Art and artists
What is Dear Diary Market?
Our shop in East Austin is our only location, but we share our retail space with dozens of local, working artists. This side of our shop is lovingly referred to Dear Diary Market, and it gives painters, jewelers, and other artisans a place to sell their work all year long. Dear Diary also creates economic opportunities by hosting art shows and markets, and by provided art teachers with a place to teach workshops.
We love community building through creative activities, and we really care about the local economy. All the coffee and locally crafted gifts you buy from us support this mission.
Meetups
Drip N Draw – Every Saturday from 4pm – 7pm
Open Mic – Every Sunday from 4pm – 7pm
Check our Instagram for less regular meetings such as 444orce Open Mics and East Austin Writing Group meetups.
Blog
Feb 26, 2023 Dear Diary hosts maker market from 12pm-4pm
Calling all makers and bakers! Dear Diary is hosting a vegan makers market at 1212 Chicon St. and 1208 Chicon St. on February 26th. The event will be from 12pm – 4pm.
Set up Shop at Dear Diary Coffee
Bakers and makers, sell your baked goods, art, jewelry, and other handcrafts at Dear Diary Coffee on our peak traffic days.
Secret Show 2022 – Photos & Recordings
Recap of Secret Show 2022, plus links to photos and recordings
Secret Show 2022 – Audio from Acts II and III
Listen to recordings from Acts II and III of Secret Show 2022
Betrayed Biking – 1st place short story contest winner
Andrew Hairston’s fast-paced, provocative short story is a joy to read. The content explores adult subject matter, so reader discretion is advised.
Austin Studio Tour 2022 – Creative Cuties x Dear Diary Coffee Stop
Uhhh.... Austin Studio Tour! Okay, it was SO GREAT, y'all. We were able to lease the courtyard less than a block South of the shop at 1208 Chicon thanks to the nice folks at Mission Possible. We filled it up with artists — there was an artist market, musicians performing on the stage, street artists spraying away... SO DANG FUN.
Scott Mccloud’s 24 hour comics challenge in Austin, TX
Scott McCloud is a guy that challenged himself to write, draw, ink, and color a comic book in 24 hours. And he did! Good for him.
Ever since that day in August of 1990, art nerds have been challenging themselves to make a comic in 24 hours... the first Saturday of October. Okay, whatever nerds.
Short Story Contest #2
Win two passes to the Austin Film Festival! The theme of our second short story contest is Bikes.
x-y-zine market
Come check out art and small press at this indie artist market July 2, 2022.
Art closing party
May 18th is the last night of Cara Jackson's show, Iconic Texas and Cristina Romero’s special residency (Howdy Ceramics). Meet the artists, and purchase fine art, ceramics, stickers, and prints. Guests may bring their own beer and wine. Food and non-alcohol beverages will be for sale as well.
Four Fangs
The vampire protagonist in William Falo's short story isn't too happy about their condition; making friends is really hard when you're the walking dead! This quick little ready is melancholy and sweet.
The Mustache
A young girl discovers she has the power to make mustaches appear on people. Is this magical ability a gift or a curse?
Four Queens Short Story Contest
Enter this short story fiction contest! It’s FREE and there are cash prizes. Winners will be announced Monday, May 16th. Have fun!