Celebrating Artists in Recovery & Austin Galano Club Day

A special event to celebrate the creativity of Artists in Recovery, raise funds for Austin Galano Club and enjoy a celebration of the proclamation of “Austin Galano Club Day”  by Austin Mayor, Kirk Watson.

One of the greatest gifts of recovery I’ve found is a renewed interest in things that brought me joy before my addiction took over my life. One of these things is expressing myself creatively through painting. When most people think about meditation, they may picture someone sitting on the floor in the lotus position chanting “Ohm” while being completely still.

For me, I’m usually too restless to sit in meditation without moving or thinking about the thoughts that come into my mind.  But I find that when I am completely involved in working on a canvas I’m able to achieve that sense of peace that others find in meditation.  Thoughts fall away.  Time does not exist. The reality of work and responsibilities seems far away. It doesn’t matter if I’m painting for an hour or six hours, there is something about the creative process that allows me to be completely present in what I am doing at that very moment. 

I believe that art is meant to be seen, studied, appreciated,  enjoyed or even hated by people! The AIR Show (that’s Artists in Recovery) wasn’t my creation.  Ron B. who we know from Lambda Live and Let Live, Reading Rainbow, and Beyond Belief meetings told me about it in 2024 when I suggested to him AGC should host an art show to allow our creative members to display their works. It had been a number of years since the AIR Show had been held. In April 2024, Casey K., Mara R and I revived it with a silent auction and reception to great success. The response to the 2024 Air Show was such that we decided to host it again in 2025. The turn-out wasn’t quite as large as we experienced in 2024, but it was still a respectable show.  

Earlier in 2026, the Austin Galano Club Board was contacted by the City of Austin with great news.  The Austin Galano Club was to receive a special honor from the city.  On September 10, 2026 Mayor Kirk Watson will make a proclamation of “Austin Galano Club Day”  in Austin, TX. Not coincidentally, September is National Recovery Month!!

To celebrate this important recognition, we decided to host the 2026 AIR Show in conjunction with this happening! The 2026 AIR SHOW including a silent auction, reception with snacks, and the unveiling of the proclamation will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM in the lounge area of the Austin Galano Club.  I hope everyone will come out to celebrate with us, enjoy the art, and if you are so moved, bid on some art!  All proceeds will go to the Austin Galano Club to support our mission of providing a safe space for LGBTQIA and allies in 12-Step recovery. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family (especially the art lovers in your lives who have deep pockets!)

If you are a person in recovery who identifies as an artist of 2D, 3D, or textile art, please consider donating one or more pieces to this good cause.  Like I said, your art deserves to be seen! 

• Artwork Drop-Off: Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

• Location: Austin Galano Club

  
  

Need a different drop-off time? We want to include your artwork! Reach out to Steven P. at steven.p@austingalano.org to coordinate an alternate meeting time.

We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event in the history of Austin Galano Club. 

Steven P.

Group Liaison, AGC Board