Welcome to First Thursday, South Congress Ave. Merchant News

Parts _ Labour party and trunk show 7/18/08

2008-07-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

Join us tonight, 6-9pm, as Parts _ Labour hosts Unscrew America in its efforts to encourage a politically, socially and environmentally conscious consumer, with tonight’s focus on the benefits of LED lighting.

Enjoy AMAZING Organic refreshments as you browse their new line of of eco-friendly t-shirts.

Proceeds from shirt sales will go directly toward Unscrew America’s valiant efforts as well as additions to the Unscrew collection.

Parts _ Labour Web site.
1604 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704

Stop and smell the floral patterns at hovercraft!

2008-04-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

More PF Flyers are here! America's classic sneaker brand defines comfort, style and versatility.

Trendsetting Paul Frank has tons of fun, bright patterns in tanks and dresses as well as colorful stripes and plaids in polos and capris.

We also have plenty of graphics tees for everyday occasions. Our men's section has board shorts in warm, earthy tones.

Also be sure to check out our accessories table stocked full of affordable sunglasses, cuffs and wallets.

Come see us tonight on First Thursday till 10 p.m. for a game of ping pong and a beer!

hovercraft! • 1115 S. Congress, 707-1355

Apparel, sneakers and accessories. 11-7 everyday.

Spring Forward with creatures boutique

2008-04-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

More shipments of Tano are trickling in this spring. We have deep blues and light browns that they develop specifically for their soft, leather bags.

Odd Molly has arrived!

Swedish designers Per Holknekt and Karin Jimfelt-Ghatan mix up a fun collection of bold, feminine fashions, while laundering every piece to have "that ultimate sweet-to-the-skin texture."

Tea, a playful children's line out of San Francisco, is in full bloom with prints and stripes in spring's brightest colors.

Stop by and see us at creatures boutique for First Thursday! We will be open till 10 p.m.

Be our valentine at creatures boutique

2008-02-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

While you're out and about enjoying the beginning of springtime weather, come to creatures boutique. Valentine's day is right around the corner, and we have a variety of hand-picked merchandise for that special someone.

Check out our blogspot for timely updates about events and new merchandise!

creatures boutique • 1206 S. Congress, 512-707-2500

News from hovercraft! Feb. 9th, 2008

2008-02-09T22:26:00.000-08:00

This season Keds are presenting chic styles of wedges, with bold spring prints, bows, laces and a open toes. Their new campaign was inspired by old Hollywood style from the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Marylin Monroe.

Our new flats are following the spring inspiration with flamingo, peacock and horse prints on bright, eye-catching colors.

All styles are fun and flirtatious and compliment any outfit with class.

hovercraft! • 1115 S. Congress, 707-1355
Apparel, sneakers and accessories. 11-7 everyday.

First Thursday 2/7, Art show at Ann Kelso Salon and CitySpa

2008-02-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

Brian Gilbert's "Love Series" opening at Ann Kelso Salon and CitySpa

Thursday, February 7th 6:30 until 9pm

Rare Magazine, Austin Art Garage, and Ann Kelso invite you to the unveiling of Austinite Brian Gilbert's artwork exclusively for the February 2008 issue of Rare.

Join the artist at Ann Kelso Salon and CitySpa on Thursday, February 7 from 6:30- 9:00pm. View the works of art in their original form along with some of Brian's other recent works. Each piece will be for sale on the evening of the event.

Complimentary drinks provided by Tito's Vodka and Sweet Leaf Tea!

Ann Kelso Salon and CitySpa
Google Map

Sat. Feb. 9th, artist Channe Felton @ Mi Casa

2008-02-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

Come meet Austin artist Channe Felton and see her recent painting "Katrina
Triptych" on Saturday, February 9,at Mi Casa Gallery, 1700 South Congress,
from 6:30-8:30. Six months in the making, this dramatic work chronicles the
tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and the impact it has made on the city of New
Orleans. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of artist prints will go to
the "Make It Right" 9th Ward rebuilding project.
Call Mi Casa, tel. (512) 707-9797 for more details.

Mi Casa Gallery
1700 S Congress Ave.
Google Map

Art opening @ Texas Folklife Gallery, First Thursday 2/7

2008-01-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

Join us to meet the artist and celebrate the art opening of "Pasatiempos de La Frontera: Images from the El Paso/Juarez Borderlands."

