the Truth Matters: Why RichesArt Gallery?
Would anyone believe that neither the lineup nor the intent behind it was what I originally planned? The truth is, I knew I needed to do an SXSW show and understood why it mattered to me personally. I felt a strong pull, as if it were something I was meant to do and had to follow through on.
An unforeseen sequence of events pushed me off that path almost immediately before planning had begun.
The show was originally planned for the artist studios where my office is located, set for the second weekend in March. But the lineup and films weren’t what I expected, and an unforeseen sequence of events immediately pushed me off the path I was on. As it unfolded, it felt like the universe, or some higher power had a different idea, and I try to notice the beauty in that. I’ve always trusted the journey, believing that what’s meant to be will be. People and experiences cross paths for a reason, even if only briefly. Those fleeting moments, when you’re truly present, have always felt magical to me.
In early to mid-October 2025, I began planning it with SXSW in mind, envisioning it for that creative community. I started by reaching out to an incredible fashion photographer who shoots 35mm film, someone whose style, aesthetic, and fashion sensibility I had admired for quite some time. When we began talking, she seemed genuinely interested in the event.
Driving While Black
Shortly after Open Studio Tours in November 2025, an unexpected turn of events redirected the project. Around that time, I reconnected with an old friend from LA, and we began exchanging ideas about films. He had always wanted to attend SXSW and was eager to participate in our artists showcase. I initially considered the award-winning feature Driving While Black, inspired by Dominique Purdy’s personal experiences. Director Paul Sapiano expressed that Purdy was the creative force behind the film and instrumental in its recognition and awards. However, it didn’t quite fit the direction of our lineup at that particular time.
Sapiano instead suggested screening The Boys & Girls Guide to Getting Down, which has seen a resurgence alongside the mid-2000s indie-sleaze revival of the Los Angeles party scene, closely associated with Mark Hunter (aka The Cobrasnake and the former “Polaroid Scene”). I agreed the film was both provocative and comedic, making it a strong pairing with a fashion photographer for this event.
At that point, the photographer asked what the theme would be. Honestly, I didn’t have one yet, I only knew that I loved themes and enjoyed crafting immersive environments around them. Since this was my first event and art show outside of the venue I had been working with, I had no real sense of how it would unfold, so I reached out to Brittany Canales and shared my ideas. After some back-and-forth, the common thread we landed on was portraiture, and an after hours element. We envisioned an after-hours experience that wasn’t just about photography or film, but anything that aligned with a deeper, moody artistic tonality inspired by the theme. From that, the name Portraits After Dark emerged.
With no venue secured yet, we initially pitched the concept to Soho House, and they showed interest, especially given the lineup. Once the name and theme were established, it became easier to bring in other talent from our own network who fit the curation like puzzle pieces. There were moments when I felt it was too uncertain and wanted to abandon the idea altogether, but something kept nudging me forward, and I felt inspired to continue. With Brittany’s background in arts planning, event marketing, and management, she became the driving force behind keeping things moving with energy and momentum. Britt introduced me to the Renowned Magazine team and its owner, Reno Navales, and with their support, encouragement, and curatorial experience, the project began to feel possible, and a new partnership was formed. That kind of dedication only comes from truly caring about the work you do.
On the search for a venue….
In early January of this year, we began scouting venues, Future Front Texas, Etsy Skin Studio, and eventually RichesArt Gallery through Brittany’s connections. We pitched our original concept to Riches, for the weekend of SXSW March-13th-15th, with an initial lineup that included the feature film The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down, directed by Paul Sapiano, alongside the work of our first featured fashion photographer.
In our first meeting, Riches proposed moving the dates to March 10–12 to better align with their venue timeline, and we were happy to accommodate. Shortly after, Brittany and I took some time to reflect on our approach. Presenting in a Black-owned gallery invited us to think more intentionally about the work we were screening, considering films that could thoughtfully engage with the space and its broader cultural context rather than focusing solely on aesthetics. As our plans began to take shape, the original photographer unexpectedly withdrew. Despite these twists and turns, we moved forward and confirmed the venue, signing the contract in early January with only the director confirmed. That realization pushed us to rethink the programming and allow it to evolve more organically, embracing a go-with-the-flow attitude.
Brittany and I quickly regrouped to complete the lineup, but now with a clearer vision for both film and art direction. With the theme in place, Brittany suggested Paul Lewis for his portrait-style clay work, which felt like a natural fit, while I recommended Dax Norman, whom I had worked with during Open Studio Tours. Dax has created work for TV, publications, and museums such as the Guggenheim Museum, and Paul Lewis has traveled worldwide under renowned, classically inspired artisans and sculptors, forging his own unique creative path. After reaching out to several photographers, we decided on fashion photographer Stellina Stampouli, recommended by both Brittany’s my own list of contacts. Her moody, dark imagery aligned perfectly with our vision of portraiture, provocative and edgy, driven by a creative use of lighting and subject matter. Her experience in fashion publications also made her a natural choice to feature during the event. This lineup ultimately shaped the curation of our final event lineup.
Art exists to evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and conversations about the things that truly matter within us, the things that make us human.
Since 2021, I have been writing short stories drawn from my own personal experiences and, at times, seemingly fated events. Portraits After Dark marks the first time I am sharing these personal stories and experiences on a public platform. Our project unfolded almost mysteriously, with a sense of ease that has brought us toward a deeper artistic form of expression shaped by conversation, emotion, mutual understanding, care, and love.
Our hope is that this platform and this space allows us to communicate what we cannot always articulate through art.
Day 2, March 11th: also organically became a politically focused day, opening with the award-winning short film Princess of Nowhere by Nina Kazé and closing with the award-winning feature film Driving While Black, directed by Paul Sapiano and co-written by, and inspired by the story of, Dominique Purdy.
The final lineup feels inevitable with the addition of old home movies and found films from across Texas, dating as far back as the 1900s. For this show, we partnered with TAMI to carefully curate selections inspired by all the artists featured at Riches Art Gallery. This specially curated content will be available only on March 10th during the official art reception and opening, making it a rare opportunity to experience this footage. We’re also thrilled to welcome our newest partners, Austin School of Film and Goodnight Loving Vodka.
Latest update: We’re excited to announce that LA comedian and performer Jennie Mintz will be hosting Days 2 and 3 of the event on March 11 and 12! She’ll be adding comedic interludes between the festivities. Plus, we have an incredible last-minute music talent joining us soon so keep your ear to the ground and your eyes on the road (pun intended). 🎤✨
“We are in the Year of the Fire Horse!” — brought to you by Brittany Canales & Bonnie Jun, Reno Navales of Renowned Magazine, and my brand, Lovers Vintage.
