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 things.
Garde Rail Gallery Exhibition:
“The Folk Life” Opens May 16
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.
SHINY CALENDAR
| THU 8 MAY | RAD TEXTILES MEET-UP (FORMERLY TEXTILE ARTS CC) Hang out and get to know other artists working in textiles. Watch short films about global textile arts. Everyone welcome. 6 – 9 pm | $20 at the door | |||
| FRI 16 MAY | THE FOLK LIFE ART SHOW GARDE RAIL GALLERY RETROSPECTIVE of AMERICAN FOLK ART 5 pm – 8 pm Read the blog post for images and information. | |||
| THU 20 MAY | CINEMA OF SOUND FILM SCREENING – “TRUE STORIES” Every month we show movies about music and one of our favorite DJs plays a set of music about the movie. In May we’re celebrating Specialness by screening the offbeat TRUE STORIES, a 1986 film classic directed by David Byrne of Talking Heads. PG-13 6:30 pm – 9 pm / $20 AT THE DOOR. Everyone welcome. | |||
| THU 22 MAY | RAD TEXTILES MEET-UP (FORMERLY TEXTILE ARTS CC) Hang out and get to know other artists working in textiles. Watch short films about global textile arts. Everyone welcome. 6 – 9 pm | $20 at the door |
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.