AMOA: Laguna Gloria Photography Excursion

All right, this isn't much of a geographic deviation from the last Photography Excursion post suggestion, but that's because that area of Austin is beautiful. Right along the river, hills galore, and abundant trees in an otherwise urban environment directly to the east in downtown Austin.

I now give you: AMOA Laguna Gloria.

Exterior view of the Driscoll Villa
Photography by Broken Piggy Bank

The museum itself is an Italian-style villa with a magnificent interior that still has many of its original fixtures and floors from the 1920's when it was built. It was originally the home of Clara Driscoll, the famed Daughter of the Republic known as the Savior of the Alamo. The interior itself is photo worthy, and photography is welcome in the museum.

The Solarium of the Driscoll Villa
Photography by Stephanie in 2009

 The grounds upon which the villa museum stand are vast and beautiful. The plot of land was once owned by Stephen F. Austin, for you history buffs out there, but he never actualized his dream of building a home on the land. Clara Driscoll purchased the land since it put her in mind of Italy, where she and her husband spent their honeymoon, which can give you a sense for the kind of landscape you will encounter.

View from behind the villa
Photography by Emmanuelle Bourgue in 2008

If you're searching for some spectacular nature pics, Laguna Gloria is your spot. If you want a gorgeous backdrop for wedding photos or family shots, you've got it. (There are fees associated with commercial photography, such as wedding photos - be sure to check their website for pricing and call the museum to set up a time for a  photo shoot). Since this is located next to Mayfield Park (the subject of the last photography excursion post), you will also find peacocks around Laguna Gloria.

View of the Villa and Grounds
Photography by Christopher Leonard in 2009

As the weather begins to get a bit cooler, this is an excellent spot to spend an afternoon, with or without a camera...no. Definitely with a camera ;)

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Opening of Anxiety of Photography

"Anxiety of Photography" opened tonight @ Arthouse.

Initial reaction from yours truly, a volunteer docent:

I love openings of exhibits at museums. It's a wholly separate experience from a typical museum visit. In place of the soft whispers is a welcoming din of voices (I'm sure serving alcohol at these events helps in that regard). I've found my experience of the art itself is changed by the difference in surroundings. Instead of an austere museum space, there are people everywhere; other bodies are close by, sometimes obstructing the view of the art, and it feels like much more of a communal activity than a singular viewing on a typical visit. I was hoping for some good "overheard" conversations, but the design of the building causes the conversations around you to turn into muffled white noise. I was really disappointed about this when trying to listen to an elderly man explain to his companions the way gelatin plates can be manipulated.

Also, openings bring such a diverse crowd! I'm always thrilled to see young children at museums (and this is coming from someone with a generally strong dislike for kids). It gives me hope for the future to see parents taking the time to expose children to art, to instill in them an appreciation for a museum visit.



The view from the top of Arthouse at night is stunning! They have a prime location downtown right near the capital off of Congress & 7th street. Go there. Climb the stairs. Be amazed. Oh, and bring your camera when you do.

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AMOA for Free

Art lovers with empty pockets...rejoice! Through September 6th Tuesdays will be FREE at Austin Museum of Art (downtown location). This will enable you to take advantage of their current exhibition, Good Design: Stories from Herman Miller, which focuses on the marriage of art and architecture.

If you're looking for a fun weekend activity for the family, AMOA is offering a Mini Art Furniture event from 1-4pm August 13th as a part of their program geared toward families on the second Saturday of the month. You and the family get to create your own artistic miniature furniture and/or take part in a family yoga class at 1pm.

For more info, check out AMOA's site

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