As always, join us early for complimentary drinks and hang out afterwards to meet the musicians.
6:00pm - Complimentary Happy Hour
7:00pm - Concert
8:00pm - Reception and Musician Meet & Greet
Join Austin Unconducted and curator Richard Samuel in telling a story every artist knows all too well: about the time I almost quit.
What does it take to create something beautiful? What does it take to succeed as one of the few black gallery owners and painters in Austin? With Let Me Tell You About The Time I Almost Quit, Richard & Austin Unconducted expose some of the most vulnerable aspects of the creative process through a journey of excitement, self doubt, fear, and hope. Comprising a program of works written over a span of 300 years and the collaboration of artists from various mediums, this concert paints a deeply relatable portrait of emotions meant to push the boundaries of the concert experience. Together, Richard & Austin Unconducted invite you into our shared experiences, to overcome adversity alongside us, and to ultimately reap the benefits together.
The Program:
String Quartet no. 5 - Philip Glass
Lyric for Strings - George Walker
Winter from The Four Seasons - Antonio Vivaldi
CIVIC - Jonathan Bingham
About the Curator:
Richard Samuel is the founder of RichesArt Gallery, a retired Football player, self-taught artist/designer, and recent recipient of civic and community leadership from the Austin Chamber of Commerce. He states:
Growing up in Texas, my life has been anything but ordinary. My journey from a professional football player to an artist has been fueled by diverse global experiences. Football not only took me around the world but also exposed me to a spectrum of art and cultural expressions. These profound interactions have deeply influenced my approach to life, allowing me to infuse my work with a rich tapestry of influences and perspectives.
My art is a vibrant celebration of Motivation and self-identity, aimed at evoking positive inspiration, nostalgia, and deep emotional responses. At RichesArt Gallery, which stands proudly as a Black-owned gallery in Austin, Texas, my mission extends beyond personal expression. I am committed to diversifying Austin’s art scene, amplifying voices and showcasing the talents of underrepresented communities. Through my gallery, I strive to create a space where art transcends boundaries and where every piece tells a story of empowerment and cultural richness.
Additional Collaborators:
Savannah Marie is a local poet and artist who pours herself into the community center of Richesart Gallery. Since moving to Austin in 2021, she spent the last 3 years working her way up from being Richard Samuel's assistant to the very first official gallery employee, most notably creating a powerful container for poetry and vulnerability. She spends her days taking care of the gallery and the artist's it supports, curating and collaborating with others to create impactful events and experiences full of expression and empathy.
Jonathan Ezemba is known as Jay Writes on the mic. Jay is a writer, model, educator, and performer of spoken-word poetry, hip hop, and MC of events. He is an advocate for liberation through expression. Jay hosts the open mic, writing workshop, and poetry slams at Richesart Gallery and EveryWord Poetry.
This project is supported in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department.