As the Visual Arts Capital of Texas, San Angelo is home to an ever-growing community of local artists of every kind.
Our city regularly draws people into the scene with popular shows. Dani Headrick, Events Coordinator for Art Alliance San Angelo, is taking a different approach to artistic celebrations.
Her events welcome newcomers into the community with a hands-on experience.
Dani has hosted artistic workshops and open-mic events at various local businesses. Now, with the Art Alliance recently coming under the wing of the San Angelo Performing Arts Center, she’s looking forward to reaching a broader audience at the Black Box Theater.
Dani is passionate about event planning because she loves bringing people together, and she’s on a mission to empower local artists.
“I feel like, as an artist, you can get into these little bouts of self-doubt, where you feel like you aren’t doing enough, or you aren’t making enough art. The fact that I’ve helped even just one person come out of their shell… that makes it worth it,” she said.
What makes Dani’s events especially unique is that they challenge the myth that, in order to create and connect, these gatherings must revolve around alcohol.
She wants to make sure those who are underage or sober are still included. Unlike most other open-mic nights, Dani’s events generally aren’t hosted at bars — and if they are — the vibe is intentionally welcoming to those who choose not to drink.
“There’s this whole demographic of people who should be included, and be offered a space that’s not influenced by drugs or alcohol. It’s really prominent in society, and I don’t want anyone to feel like they have to do these things in order to share themselves with the world,” she explained.
Through personal experiences, Dani has learned what it means for a person to be sober, and how crucial it is to offer alternatives for these events.
She believes that creative expression should not rely on intoxication.
As an artist herself, Dani draws inspiration from surrealist icons like Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo, in addition to unconventional grassroots artists.
“I really like how bizarre and creative you can get with collage art,” she said, “and I’m really into surrealism.”
To view more of Dani’s work, follow her on Instagram: @caterpillarinfestation.
If you’re curious about San Angelo’s art scene, consider coming out to one of Dani’s open mics.
Her next event is slated for 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at the SoCo Taphouse, 113 E. Concho Ave, and is open to all ages
Attendees who have prints to trade are encouraged to tote them along, and everyone else is welcome to come to find some cool art and meet some interesting people.
