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Collector Series Feature No. 8: The Havens Family!

Updated: Dec 11, 2023

We talk extensively about supporting local businesses and #buyingsmall, but when do we ever thank customers for their patronage? This series of posts is meant to honor the unsung heroes who recognize the hard work, passion and dedication we put into our craft and shine the light back onto them. Without them, we couldn't continue to do the work that we love and for that I am so grateful.

Our next Collector Feature is of this lovely ATX family & owners of Pass the Champers!



Tell us about yourself! Who are you? What do you do? What area of town do you live in?

We are Doug, Alyssa (uh-lee-suh) and Eleanor Havens. We’ve lived in just about every corner of the city over the years and now call Far-East Austin home, think east of 183. We both work in the tech field; Alyssa is a Product Manager and Doug is a Product Design Manager. Two roles typically at odds with one another in the office, iykyk. 


How did you discover Julie Ahmad Contemporary Art Gallery? Is this the first piece of original art you have ever owned?

We discovered Julie’s work at Austin Art Garage on South Lamar (Fantastic shop, go visit!). We were looking for pieces for our new home and felt we were finally “adult” enough to decorate with art that wasn’t just concert posters. It was important to us to support the local art community and find something that would stand out. We wanted a piece that would be the focal point of the room when you enter our home. 



What drew you to this original piece of art?

Both of us were immediately drawn to this artwork when we walked into the Austin Art Garage. The colors, glitter and gloss all work together to draw your attention. Once focused you notice the textures, translucence, and organic-feeling ribbons of color drawing your eye across the canvas. Some of our friends see mountains and sunsets, others liken it to cracking open a geode and peering inside. We love the multiple interpretations this piece brings. Makes it a great conversation piece. 



How did you feel about the space before you added the artwork and how does it feel now? 

It hangs prominently in our multi-purpose room which is the first room you come into when you enter our home. Before, it was a bland sea of Agreeable Gray (that's the actual name of the paint color on the walls) and now the vibrant colors of this piece immediately grab your attention. 


What was the journey like leading up to your finding of this piece? 

We visited many studios that were a part of the Austin Studio Tour events and also did a lot of online hunting.



THANK YOU, Doug & Alyssa, for supporting local artists!!!


 

Are you a collector of Julie's & want to be featured in this Collector Series?

Email Julie directly at art@julieahmad.com to get your complimentary photo shoot scheduled!


Become a Collector by purchasing an Original Painting by Julie Ahmad!

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