Thursday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.; artist’s gallery talk @ 6:30 p.m.

Images from the series by Chicano narrative photographer and El Paso native Chuy Benitez, who documents the cultural vibrance of a region he says is too often misrepresented as dangerous and drab.

Regular exhibit hours: Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 8 through May 1

Texas Folklife Gallery, 1317 S. Congress Ave. (on the alley behind 10,000 Villages)

For info: 512-441-9255 www.texasfolklife.org

European Clothing Sale at Kid Genius SOCO

2007-12-30T19:57:00.000-08:00

Stop by Kid Genius SOCO and save 40% on the latest European fashions by Oilily, Room Seven, Mim-Pi and Jottum!!!! Hard to find fashion at hard to beat prices!!!! Sale includes Oilily boots, shoes, bags and clothing! Bedding and crib sets by Room Seven are also marked down....join us at 1400 South Congress or call 448-2200 for more information.

Kid Genius
Google Map

Happy Holidays from Creatures Boutique!

2007-12-15T19:58:00.001-08:00

Come check out our exciting new additions from Orion, Nixon and Trumpette.

Orion is a British designer with a flair for fun, flirty pieces with special detail. Her festive designs are perfect for the holiday season!

We have a ton of new arrivals from Nixon for him and her. Being a brand that caters to the modern, active lifestyle, they are as stylish as they are durable.

Trumpette has adorable accessories for the little ones in your life - and makes a great gift!

Creatures Boutique: Google Map

Pictures with Santa, 12/8 at St. Vincent de Paul

2007-12-07T22:49:00.000-08:00

Sat. Dec. 8th, the St. Vincent de Paul Store will have a photo opportunity for kids of all ages and Santa. Our Santa is bilingual in Spanish and English and would love to have you refer your friends, co-workers, and customers to the store. The photos are free and the kids have an art project to do to make a hand crafted frame for their photo. Santa will be here from 11-4. Google Map

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays from Ann Kelso Salon and CitySpa

2007-12-05T13:41:00.000-08:00

Ann Kelso Salon and CitySpa invites you to join us this Saturday, December 8th to kick- off the holiday season. Enjoy holiday treats from Sweet Tempered, Cissi's Market, and shop our featured artist Ahavah Designs by Heather Kruger. Experience our gift to you.... a new thought for the new year with an intuitive reading by Lois.

Shop Two Moons Boutique for the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Voluspa Candles, gift sets from Akhassa, Lucky Tiger, Eminence, and much more. Can't decide, then GIVE and BE GIFTED! Receive a $5 gift card with any gift certificate purchase. Or, just treat yourself to a little holiday relaxation with a spa or hair treatment. See you Saturday!

Blue Santa: Purchase or drop off donations at 1st Thursday Festivities 12/6

2007-12-03T16:15:00.000-08:00

South Congress rushes to the rescue to help Blue Santa! And you can beat the parking crunch in SoCo on First Thursday by parking at One Texas Center (Google Map), walking one block west to S. Congress Ave. and riding the FREE Orange 'Dillo which runs every 10 minutes from 6-11 pm, from the Hyatt along S. Congress to Live Oak and back!

The annual Blue Santa community-wide effort to collect donations of toys for Austin's children experienced an unusual shortfall this year due to bad weather on the Chuy's parade day last weekend.

You can make a donation of a new toy or a contribution of money when you come to the First Thursday celebration on South Congress Ave. on December 6th. In fact, some merchants have toys for sale as well, making it an easy option for you to purchase and donate all in one visit!

Blue Santa has reported that they especially need toys for children ages 5-10, and footballs, basketballs and soccer balls.

All toys need to be delivered by Dec. 10th to the collection center, so the time is NOW to join the March of the Toys for Austin's families in need.

Participating merchants are:

Mi Casa
Prima Dora
Austin Art Glass
Big Top Candy Shop
St. Vincent de Paul
Mars
Ann Kelso Salon
Crofts Original
Farm to Market Grocery
Monkey See, Monkey Do!
Blackmail
Avenue Gallery
Off the Wall
Feathers Boutique
Creatures Boutique
Hovercraft!

