We had the good fortune of connecting with Shay Jung and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shay, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
We believe that art and play is an essential component for people of all ages and abilities. To help enrich our community, we hire local artists to teach us the skills they’ve acquired. Our teachers are hand picked for their expertise and teaching experience. We are always adding new classes to our schedule. The lab is a multimedia space where we can explore painting, needle and handwork, digital design, pastels, soap making and more.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I worked at a private cancer practice for ten years and was a marketing consultant for small businesses for five of those in the San Francisco Bay Area. My family moved to the Austin area February 2020, unprepared for the global shutdown to follow six weeks later. After moving to Hutto in September of 2020, I tried to find fellow creatives in Williamson County. As my relationships grew with local natives, I found that my dream of opening an artists studio could fit right into my new community. My hobbies have always been exploring art in various mediums and I wanted to make it my career.

My grand vision is to continue to add to our current roster of 15 artists to teach classes for the booming community in Taylor, Texas.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Old Taylor High is the social hub of Taylor, Texas; home of the new Samsung Chip factory that has made national news. This small town is experiencing tremendous overnight growth that will only increase as the factory approached competition. The Hangout Pinball Lounge and Arcade is one of the best places to take a friend. You can enjoy the atmosphere with kids during the day- but after 7PM it’s adults only gaming time. Rolando’s Food Truck has some of the best Birria in Texas.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Cliff and Kaitlin Olle are the owners and restorative geniuses behind Old Taylor High, the home of Wilco Art Lab. They purchased a decommissioned High School in Taylor, Texas built in 1923. All classrooms have been converted into businesses- and Old Taylor High has become a social hub in this growing town. Eat, Drink, Shop & Play all in one location with 17 unique businesses to visit. Coffee, Beer, 6 food options, an arcade, bookstore, boutique and the art lab are just a few stores within the school.

Website: wilcoartlab.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilcoartlab/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilcoartlab

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.