Movin’ on Up(stairs)
Posted by Guest Writer in 
WriteByNight is moving on up … to the second floor. After weeks of preparation, our upstairs level is now ready for the public. We have worked hard to make a space that is both functional and inspirational, with several new seating areas in which you’re free to kick back and hone your literary genius; like our comfy couch in the corner nook, or the writing desk over looking eclectic East 6th St.
To make the upstairs space a place that inspires creativity, we commissioned local artist Olivier A. Villa to complete the 18’ x 16’ acrylic mural, La Mujer de El, that now bathes our upstairs space in cool colors and dreamlike images. Visit Villa’s website to see more of his work and to read more about his artistic vision.
Our walls are also dotted by the works of another Austin artist, Mike Johnston. Johnston’s colorful paintings are inspired by street art, graffiti, calligraphy, comic books and his travels to the Far East. By day he works as an elementary art teacher, and by night he says he is just a “dreamer with a paintbrush.” Johnston enjoys getting creative with surfaces: three of his pieces on display at WBN are painted on the back of old skateboards, while the others are on distressed wood. See more of his work online, and be sure to check out his line of hand painted sneakers.
So all you Austin writers out there, stop by during our next Write Here and check out this awesome new section of WriteByNight and the local art that fills its walls. If you want to host an event or just hole up like a literary recluse, we would love to meet you and show you what we have to offer.
Katie’s work has been featured in Austin Lifestyle Magazine, Redbook Magazine, Thrillist.com, and Homerun.com. She is also excited to be contributing to the new Austin publication BE Mag, launching its first issue this November. Prior to moving to Austin, Katie worked as an associate producer for an NBC affiliate in South Florida.