Ice Cream! Tacos! Art!

Hello! My name is Stephanie Reid. I have lived in Austin, Texas since 1992, usually working multiple jobs at a time to fund my art. Therefore, I have a wide variety of business skills in addition to artmaking. My current studio name is Haiku Flash. I studied art, photography, and film at several schools including The School of the Art Institute of Chicago for undergrad, and The Transart Institute for my MFA. My work has been displayed in solo and group exhibits in many cities throughout the U.S., as well as, in Berlin, Germany and Athens, Greece. In addition, I have curated and co-curated shows. I taught art to children, teens, and adults at the City of Austin’s Dougherty Art School and Totally Cool, Totally Art program for several years. I was also a volunteer at Women & Their Work gallery. Documentation of some of my most recent work can be seen here:
https://haikuflash.wordpress.com/2019/02/04/spirit-house/
https://vimeo.com/315359307
https://vimeo.com/315367631
https://vimeo.com/315365105

https://vimeo.com/309693734

https://haikuflash.photoshelter.com/gallery/Su-Casa-es-Mi-Casa/G0000UW0W15mhFLE/C0000GcdZjAS2iUg

https://haikuflash.photoshelter.com/gallery/Acts-of-Disappearing-as-Methods-for-Reappearing/G0000m.PDf0M0O3c/C0000GcdZjAS2iUg

  As the affordable spaces and grant funding for the arts become difficult to obtain in Austin, Texas I want to attempt a new, fun, business model. I would like to operate a creative art space in tandem with a food truck. My hope is that the two can be an additional draw for visitors and help fund each other.

 I have created a menu of gourmet ice cream and sweet snow and sorbet flavors inspired by my travels around the world, under the name Adventures in Ice Cream. In addition, I have created a menu of unique vegetarian tacos on homemade spicy green tortillas, and sides, under the name Estrellita's Taco Garden, allowing the vehicle to offer some of Austin's favorite foods for breakfast, dessert, and snack time year-round. The ingredients will be high quality, organic, and free trade when possible. Here are just some of the ice cream flavors / toppings I will offer: choco-malt hazelnut, blueberry lavender, barley tea topped with jujube (dried Chinese dates), marzipan with dark choco shelltop, plum wine topped with dehydrated strawberry, custard apple cashew topped with sesame sugar, mango in a coconut sticky rice filled cone. Some of the sweet snow and sorbet flavors include lemongrass makrut topped with candied Thai basil, panda topped with fresh mint, and prickly pear rimmed with a spicy tamarindo sauce. To see some photos, visit: https://haikuflash.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/ICE-CREAM/C0000LVJDzdI_dwc

 The creative space, Diorama Room, will feature installations by artist collaborations who focus on themes and imagery of the environment, landscapes, nature, and their interweaving with humanity. I will ask that the art will be produced, at least in part, with recycled materials from local venues such as Austin Creative Reuse and ReStore. Plants and other organic elements will be integrated into the installations and outdoor areas to provide a welcoming atmosphere.  Soundscape artists will be invited to play at the openings. My goal is to offer a stipend to artists who participate in the rotating interior exhibitions. I will also curate monthly calls-for-entry and opening events with small door fees paid by attendees. 

  Each aspect of the business will also be available for rentals. The food trailer can be hired to cater weddings or other parties. The Diorama Room can be booked for a low fee for activities such as workshops, small concerts, art bazaars, dance parties, etc. 

  This endeavor should be fun and inclusive, but I need your help. Money raised here will prevent me from having to borrow and pay interest on a bank loan. I already got a fantastic deal on food trailer, but still need to purchase some of the appliances and supplies for it. I also need to rent or purchase a used truck. As far as the venue goes, I have done a great deal of grueling research and planning, but just need to decide on and make an offer on one of several spots I am considering. I would like to have this done by the middle of November when the Eastside Studio Tour takes place and have the Grand Opening then. 

  If you don’t have funds to donate, there are many other ways you can support. The truck will need items like pots, serving spoons, metal spatulas, creamers, sugar pourers, salt and pepper shakers. If you have extras in good shape around your house, I will be happy to take them off your hands. Until I pay back start-up costs, I will need volunteers for events, handiwork, and gardening. I will need you to come enjoy yourself, give me a hug, and smile. I will need you to spread the word. Thanks and Cheers!