Artgasm! East Austin Studio Tour kicks off tomorrow

Oh it's on. It's on like Donkey Kong.

The East Austin Studio Tour kicks off tomorrow y'all, and we are talking mayjah changes from years past. Good changes! Of note:

1. LENGTH. In the past, EAST has spanned one weekend. This year, it spans nine days and two weekends. Take that, recession.

2. PARTIES. Also in the past, EAST was open-house style: You walked or rode your little bike from studio to studio, perusing the innards and perhaps watching the artists at work. This year, there are also several parties happening midweek at EAST, one that involves a human-propelled Viking ship.

3. CRAFTING. There is soo much creative badassery to see during EAST - 154 studios, to be exact - but one of Austin Eavesdropper's most anticipated stops is Smith Road Studios, where Etsy Austin will be hanging out and providing craft tutorials. Demos will be held each weekend afternoon, meaning tomorrow and Sunday, and again next Saturday and Sunday. AE can knit a scarf like nobody's business, but is a sad fool when it comes to crocheting. She hopes the Etsy gals can help.

4. AUSTIN GARDEN PARTY. This is not an "official" EAST event, but while you're in the neighborhood this weekend, the first-ever Austin Garden Party will be happening at The Liberty! Think Second Sunday Sock Hop, but '20s themed. There will even be a photo booth there to immortalize your dandy self. 6pm this Sunday.

Some fellow Austinist writers and I are doing artist previews this week and next on EAST, so head over there for additional studio recommendations. Arts editor Emily Weerts penned an excellent survival guide-cum-studio picks list for the festivities, and a printable map for EAST can be found here.

Do you have any must-sees for EAST to contribute, Reader?