By Grace Heimsness

Austin ArtWorks Festival intern

Despite its size, Austin has cranked out more than its fair share of powerhouse artists through the years. We’re lucky enough to have two such artists returning to show their work this August for the third annual ArtWorks Festival.

“Every brushstroke, a heartbeat. Every color, a breath.” So says Austin native Eric Anfinson in “Along the Edges,” a short film directed by Marky Pierson which depicts the inspiration behind several of Anfinson’s paintings. Not that his pieces need any such explanation; each strikes the viewer with something of the power in Anfinson’s opening line, every brushstroke as singular as a heartbeat, each color seeming to breathe with life.

And maybe it’s no wonder that his paintings seem to exude and embrace life; Anfinson, who now lives and paints full time in Key West, Fla., has transcended the paralysis he suffered at 16 years old, on Friday the 13th — the result of an impact during a Packer football game — to become an award-winning artist. Don’t miss him in the Turbine Gallery this August.

Those who are into surrealism, who can appreciate the truly unique, can also find last year’s purchase award winner Micah Ofstedahl in the Turbine Gallery. Ofstedahl describes his work as “scientific surrealism,” juxtaposing these two seemingly disparate concepts — science being rational and the surreal irrational — and revealing “that they are not only both part of our reality but are a symbiotic pair.” Ofstedahl, who creates charcoal works as well as paintings, has been turning heads since his high school days, where he won Austin High School’s Artist of the Year in 2000. While you’re waiting for August to roll around, check out his work at micahofstedahl.com, and be sure to follow the ArtWorks Festival on Facebook for the most up-to-date news. Until next week, hold on tight.