Portraits After Dark: A 3-Night Art & Film Showcase (Mar 10th-12th)

Presented by Lovers Vintage & Renowned Magazine

✨ An exclusive pre–kickoff SXSW 2026 event (unofficial, no badge required for entry!)
📍 RichesArt Gallery — Austin, Texas
📅 March 10–12, 2026
🕘 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Join us for a three-night immersive showcase of art, photography, film, sculpture, and installations by both renowned and emerging artists! Enjoy a VIP Lounge, screenings + filmmaker commentary, art exhibitions, live music, guest speakers, and great drinks throughout the festival.

In light of the tragedy that occurred last weekend at Buford's, we are adding a community fundraising element to this event.
In-person proceeds from this event will go towards the Go-fund-me campaigns of the impacted families.

(Additional option to donate to our featured non-profit , MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), at ticket check-out is still available)

🎟 GRAB YOUR 3-DAY PASS (LIMITED)

Your 3-day pass includes full access to:

• Opening Art Reception: Portraits After Dark
• Film screenings & live discussions featuring works by Paul Sapiano
  (Driving While Black, The Boy & Girl’s Guide to Getting Down, Love at Poor Sight)
• Short film Princess of Nowhere by Nina Kaze, with Director of Photography Bonnie Jun

🎞 About the Films
Driving While Black (2015) is an American black comedy directed by Paul Sapiano and starring Dominique Purdy.
The Boy & Girl’s Guide to Getting Down captures the raw, Hollywood nightlife culture of the mid-2000s and the spirit of the indiesleaze era.

Each night includes filmmaker commentary, with a full live director panel and audience Q&A to close the festival.

One ticket. Three nights. Art, film, and conversation—one unforgettable experience.
(Single-day passes also available.)

🎨 DAY 1 — “PORTRAITS AFTER DARK”

📅 DAY 1 — “Portraits After Dark”
Opening Art Reception

📸 Photography by Stellina Stampouli
🎨 Digital art & projections
🖼 Paintings by Dax Norman
🗿 Sculptures by Paul Lewis

Opening Reception + Artist Meet & Greet

Program Highlights:
9:00 PM-Art reception begins
9:30 PM -Welcoming introduction & guest speaker segment with
Texas Archive of the Moving Image (TAMI)

Live Music:
🎶 Smoking Hand

Live Performances:
🎤 Norman Ba$e & friends

Performance Schedule:
11:00–11:20 PM — Frederick Boom
11:30 PM–12:00 AM — Norman Ba$e
12:10–12:30 AM — Grim Village
12:40–1:00 AM — AMalÍ
1:00–1:20 AM — Ayo Tamz
1:30–1:50 AM — Bahkey

🌟 VIP LOUNGE ADD-ON

Upgrade to VIP and enjoy:
🥂 2 Complimentary drinks
🎨 Backstage access with artists & filmmakers
🕹️🎮 Private VIP lounge & arcade
📖 A copy of Renowned Magazine

Limited VIP tickets available.

🎬 DAY 2 — SHORT & FEATURE FILM SHOWCASE + COMMENTARY

Hosted by LA comedian Jennie Mintz

9:00 PM — Doors open
9:30 PM — Austin School of Film Guest Speaker
10:00 PM — Princess of Nowhere
🎤 film screening & commentary 
10:30 PM— Driving While Black
🎤 film screening & commentary, Dominique Purdy & Paul Sapiano
12:30 AM — Comedy set by Jennie Mintz 

12:40 AM DJ Set: NORMAN BA$E

🎬 One short film + one feature
🎤 Film commentary for each

🌟 VIP Lounge Add-On available (limited)

Upgrade to VIP and enjoy:
🥂 2 Complimentary drinks
🎨 Backstage access with artists & filmmakers
🕹️🎮 Private VIP lounge & arcade
📖 A copy of Renowned Magazine

🎥 DAY 3 — FEATURE FILM + DIRECTOR PANEL

Hosted by LA comedian Jennie Mintz

9:00 PM - Doors open
9:30 PM - Love at Poor Sight (short film)
10:00 PM - The Boy & Girl’s Guide to Getting Down — Paul Sapiano

12:00 AM- Directors' Panel Q&A Paul Sapiano & Remote Call in from Nina Kaz

12:30 AM - Comedy Set by Jennie Mintz

12:45 AM - Open mic (Open to all artists)

🎤 live director panel & audience Q&A
🎤 MC-hosted discussion

🌟 VIP Lounge Add-On available (limited)

Upgrade to VIP and enjoy:
🥂 2 Complimentary drinks
🎨 Backstage access with artists & filmmakers
🕹️🎮 Private VIP lounge & arcade
📖 A copy of Renowned Magazine

✨ Three nights. One pass. A full-spectrum art and film experience.