else than to ask Megan her thoughts on the pieces being sold in the gallery at any given moment. You won’t be disappointed, and I will be returning!

I’d ad photos if I was ever not to mesmerized to remember to take any.

Huge thanks to Megan and the rest of the staff for always making us feel welcome in an otherwise disconnected...