Made In Lubbock Grand Opening set for Aug. 16
L.A. | The Atom
Three Lubbock artists have joined together in a new creative space at 34th and Elgin and they are preparing for the Made In Lubbock Artist Collective Grand Opening this week. Vanessa Rautis, Cassandra Trautman and Lauren Ray Rusten are eager to open the new studio doors and share their latest work with the community. There will be live music by electric cello player Loop 918, light refreshments, food trucks and vendors.
Vanessa Rautis started making functional art in the form of self-care products like all-natural soaps and skin and hair products 13 years ago. She is now the owner of Sacred Earth Therapies. She uses plant powder as pigment and essential oils for fragrance and offers 12 to 15 different design and fragrance combinations. Some of her favorites include lavender with frankincense or patchouli.
Vanessa Rautis will also be displaying her ceramic soap dishes and shave bowls, as well as items she makes from recycled paper, such as seed paper cards, journals and decorative paper bowls. Her daughter is also an artist. Elise Rautis painted the mural on the front of the new studio building. She paints skateboard decks and makes bleached clothing items, such as hoodies and t-shirts.
“I’ve always been into the arts,” said Rautis. “I made this my full-time job four years ago, but my business was taking over my kitchen and I needed a place to work. Now we have found a space that was big enough for three studios. I love the creative energy in the space. We all do different things, but we can all collaborate and build off each other’s creative focus.”
One of her partners joining in the Made In Lubbock collective is Souvenir LBK owner and designer Lauren Ray Rusten. She has a BA in fashion design from Baylor University, where she went on to teach apparel construction. She now curates upcycled clothing and does watercolor and mixed media work. She’s excited about the freedom to explore creatively through this studio collaboration and the opportunity to celebrate connection.
“This will be a fresh, eclectic collection of art, femme fashion and accessories,” Rusten said. With a background in styling, my hope is to bring joy and connection through wardrobe hunting and creative workshops.”
Cassandra Trautman is a leather artist and costume designer who will be working as a Made In Lubbock partner in one of the three studio spaces. She has a BA Theatre Design and Technology from Angelo State University and an MFA Theatre Design and Technology from Texas Tech.
“I make leather goods, engraved wood accessories, original art and prints, handmade clothing and costumes, jewelry, refinish furniture and build pieces from upcycled materials,” said Trautman.
She also uses a laser printer to make jewelry.
“I'm most excited about growing our arts community and leading creative and skills classes,” said Trautman.
She is planning on offering classes in leatherworking and sewing. The group is also hoping to introduce a monthly vendor market so that they can use the new space to showcase the talents of other Lubbock artists in the future.
Made In Lubbock Artist Collective is located at 2876 34th St. in the old Lively Society building. The grand opening will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 16. Starting next week, Made in Lubbock will be Tuesday through Friday 11- 7 and 11-5 on Saturdays. The only exception is that the studios will be closed one Friday each month to take part in the First Friday Art Trail. For more information, visit @Made.In.Lubbock on Instagram.
“We would love to see you there,” said Rusten. “It’s going to be a blast! Hungry and thirsty and ready to shop, come see us making dreams come true!”
(Photos courtesy of Cassandra Trautman, Lauren Ray Rusten and Vanessa Rautis)