A Cavalcade of Holiday Treats at Big Top Candy Shop!

2007-12-03T15:40:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is upon us and with it comes those special treats and candies that are only available this time of the year! Whether the nip of Jack Frost or sounds of seasonal carols bring back memories of Ribbon Candy, Eggnog Taffy or Salted Caramels, Big Top has all your nostalgic favorites, but only while they last! Along with your old-tyme favorites, we have new classics, too, from Peppermint Pop Rocks to White Chocolate Peppermint Bark. We've also got some great seasonal drinks and deserts getting whipped up behind the soda fountain, too. Try a Peppermint Shake or our new Hot Chocolate recipe! All that, along with a selection of vintage tin toys and more candy than you can stuff in a thousand stockings, Big Top is looking out for your confectionery needs!

Gifts Galore at Monkey See, Monkey Do!

2007-12-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

You know, we love elephants almost as much as we love monkeys! In fact, there was a time when we just knew that Monkey See, Monkey Do! was going to be the perfect shop for gifts during the holidays that we almost ended up calling the place White Elephant. That once-discarded mascot, of course, finally took on a slightly different form over at Big Top (in the form of Peanuts, their giant elephant herald), but we rest easy knowing that MSMD still delivers the absolute best gifts for co-workers who need some life in their cubicles, gal pals that need extraordinary gifts for their extraordinary lives and gentlemen callers that could stand a hip gift or four. We've got WALLS of gorgeous urban vinyl toys -the best and largest selection in Austin! The funkiest gifts you've ever seen under one roof! Inflatable Moose Heads! Hillary Nutcrackers! Sock Monkey Wine Coozies! We even manage to carry, quite by coincidence, 7 out of 10 of yahoo.com's "Top Ten Stupid Gifts!" Is that an honor? You BET it is!!!

Austin Art Glass presents dining with Hosteria Verde, 11/25

2007-11-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

Hosteria Verde creates dining experiences that incorporate music and the local arts while spotlighting the most impressive local culinary talent and food. You're invited to join an eclectic group of people to share fine cuisine in the SoCo neighborhood on Sunday Nov. 25th.

Host Anne Rutt and Chef Andrew Francisco will be serving this beautiful meal at Austin Art Glass. Aaron Gross, a highly recognized craftsman since 1989, has over 300 pieces on display at his beautiful gallery.

Cost is $60 per person. BYOB. Click here to learn more and to make a reservation.

Warm up to new footwear at Creatures

2007-11-10T21:56:00.000-08:00

Stop by Creatures (1206 South Congress) and check out our growing selection of fall boots from Coclico and Camper, both made in Spain. Our tall, brown Coclico boots come in wedge and stacked heel - a rising trend this fall. We have Camper navy ankle boots, with a fold-over black interior and also brown flat booties, complete with red snaps decorating the side. This is only the beginning of our Camper boot options this season...more to come.

We are also now carrying Repetto - the original handmade ballet flats known for comfort with a soft, cushioned insole. This French brand began in 1956, to this day still using the finest quality leather and suede.

Creatures is constantly getting new apparel, footwear and accessories for the holiday season. Hope to see you soon!

Thanksgiving is near at Off the Wall

2007-11-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is near and grandma doesn’t cook anymore so it’s your turn... Time to finally get a good dinning table and a “set” of dishes?

You’re in luck. We’ve got several nice tables and we’ve got grandma’s dishes. Come on down and check ‘em out.

Off the Wall
1704 S. Congress Av.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 445-4701
www.offthewallaustin.com/

Avenue Gallery Reception 11/8: The Many Faces of Duncan

2007-11-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

The Many Faces of Duncan
A Photography Exhibit by Kip Holm

Opening Reception
Thursday, November 8, 2007
6pm - 9pm

Avenue Gallery
1510 1/2 South Congress
512-442-3600

Featuring photographs of the popular and very curious looking Scottish Fold cat belonging to Austin black and white photographer Kip Holm. Known for his amazing images of cloud formations, rolling landscapes, and iconic Austin landmarks, Kip has also been photographing his cat Duncan for close to ten years. Kip will release several new images and Duncan himself is scheduled to be in attendance.

www.kipholm.com
www.avenuegallerysoco.com

Greetings from Therapy Clothing

2007-11-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

We've got loads of new arrivals. In particular, a lot of great layering pieces that will keep you toasty on these chilly mornings, but that you can peel off as the day warms up.

