Eat, drink, see art

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin is a city dedicated to the Arts - Saturday night the public can check out some of the city's hottest galleries for the 8th annual Art Night Austin .

"It is the face of art and art history here," said You You Xia, Marketing Manager Visual Arts Center at the University of Texas.

The Visual Arts Center at the University of Texas may be a huge presence on campus but many may not know is it's open to the public free of charge.

"This space that we're in is called the vaulted gallery," said Xia.

Twice a year an artist in residence creates a unique exhibit.

The one at the main entrance involved an LA based artist who brought in the community to create art.

"She really wanted to examine the concept of potential in a space," said Xia.

Six spaces will be highlighted during the annual tour.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to come out and see some of the best venues showcasing some of the most interesting work in Austin," said Meredith Powell, Executive Director of the Art Alliance of Austin.

The Art Alliance of Austin puts on the annual event to showcase some of the most interesting art happening in the area.

Plus the event features a few added bonuses.

"Each of the stops is paired with a different restaurant and different beverages the patrons are chauffeured around all night long," said Powell.

Stops include the ArtHouse, Women and Their Work, and Champion Gallery.

It all happens Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for Art Night are $75.

All proceeds benefit the Art Alliance.