A LONG TIME AGO...
...well not so long ago, in a galaxy not so far away (Austin, TX) two girl friends - bonded by their love of Star Wars, music, local art, philanthropy, and fun decided they should put together a charity event that brought all those things together! Realizing the task ahead of them was a daunting one, Stephanie Marlar and Lisa Taye Cohen enlisted the help of Rob Gasper, a local artist, and Jonathan McMahon, a museum professional with expertise in gallery exhibitions and event planning.
AND SO...
We've organized a philanthropic group dedicated to inspiring the public through the popular arts. We aim to bring the Austin community together through the exhibition and celebration of local food, arts, and performance while paying homage to the fandoms that shaped our lives!
Stephanie Marlar, President
We offer many ways to give: donations, volunteering, or purchasing merchandise. All while celebrating the pop culture you already enjoy with like-minded individuals. Welcome!
EVENTS
KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD, YOU SAY...
TRUE TO OUR CITY'S UNOFFICIAL SLOGAN:
We're keeping things weird & focused on local cultural arts that celebrate and give back to our community. The artists involved in our events generally create pieces and performances that inject the humorous, irreverent flare that has made Austin famous and our neighborhoods feel like home.
May the 4th be with Y'all!
Set your navicomputer and punch it to Central Machine Works on May 4th! This Star Wars-inspired charity event brings performers & artists together for a night of costume contests, vendors, food, drinks, music, and lightsabers!
Sidney Kidney's Dumpster Dive
Currently in production - stay tuned!
IT’S GETTING HOTH IN HERE
Two nights of fun, coinciding with the release of “ The Rise of Skywalker” with proceeds benefiting the Safe Alliance of Austin!
SPONSORS
TEAM
Stephanie (Dougherty) Marlar
PRESIDENT
A professional singer for over twenty years; most notably with internationally renown celtic-punk group, The Dropkick Murphys, spending several years traveling as singer & assistant in merchandising. Touring gave her a wide range of experience in promotion, production, booking, stage plots, show advancement, merchandising, and financial management. She has a keen enthusiasm for sharing her passions with her community - which include all things Star Wars, Pee Wee Herman, and Dunkin' Donuts - but most of all, she loves fun!
JONATHAN McMAHON
VICE PRESIDENT
Grew up in a family well-immersed in the Chicago art scene that exposed him to every aspect of the industry from an early age. His degree in Museum Anthropology lead him to conduct research in many prestigious institutions including Harvard University, the Smithsonian Institution, The Field Museum, & the American Museum of Natural History. He has curated exhibits & pioneered new technologies for interactive displays. He currently owns an LLC dedicated to the creation of themed entertainment venues in Austin, Texas. In addition to Star Wars, he can be found yelling at his computer screen about Alien/s, Planet of the Apes, & Swamp Thing!
ROB GASPER
Secretary
A professional artist for 25 years & the owner of The Foundry International (Austin, TX) & co-founder of Guerillart: Art For the People. He's created hundreds of concert posters for a variety of venues, such as Stubb's BBQ & Emo's as well as international music acts to include Ludacris, Reverend Horton Heat, & Jimmie Vaughan. Additionally, he has experience in entertainment venue management & has facilitated hundreds of events as manager of the historic Continental Club (Austin, TX). He'll fight you over which episodes of The Clone Wars & Rebels are best!
Andy Forbes
Art Director
With a BFA in theatrical design, Andy brings authenticity and creativity to every project. From stormtroopers to Mandalorians, Jawas to Tusken Raiders, Andy has embodied iconic characters and crafted intricate sets that transport fans to a galaxy far, far away. When he's not teaching woodworking at the University of Texas, he's a key member of Feral Fabrications, an Austin, TX-based art fabrication studio.
Wendy Anderson
Cheif Executive Officer
Wendy Anderson is the ultimate Star Wars connoisseur. From Aayla Secura to Mandalorian, Jawa to Twi'lek Mandalorian, Boba Fett to Hoth Leia, and even bridal Leia, Wendy has donned them all. In fact, she even got married to Andy Forbes at Alamo Drafthouse - South Lamar dressed as Leia, as a promotion for the Rise of Skywalker Premiere. When Wendy isn't saving the galaxy with Silver Leg Creative, you can find her studying the flora and fauna of Texas in her work or painting all things fantastical like Banthas or Rancors. Her enthusiasm for all things Star Wars brings a unique perspective to her work, and her love for the franchise is contagious.
the end, it is.
