Austin Exhibit Celebrates Black-Owned Businesses

Photographer Steven Hatchett's 'Holding Spaces' showcases local Black-owned shops and their owners.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:55pm

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A new photography exhibition in Austin, Texas, titled 'Holding Spaces,' highlights the city's vibrant Black-owned businesses and the people behind them. Photographer Steven Hatchett's work features local establishments like Luv Fats Ice Cream, Shag Noir Salon, and RichesArt Gallery, captured in a style of contemporary Black portraiture. The opening event, curated by Taylor Danielle Davis, will allow attendees to browse an interactive reading nook stocked by exhibition sponsor Black Pearl Books and view pieces from RichesArt owner Richard Samuel's personal collection.

Why it matters

Austin's history with Black-owned businesses has been complex, but the city is home to many incredible Black-owned spaces and places. This exhibition aims to celebrate and amplify these businesses, which often serve as important 'third spaces' for the community.

The details

The 'Holding Spaces' exhibition opens this Thursday at the Central Library's second-floor gallery. Photographer Steven Hatchett's work highlights a variety of local Black-owned businesses, capturing the owners and spaces in a style of contemporary Black portraiture. The opening event, curated by Taylor Danielle Davis, will feature an interactive reading nook stocked by exhibition sponsor Black Pearl Books, as well as pieces from RichesArt owner Richard Samuel's personal collection.

  • The 'Holding Spaces' exhibition opens this Thursday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Steven Hatchett

A photographer whose new exhibition 'Holding Spaces' celebrates Black-owned businesses in Austin.

Taylor Danielle Davis

The curator of the 'Holding Spaces' exhibition opening event.

Richard Samuel

The owner of RichesArt Gallery, whose personal collection will be on display at the 'Holding Spaces' opening event.

Black Pearl Books

An exhibition sponsor that will provide books for an interactive reading nook at the 'Holding Spaces' opening event.

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The takeaway

This exhibition highlights the vibrant and important role that Black-owned businesses play in the Austin community, serving as both commercial enterprises and vital 'third spaces' that bring people together. By amplifying and supporting these local businesses, the city can continue to foster a more inclusive and equitable future.