When I think of community-driven art in Austin, LuxeArt Agency is the first name that comes to mind. Founded by Samantha Anne, LuxeArt has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant, inclusive collective that champions both new and established artists alike. I’ve known Samantha for over a decade and had the honor of speaking at one of her exhibitions at Freddo—an experience that felt more like a celebration of creative kinship than a gallery show.
We recently caught up for a deep conversation about how LuxeArt began, what fuels its mission, and where it’s headed next. Her story is a reminder of how one person’s passion can spark a movement.
From Pandemic Curator to Community Builder
Samantha’s journey into curating began during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. She told me about how she was originally invited to showcase her own work at a downtown bar—but rather than take the spotlight alone, she decided to invite a few fellow artists to join in. The show turned out to be a hit, and soon after, she was asked to curate for the W Hotel.
That spark was enough to inspire the creation of LuxeArt Agency. The name itself reflects her intention to offer a premium, intentional experience in the art world—one that honors both professionalism and heart.
She shared that her own early experiences in Austin’s art scene weren’t always welcoming. “It felt very cliquish and divided,” she admitted. “I didn’t know where to take my art and felt completely lost.” That realization became the foundation for LuxeArt: a platform to support artists who feel like they don’t fit the mold.
Embracing Diversity in the Austin Art Scene
We talked about what makes the Austin art scene so unique, and Samantha pointed to its energy and openness—but also acknowledged that accessibility still has its challenges. LuxeArt sets itself apart by welcoming artists of all backgrounds, including those who are neurodivergent or just starting their journey. There’s no ego here—only effort.
As LuxeArt has grown, so has Samantha’s approach to working with artists. It’s not just about who has the flashiest portfolio. She looks at the full picture: social media presence, communication, and how well artists can manage the many hats required in the creative industry. “These qualities matter just as much as the work itself,” she told me. “We’re here to help artists develop those skills.”
Behind the Scenes of a LuxeArt Event
I was curious about her process for curating a show, especially since the LuxeArt experiences feel so well-orchestrated. Samantha broke it down step by step: picking a venue, defining a theme, sending out an artist call, and conducting interviews. From there, it’s all about coordination—contracts, newsletters, art pickup, and finally, the hands-on curation.
She usually curates the final layout herself, often with help from a team member or engineer. Promotion is just as crucial, and everyone involved—artists included—plays a part in getting the word out. “We’re building community every step of the way,” she said.
One story that stood out was about an artist she once helped find studio space. With time, that artist built their own successful platform. “Watching that journey was incredible. I’m so proud of them,” she shared, glowing with genuine pride.
Art, Content & Confidence
But LuxeArt isn’t just about exhibitions—it’s a full ecosystem. Samantha told me about LuxeArt Media, a department within the agency where artists collaborate on content creation. Whether it’s photography, video, or social media strategy, it’s all designed to boost visibility. “Artists shouldn’t have to wait until they’re dead to be recognized,” she said with a laugh—but she wasn’t joking.
We talked a lot about the balance between online presence and real-world exposure. For Samantha, it’s not either/or. Artists are encouraged to reshare tagged content, which creates a ripple effect of support. Still, not everyone’s naturally comfortable with public speaking or being on camera, so LuxeArt also works behind the scenes to build confidence gently and respectfully.
What Artists Need to Hear
When I asked her what advice she’d give to emerging artists trying to break into the professional space, she didn’t hesitate. “Stay authentic. Build your online presence. Network. Be consistent. Keep creating.” Her list went on—but each point was grounded in experience. Samantha believes in constant growth and reminds artists to be resilient, open to critique, and always ready to evolve.
What’s Next for LuxeArt?
Looking ahead, LuxeArt is in the process of securing its own brick-and-mortar location—a dedicated space for private chef dinners, art lessons, and exclusive experiences that blend creativity with intimacy. Samantha also sees LuxeArt expanding its media presence and eventually taking the show on the road to other cities.
And if the past few years are any indication, I have no doubt LuxeArt will keep growing—with integrity, passion, and a whole lot of soul.
Final Thoughts
It’s rare to see an art collective that not only showcases work but also champions the person behind the piece. LuxeArt Agency is doing just that—creating not just opportunities, but also belonging.
To discover more about upcoming events, featured artists, or how to get involved, visit luxeartagency.com.
Leave a Reply