New gallery exhibit features history and the macabre
Published 6:30 pm Wednesday, June 18, 2025
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Ashley Vooortman. Photo provided
An example of John Durfy’s work at the Paramount Theatre. Photo provided
The Austin ArtWorks Center has opened a new gallery exhibit that will run through Aug. 20.
The small gallery features the creepy crafts of Ashley Voortman while the larger gallery provides a look at Paramount (Theatre) history through the lens and artistry of John Durfy.
Voortman has been making art for over 15 years.
“I’ve tried many forms of art through the years including painting, drawing, sculpting, graphic design, screen printing, felting, sewing, jewelry making, animation (and even that one time I tried knitting),” Voortman said. “Lately I’ve landed somewhere between content creation and sculpting. You might know me as the teapot/circle window/octopus lady.”
Over two million people follow Voortman on TikTok, Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Durfy is the artist who worked on the 1990s restoration of the Historic Paramount Theatre. He holds a BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and has had exhibitions and commissioned work throughout the state, country, and internationally.
Durfy spent over 800 hours during the late 90s uncovering and replicating the original 1929 designs that lay underneath many layers of paint. His process included research, carefully uncovering the original designs, creating stencils for each color and pattern, creating samples on paper, verifying colors, and repainting the lobby and theatre details.
Durfy’s samples and stencils are on display along with other photos from the Paramount’s rich history. Durfy and his wife Lois will be doing an artist talk from 5-7 p.m. on Aug. 20.
The ArtWorks Center and 2nd floor gallery are open for public viewing Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.austinareaarts.org or call the Austin ArtWorks Center office Tuesday through Saturday during regular business hours at 507-434-0934.
