Mark Renner is a visual artist and musician. Born in Baltimore but growing up in the outlying countryside, his work is infused with the stillness and solitude of rural living and countless hours spent quietly observing.

His first solo exhibition, The Lost Years, was displayed in Baltimore in 1985, and was followed by a 1989 exhibition, Creatures That Die In A Season. At this time, Renner also recorded two albums, 1986’s All Walks of This Life and 1988’s Painter’s Joy. His 1990 book of linocuts, The Breath of Everyman, featured chronicles and small fragments of the lives of the proletariat. His second book, Sweeping the Floors in the Temple of Life, was released in 2001.

In 2018, Renner’s music received renewed attention when the Brooklyn-based label RVNG compiled music from his early albums into the collection Few Traces. The album received positive critical attention across the globe, introducing many to an artist few outside Baltimore had previously heard.

Renner has released albums of instrumental and vocal music throughout the past three decades, including his latest album, Salt and Firewood, released in early 2019. His next vocal recording, Seaworthy Vessels Are In Short Supply, will be released later this year.

Renner has exhibited throughout the United States and in Europe. His work was selected for the 2010 Southern Open and The Harnett Biennial of American Prints, and he received first place honors in that year’s Grand Prairie Juried Invitational. He currently resides in North Texas.

Renner often creates music to accompany his artwork, and opening night will feature a solo performance by Renner. The event will also feature performances by Jana Horn and Sean Tomas. Opening night hours are from 7-10 pm.

Renner will give a full-band performance the following night, July 6, at Kinda Tropical. Future Museums, The Infinites, and Distant Future will also be performing. The event takes place from 9pm-midnight.

fields is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department and is a sponsored project of Big Medium.