Support Local Artists
Artists are essential to Austin’s culture. Without local artists, musicians, and other creatives, Austin would lose its character—The ‘weird’ aspect that make us proud to call Austin home. As a small business, it’s our responsibility to help uplift artists, and support them every chance we get. This is why our goal at SoCo Staging is to use local artists’ work in every home we stage or design.
This will increase their exposure and hopefully help them continue to live in Austin. Displaying local art in homes also allows us to create unique designs with soul and personality. Our co-founder, Amber Wilhelm, is an artist, so she sees firsthand the struggles artists are currently facing. Where you spend your money matters, and when you work with us, know that we are doing our part to pay it forward and support the art community.
Here’s an introduction for our co-founder Amber Wilhelm. She grew up in Iowa, and always dreamed of moving out to California to study interior design. Miles and Amber met in their hometown, and shortly after, they moved to Long Beach, CA together. They drove to California with only what could fit in their cars, with no jobs or living situations lined up, and ended up finding a small apartment near the beach.
Amber took art classes at Long Beach City College, and got accepted into Cal State Long Beach for interior design. Unfortunately, it was going to cost over $100,000 to attend the 4 year course. There was no way that would work financially, and Amber pursued other options. She started reaching out to home staging companies in Los Angeles. By chance, one business happened to be hiring an assistant—This opportunity would change her life, and open her eyes to the possibilities that could come to fruition with a lot of hard work and dedication.
Amber and Miles started SoCo Staging in 2021. They have begun to build a network of wonderful clients in Austin. Now, Amber is diving back into her love of art, pursuing both of her passions simultaneously. Her wish is to continue to evolve as an artist and designer, so their business can play an essential role in supporting local creatives here in Austin, TX. Though she’s only lived in Austin for 4 years, Amber knows this is home. She wants to uplift her community, one piece of art at a time.
Some great local artists to note:
Cole Marler - Inspired by Basquiat’s work, Cole’s mixed-media paintings tell stories of his experiences & ideas that come up during the creative process. His paintings are lively, usually involving bright colors and laconic messages throughout.
Kandice Pierce - Kandice paints stunning Texas landscapes (our favorite is At First Light.) Kandice’s work is heavily influenced by her travels, documenting the places she’s been with paintings that will tell of her experiences for many years.
Umbreen Ahmad - The movement in Umbreen’s abstract paintings is impressive, and she also achieves balance in her work. Pairing bright colors and neutrals, her paintings evoke emotion and completely energize the room.
Interested in buying the art pictured? Amber's Artwork