The dresses just keep on coming -- the latest frocks to arrive are from Young, Fabulous _ Broke (guaranteed to get you noticed), Rachel Pally (so easy), J (great long flowy pieces), Saja (great day dresses), Dace (cute!!)...to name a few.

New tees from Loomstate also just arrived -- for guys _ gals. Same uber-soft organic cotton, same eco-witty graphics. They go fast, so get 'em while they're hot.

Have a wonderful weekend. We'll see you soon!
Ruffle Cardigan by Falls over Embroidered Tee by Dessous

Winter white is so fresh _ lovely this time of year. Especially when the piece is as special as this beautiful cardigan by Falls. We've got it layered over another great piece -- a long sleeved tee by Dessous, featuring her gorgeous trademark embroidery on the front. Both are timeless, elegant, versatile additions to any closet.

Grecian Tunic by Rachel Pally

more new arrivals

1st Thursday, Dia De Los Muertos @ Prima Dora

2007-10-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

Dia De Los Muertos and First Thursday what a great combination!
We carry a great line of Dia de Los Muertos Art by Ladislao Loera, a local artist. His passion for Day of the Dead is a year-round endeavor and we also have joined in. Come by this First Thursday and see some of the great t-shirts, candles, cards, and magnets that portray Frenzy Art.

Thurs. 11/1, Big Top Candy Shop Presents: "La Putain Avec les Fleurs"

2007-10-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

The RoHo Theatre Company invades the Big Top for an evening of mirth and entertainment! This team of clowns, entertainers and musicians invoke the spirit of a 1920's French Circus troupe in a dark, comedic light. Set to tour Austin's theaters throughout November, do not miss their public debut that serves as a prologue to the events portrayed in their official upcoming production. They will be performing in and around Big Top throughout the evening.

We welcome you to join us!

Stephanie Rubiano at Uncommon Objects, 10/12

2007-10-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

You're invited to join us for a wonderful exhibit of found object assemblages by Stephanie Rubiano.

First Annual Keep Austin Good event, Sat. 10/20

2007-10-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

Party with the other new subscribers to Good Magazine ($20 per year) when you sign up and pay in advance at Mohawk.

Local businesses join together for the First Annual Keep Austin Good event, a celebration of what makes this city an amazing home. Part party, part information exchange, Keep Austin Good brings together the spirit of fun and the commitment to quality of life that define Austin.

Participating South Congress Ave. businesses include:
ECOWise, Therapy, Blackmail / Vivid, By George, Creatures, Hovercraft, Feathers, New Bohemia, Crofts, Service, Parts and Labour, First Samples, Uncommon Objects.

Subscription dollars paid at the Mohawk will be donated to Foundation Communities, a non-profit provider of affordable housing based in Austin, Texas.

All Ages Welcome to Keep Austin Good

Please subscribe before you RSVP!

For $20, subscribers get:
(1) 6 issues of GOOD
(2) Entry to all GOOD parties
(3) And all $20 paid at the Mohawk goes to non-profit partners!

To attend, you must RSVP by Oct. 20th at 3 am and pay $20 at Mohawk

When
Sat 20 Oct 2007 at 05:00PM

Where
San Jose Hotel parking lot @ 1316 South Congress

_ Mohawk @ 912 Red River, Austin, TX

THURS. 10/23, English at Work Fundraiser in Guero's Oak Garden

2007-10-10T21:09:00.001-07:00

This year’s theme is Paso a Paso, which means “step by step.” The event will include tacos and margaritas, a raffle contest, live music, and face painting and crafts for the kids. In keeping with the theme, there will also be a salsa dancing lesson led by English at Work students!

Purchasing a ticket for $25 gets you into the party, a free dinner, and automatic entry into the raffle contest. Smaller prizes include gift baskets from area businesses. The grand prize is a trip for two to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico! You can purchase tickets online by going to the “Contribute” or by calling (512) 585-1600.

See you in the Garden!

Thursday, October 23rd. Time: 7-10pm

Place: Guero’s Oak Garden, 1412 South Congress