Austin artists announce they have closed local stores without returning exhibits

A resin artwork created by local artist Brianna Vance went missing after the local store where it was displayed suddenly closed. (Courtesy of Brianna Vance)

AUSTIN (KXAN) — After East Austin bar Lucky’s unexpectedly closed in 2023, two local artists say the work displayed there was not returned and they received no compensation or answers. said.

Artist Brianna Vance said artists will provide art for display to businesses such as restaurants, cafes and bars. These pieces include the artist’s contact information and pricing, allowing business customers to purchase the art.

Vance said the business closed without returning eight of the works. She estimates her losses totaling $4,685.

Each piece is made of epoxy resin, a liquid polymer that becomes solid after a curing period. From start to finish, it takes Vance just an hour to condition and fully cure the resin. This process creates unique and irreproducible works of art.

“I just want to tell other artists to be careful who they work with. Before you do a deal, make sure the company already has some kind of stake in the city and that you really trust them. Please make sure,” Vance said.

“I had an emotional connection to many of those works. They were all originals. There are no prints of my work,” Ms. Vance said. “They just left and I have nothing. And that’s sad.”

She said she encountered the former owner, but he refused to speak to her and instructed her to contact a lawyer.

Another artist, Mary Rochford, told KXAN she’s down two bars since the bar closed. She has also tried to contact the art coordinator and her former owner for several weeks, but has not received a response.

“It’s unfortunate that a local entrepreneur would do something like this,” Mr Rochford said. “Someone knows what happened to our art. At the very least, we are entitled to open communication and answers.”

KXAN also reached out to the bar’s former owner and former arts coordinator to get their side of the story. However, neither responded to the request.

Vance said she filed a case with the Austin Police Department a week ago, but was told by a detective on Friday that the case was closed without speaking to her.

“I don’t expect my work back at this point. I don’t really expect to even receive compensation or refunds for my work,” Vance said. “At the end of the day, I just want to hold them, or whoever is responsible for all of this, accountable for what happened.”

KXAN has reached out to APD for information on this incident and confirmation if it is closed. This article will be updated as that information is received.