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Art as a connector: Cedar Park’s ArtDirect frames art and community

ArtDirect, a Cedar Park-based business, has grown from a professional framing shop into a full-service art hub connecting artists, designers and customers under one roof.

The overview: Originally launched as an e-commerce framing business in the 1990s, the company relocated to Cedar Park in 2024 after operating from several sites around the Austin area. Today, it offers custom-built wood frames alongside services such as canvas stretching, sports jersey and mirror framing, art installation, delivery and pickup, as well as fine art printing and frame strategy guidance.

Support local art: Beyond production, ArtDirect supports more than 1,200 artists locally and globally through gallery space, storage and technical support, while also educating customers on preservation methods to build trust and informed buying decisions. The 9,000-square-foot facility includes a gallery showcasing emerging and established artists, with prices ranging from affordable prints to high-end originals.

Of note: The company also participates in community partnerships and charitable efforts, positioning itself as a connector for artists, collectors and everyday buyers throughout the Austin area.

 
Williamson County Coverage
WilCo veterans receive donation from Georgetown VFW

Veterans in Williamson County facing financial challenges will receive support from a $5,000 donation from the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ local Georgetown chapter.

What happened: Williamson County Director of Veteran Services Michael Hernandez presented the donation alongside the local VFW Commander John McCleskey, a retired navy master chief, at an April 28 Commissioners Court meeting.

“We've had a collaboration for some time now, and they have supported us financially with veterans in need,” Hernandez said at the meeting.

Because the VFW did not place restrictions on the donation, Veteran Services will have the flexibility to assist local veterans with a wide range of essential expenses. The funds can be used to help cover utilities, rent or mortgage payments, food and transportation, Hernandez said.

Digging deeper: The VFW is a national nonprofit organization with over 9,000 local chapters, aiming to support and unite veterans, especially those who have served overseas, according to its website.

 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

ATX Fashion Week

Austin Psych Fest 2026

May 7-9, times vary
Austin

May 8-10, times vary
Austin

More info

More info

 

8th Annual Round Rock Donut Dash

Migratory Bird Day Festival

May 9, 6:45 a.m.
Round Rock

May 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
San Marcos

More info

More info

 
To submit your own event, click here.

Mark Your Calendar
Charli XCX, Twenty One Pilots and Skrillex to headline ACL Music Festival in 2026

Austin City Limits released its 2026 lineup, revealing headliners including Lorde and Kings of Leon, as well as Austin-based acts like The Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Collective and Grocery Bag. 

This year marks the festival’s 25th anniversary, taking place over two weekends: Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11 at Zilker Park. 

Learn more: The full list of headliners also includes The xx and Rüfüs Du Sol. Other sets will also showcase music from Turnstile, Labrinth, Lola Young and The Chainsmokers. 

Other performers expected to perform at the festival are Suki Waterhouse, Rebecca Black, Natasha Bedingfield and Blood Orange. Check out the full lineup on the ACL Music Festival website. 

 
CI Texas
Q&A: John Cornyn and Ken Paxton face off in May Republican runoff for US Senate

On May 26, Texas Republican voters will choose their nominee for the U.S. Senate in a runoff election between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton.

The big picture: The Republican race for U.S. Senate is one of several statewide contests that advanced to May runoffs after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the March 3 primary election.

Cornyn and Paxton were the two highest-performing candidates in the eight-way primary race, with Cornyn securing 42% of the vote to Paxton's 41%.

At the polls: Early voting in Texas' runoff elections runs from May 18-22, and runoff election day is May 26.

Looking ahead: The winner of the May 26 overtime round will face the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate—state Rep. James Talarico of Austin—in the November midterm election. Third-party and independent candidates may also appear on the November ballot, and the winner of that election will be sworn in to the U.S. Senate in January 2027.

 

Your local team

Haley McLeod
Editor

Denise Seiler
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.

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