For 35 years, Art From the Streets has proven that creativity can change lives. Together with artists, volunteers, and supporters, we’ve built a community where art becomes income, connection replaces isolation, and dignity is restored. As we honor our past and celebrate the present, we invite you to help shape the next chapter — expanding access, amplifying voices, and ensuring that every artist who walks through our doors is seen and supported.
Join us as we celebrate 35 years of art, dignity, and community - and help shape the next chapter.
Celebrate With Us
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Vuka North Loop
Austin, TX
Tickets available beginning March 25.
What to Expect
Join us for an evening that reflects the spirit of Austin — creative, welcoming, and thoughtfully elevated.
Food & Beverage
This year, guests can look forward to an enhanced dining experience featuring heavy appetizers, along with beer, wine, and cocktails.
Program & Experience
The evening will include:
- A seated program highlighting 35 years of impact
- A live auction featuring original works of art
- A paddle raise benefiting free studio programming
- Opportunities to connect with artists, supporters, and community leaders
- A 35th anniversary tribute video by award-winning documentary filmmaker Layton Blaylock
In celebration of our 35th anniversary, Art From the Streets is partnering once again with award-winning documentary filmmaker Layton Blaylock, who produced a film about AFTS 20 years ago. This year, Layton will debut a new video honoring our past, celebrating our present, and casting vision for the future.
View the original documentary
Attire: Austin Chic
Think elevated but comfortable. Cocktail attire with a creative Austin twist — bold color, statement pieces, boots welcome. This is a celebration, not a black-tie affair.
Ways to Participate
ATTEND
Individual Ticket – $100
Includes dinner, beverages, and full program participation. Seating is open and unassigned.
(Tickets live March 25)
Host a Table (8 Seats Reserved)
Reserved seating for 8 guests. Ideal for businesses, friend groups, or families attending together.
Community Table – $1,000
Premier Table – $1,500
Host Table – $2,500
SPONSOR (MISSION-FOCUSED SUPPORT)
Sponsorships prioritize mission support. Attendance is optional, and seating is open unless a table is purchased separately.
Mission Sponsor – $1,000
Impact Sponsor – $2,500
Lead Sponsor – $5,000
TURN GOLD INTO GOOD
In celebration of our 35th anniversary, we’re partnering with Gold4Good to offer a unique way to support Art From the Streets.
Bring your unwanted or broken gold jewelry to the gala — chains, earrings, rings, cufflinks, even single earrings — and Gold4Good will responsibly recycle and refine the pieces. Proceeds from your donation will directly support AFTS programming.
Gold4Good will be on-site during the event to answer questions and assist with donations.
Prefer to donate in advance? Visit our dedicated page.
DONATE (FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T ATTEND)
Can’t attend? You can still create change.
2026 Collaborative Artist: Laurie Carswell
Laurie Carswell’s work is shaped by a lifelong immersion in the arts. From childhood museum visits to earning a degree in Theatre Design from UNC Chapel Hill, her creative path has centered on storytelling. After years in theatre and later as a high school art educator in Texas, Laurie refined her craft and discovered her signature medium — layered paper compositions that evoke memory, place, and human connection. For this year’s Create Change Gala, Laurie will collaborate with Art From the Streets artists to create an original Austin-themed work exclusively for the live auction.
Live Auction Preview (Available April 1)
This year’s live auction will feature 3–4 original collaborative works of art, created in partnership between local professional artists and AFTS artists.
Our 2026 Collaborative Artist, Laurie Carswell, will work alongside AFTS artists to create an Austin-themed piece exclusively for the gala. Additional collaborations — including works with past featured artists Neena Buxani and Jodie King — will also be available.
Full previews and bidding details will be released April 1.
Introducing Our First-Ever Gala Ambassador: Olivia Lee
Olivia Lee has called Austin home for more than half her life. A proud double Longhorn, she earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from The University of Texas. Her career reflects a deep commitment to dignity and advocacy — from teaching high school English with Teach for America to serving as a Pro Bono Scholar in law school and now working as a special education attorney with Disability Rights Texas. Her passion for art and community brought her to Art From the Streets first as a supporter attending shows with her mother, and now as a champion for our artists. As Gala Ambassador, Olivia is helping expand our reach, invite new supporters, and amplify the voices of our artists.
