Our long-time friends at River City Silver, Hank and Susan Auderer, in their unique down-home, aw-shucks manner, are proud to present Race Fans: Portraits From The Day of The Drag Race, a series of images by Austin photographer George Brainard. As Susan noted: Vintage cars and hot rods will be on display during the opening reception. Hot dogs, chips, moon pies, Lone Star beer and RC Cola will be served up to complete the race day feel. And that it did. Breaking our cardinal rule of not consuming any foodstuffs at opening receptions, we were so hungry we managed to splurge on BBQ sausage and Twinkies. Never had a regret. Though the sugar from the twinkies does permeate one’s teeth for a long time.

Exhibit title board at River City Silver.

George Brainard, featured artist, Race Fans exhibit at River City Silver.

A sixth generation Texan, George Brainard was raised in Austin. His father was a former FBI agent/Renaisance man (who was among other things the Official Blacksmith of the State of Texas). His mother was a second grade schoolteacher who later ran her own event planning company. When George was eleven his Aunt took him on a trip to Washington D.C. and let him use her 35mm camera. He was hooked. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1993 with a degree in Studio Art.

For many years George led a double life of photographer by day and musician by night. He fronted numerous bands including a seven-piece group in the mid nineties that recorded three CDs of original music and toured the country.

In 1999 George gave up the nightlife to focus exclusively on his photographic career (he was sick of living in a van with six other guys). Since then he has amassed an impressive client list by making beautiful photographs and making sure everyone has a good time in the process. He has shot over 35 CD covers, assignments for numerous national and international publications, advertisements and catalogues (both local and national) and worked for some of the largest corporations in the country.

George lives in the hills east of Austin with his wife, Mindy; daughter, Lillian and a turtle named Earl.

River City Silver co-owner Hank Auderer on sausage duty.

River City Silver co-owner Susan Auderer womanning the foodstuffs.

Images from Race Fans: Portraits From The Day of The Drag Race.

Images from Race Fans: Portraits From The Day of The Drag Race.

Images from Race Fans: Portraits From The Day of The Drag Race.

Images from Race Fans: Portraits From The Day of The Drag Race.

Opening reception for George Brainard’s exhibit at River City Silver.

Opening reception for George Brainard’s exhibit at River City Silver.

Mad man/photographer Kemp Davis stoked up on beer and Twinkies, jumps in the way of a photograph of Jerry Craft, Jeffrey Dyer and Ann Kinser. Susan Auderer keeps her cool.

Julia Allen from Austin. Julia is an intern at George Brainard’s studio.

Lloyd Walsh and Allegra Castro.

Brian Auderer, one of the organizers of the Day of The Drag Race, standing by his portrait showing his Kontinentals car club t-shirt. Brian is Hank Auderer’s cousin.

Ann Kinser, and Susan and Hank Auderer.

An excellent metaphor.

Vintage car outside River City Silver.

Hot-rod outside River City Silver.