WELCOME
Shiny Object is an inclusive, one-room art space in Morro Bay, CA, where creative communities connect and thrive. We opened this Third Place to provide a place for contemporary art and creative expression. Whether it’s live performances, maker workshops, life drawing, or textile arts, all are welcome here to do their thing.
EVENTS CALENDAR
| MAY 16- AUG 16 | THE FOLK LIFE GALLERY SHOW SHINY OBJECT SPACE GARDE RAIL GALLERY RETROSPECTIVE of AMERICAN FOLK ART featuring 18 Artists working in FOLK traditions, from Kentucky carvers to Memphis toy makers. You have to see it to believe it. Gallery hours by appt Read the blog post for images and info | |||
| MAY 16 – AUG 16 | WAY OUT WEST GALLERY SHOW SHINY OBJECT SPACE Art by six Contemporary Austin TX Artists working in the D-I-Y , home-studio mode. Featuring original works by Brian Phillips, B Shawn Cox, Hope Hummingbird, Tim Kerr, Ami Plasse, and Ron Pippin Gallery hours by appt Read the blog post for images and info | |||
| THU 10 JULY | PAPERMAN AND GOOD MONSON Perform music from Memories of the Far Shore with an ambient light—sound installation by PROVE TH≡ CRYSTAL Doors 7:00pm Music at 7:30 $10 at the door $12 Ticket + a hand drawn sticker by .paperman | |||
| THU 27 JULY | SHINY OBJECT AND JAN’S SOUNDSYSTEM PRESENT THE SOUL ALL -DAYER @BABYDUDES 12 HOURS OF SOUL DJs on JAN’s SOUNDSYSTEM 11 am – 11 pm FREE – ALL PERSONS WELCOME |
NOW SHOWING
THE FOLK LIFE:
GARDE RAIL GALLERY RETROSPECTIVE
Garde Rail Gallery marks its 27th anniversary with a retrospective exhibition, “The Folk Life”, honoring the artists it has represented over the years. The show will open at Shiny Object Studio on May 16th, followed by a curator’s talk at 4 PM on May 17th, 2025. Garde Rail Gallery specialises in contemporary, self-taught, and outsider artists. More info.
THE SHINY SPACE
LISTENING ROOM
Music matters to us. And we’re proud to feature a classy sound system provided by our good friends at Jan’s Place Vinyl Bar. This system features a full vinyl listening experience, allowing visitors to experience and share music with others.
LIVE EVENTS
So far we have hosted DJ workshops, book clubs, sewing circles, Singer/Songwriters, film screenings, and more. I invite you to help us fill in the blanks of what’s possible here.
The best way to keep up with the gallery is to follow on Instagram, where we have a lot of fun posting daily.
PROJECTS
In our 23rd year as a creative studio, here are some projects.
- SXSW – 15 years of programming and producing all-ages live music and cultural events. (List of artists coming soon)
- Featured Studio, EAST and WEST Austin Studio Tour
- + WORDS DAY – A day of workshops celebrating The Power of Words and Communication Through Art and Community
- + REUSE DAY – A Weekend Faire of workshops and learning around Creative Reuse. The event showcased artists and DIY projects using sustainable practices and materials.
- Maker Faire Austin – Art Party
Community-wide learning and a pop-up party for those interested in the visual arts. - Texas BookFest Pop-Up Future Lab
We created a Kids and Parents Lounge for a partner in education funding. While parents learned about college savings options, kids drew pictures, read books, and held a poetry slam.