Kerry Awn: Austin’s Multi-Talented Artist, Comedian, and Musician

Kerry Awn, a dynamic figure in Austin, redefined the city’s cultural landscape. You’ll uncover his talents spanned from comedy to music and visual arts, especially with his renowned Austintatious mural. Known for sharp observational humor, he was crowned Austin’s Funniest Person in 1986.

His rich legacy in concert poster art from the Armadillo World Headquarters period enriches his impactful narrative. There’s more about his artistic journey that continues to inspire Austin.

Early Life and Arrival in Austin

Kerry Awn, originally Kerry Wallace Fitzgerald, found his artistic path when he moved to Austin in 1971 as a freshman at the University of Texas.

Immersing yourself in the lively Austin countercultural scene, you’d quickly find that Awn’s passion for political cartooning served as his entry point into the art world. By 1972, adopting the pseudonym “Kerry Awn” while working for The Daily Texan, he began shaping his artistic identity.

His talent soon spilled over into creating concert posters for the legendary Armadillo World Headquarters, a hub of the 1970s Austin music scene.

An unforgettable swim at Barton Springs sealed his love for the city, where Austin’s unique charm—contrasting with California and New York—inspired his commitment to its artistic community.

Contributions to Austin’s Comedy Scene

As you explore Austin’s lively artistic scene, it’s impossible to overlook the city’s rich comedic landscape, where Kerry Awn has left an indelible mark.

Awn’s comedy career began at the Houston Comedy Workshop in 1981, but it was at Esther’s Follies from 1982 to 2011 where he truly shone. His outlandish characters and comedic flair captivated audiences, solidifying his reputation.

In 1986, Awn’s wit earned him the title of Funniest Person in Austin, highlighting his impact on the local comedy scene. He was a staple at The Velveeta Room, named after his character Ronnie Velveeta, showcasing his versatility.

Awn’s observational humor, often commenting on Austin’s transformation into a festival-driven city, further cemented his legacy in Austin’s comedy world.

The Iconic Austintatious Mural

The Austintatious mural stands as a vibrant tribute to Austin’s artistic spirit. Created in 1974, it’s more than just art—it’s a cultural landmark.

Located at the 23rd Street Renaissance Market, the mural has endured both time and vandalism. You might remember its defacement by graffiti in 1994 and again in January 2014. Kerry Awn, alongside original co-creators Tom Bauman and Rick Turner, led a successful restoration campaign in June 2014, raising $30,000 to restore its brilliance.

In October 2021, the team marked the mural’s 47th anniversary with another restoration, reaffirming its cultural importance.

Despite another act of vandalism, Awn and his collaborators returned in April 2024, demonstrating their dedication to preserving this iconic piece of public art.

Historical Significance
Restoration Efforts
Cultural Importance

Cartoon and Poster Art Legacy

Beyond the Austintatious mural, you’ll find Kerry Awn’s artistic fingerprint on Austin’s vibrant counterculture through his cartoon and poster work.

Awn’s art was featured in early underground newspapers like The Rag and Space City News. His posters promoted concerts at legendary venues like The Ritz and La Zona Rosa.

During the Armadillo World Headquarters era, Awn created posters and flyers that captured the spirit of the time. These are now archived at the Austin History Center as part of the Armadillo Art Squad collection.

Awn’s style—infused with humor and psychedelic flair—has made a lasting impression on Austin’s visual arts identity.

Musical Adventures With Uranium Savages

Kerry Awn’s musical journey took a creative turn when he co-founded the Uranium Savages, a satirical rock band, in 1974. The group combined music with irreverent comedy and theatrical performances.

Their first performance was at the Soap Creek Saloon, and they soon became known for:

Theatrical Antics: Costumes, props, and onstage satire that created a cult following.
Impact on Austin’s Music Scene: Their outrageous shows were a staple in the 1970s and 1980s counterculture.
Comedy-Music Fusion: Awn’s comedic skills added energy to their musical performances.

Their legacy lives on in the form of tributes, reunions, and lasting influence on Austin’s performance art scene.

Painting and Visual Art Achievements

While Kerry Awn’s musical talents resonate, his achievements in painting and visual art are equally notable.

His portrait of Willie Nelson, featured in the “Outlaws & Armadillos” exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame, underscores his national-level contributions.

The Austintatious mural, restored in 2014 and again in 2021, is one of his most enduring projects, highlighting his commitment to preserving Austin’s cultural legacy.

Awn’s distinctive artwork—ranging from hand-drawn concert posters to satirical illustrations—can be found in the Austin History Center and continues to define the modern Texas visual style.

Awards and Recognition in the Arts Community

Recognizing his wide-ranging influence, Kerry Awn has been inducted into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame.

This honor underscores his impact as a comedian, visual artist, and musician. Voted Austin’s Funniest Person multiple times by The Austin Chronicle, Awn’s comic legacy remains unmatched.

He’s received city and state-level honors, and fellow creatives like Brently Heilbron have acknowledged his formative role in Texas’s artistic evolution.

Iconic creations like the Austintatious mural and his concert posters are tangible symbols of that legacy.

Austin Arts Hall of Fame Inductee
Multiple-time Funniest Person Winner
Honors from the City of Austin and State of Texas