512 Art

Find Austin art events, Austin museum exhibitions, and Austin art news here, including Austin music and theater productions.

September 25, 2011

Weekly Roundup

8:44 PM Posted by Unknown
Artsy happenings in Austin September 25 - October 1
It's almost October??? Where did September go?

Sunday, 25
AUSTIN MUSEUM DAY!
Monday, 26
Tuesday, 27


Wednesday, 28


Thursday, 29
Friday, 30
Saturday, 1

Bubbles Galore

7:12 PM Posted by Unknown
I hope everyone took advantage of the free museums today. I was hunkered down at Laguna Gloria being a volunteer for the day, so my only experience is of bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles.

The house museum itself is lovely, with stunningly beautiful grounds that overlook the river and fetch a nice breeze off the water; however, in 100 degree temperatures, even a breeze is no relief. I was a ball of sweat all day.

I spent my afternoon outside with the bubble station where kids got to witness the Bubble Chef in all her glory create fabulously intricate bubbles: bubbles filled with smoke, cube bubbles, massive bubbles...basically any bubble imaginable. Those bubbles were cool. A word of warning: the Bubble Lady was either off her game today, extremely stressed, or she is not good with people. We quickly learned that the Bubble Lady had an attitude this afternoon. My favorite quote: "No, there are no more shows. As the sign clearly reads, the last one just ended." I think its safe to say she won't be appearing anywhere near AMOA ever again, despite her neat bubble tricks.

While my Austin Museum Day did not consist of art galore, it was a pleasant afternoon (despite the Bubble Lady's attitude). Every time I've volunteered in new situations or with new organizations, I've met interesting, nice people who are volunteering alongside me. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people.


OH! I almost forgot...Strawberry Basil Smoothies?! Thank the gods-that-be someone thought to put those together - it's damn good.

September 24, 2011

Austin Museum Day

9:15 PM Posted by Unknown
Austin Museum Day is September 25th! As in tomorrow.

It's a day in which participating museums (and there are numerous participants!) open their doors with no admission fees and provide fun activities for the public. It's a family-friendly day, or a single-friendly day of free art!

For a list of activities and museums, see this link.


I'll be volunteering at Laguna Gloria and I hope to see you there!

September 19, 2011

Weekly Roundup

11:39 PM Posted by Unknown
The artsy happenings this week:
September 19-24

Tuesday 20


Wednesday 21


Thursday 22


Friday 23


Saturday 24


Sunday 25: Austin Museum Day!! (more details to follow)

September 18, 2011

Blast!

10:02 PM Posted by Unknown
Once again I am late on the weekly events in Austin! I will have them up tomorrow evening.


In the interim: I hope all you ACL goers enjoyed yourselves this weekend!



(early reminder: Next Sunday is Austin Museum Day!)

September 15, 2011

Architecture & Arthouse

12:45 AM Posted by Unknown ,
Time for a slightly embarrassing revelation: This past Friday was my first time to see the inside of Arthouse since its renovation. I know! I know! I am a bad art lover. I mean, sure, I've driven by it, walked by it, and even paused to inspect the exterior. But I had not gone inside it.

I can now say that I'm thoroughly impressed. The building has a natural flow to it. The stairs are obvious, the gallery areas open and inviting, and the narrow spaces scream transitional hallway space. Lewis.Tsurumaki.Lewis Architects did a magnificent job.

One of my favorite, dramatic elements of the design is the main staircase leading up the second floor. The floating stairs are unique - made from gorgeous Ipe (Brazilian hardwood). Each stair wraps up one side of the stairwell to form a fence-like wall for the hallway of the second floor. It has an effortless feel, yet is a functional design element and adds visual interest and rich color to an otherwise neutral interior palette.

There are also spots where the original brick is still exposed, reminding the viewer/visitor of the building's past. In 1851 the building became the first 3-story brick building on Congress Ave. Now the 3-story structure is dwarfed by surrounding steel skyscrapers, but it still offers a fantastic, although limited, view from the rooftop.

Not only do you get to see great exhibits when visiting Arthouse, you also get to walk through a beautiful, thoughtful design.



Pictures & More Info 

September 11, 2011

Weekly Roundup

8:00 AM Posted by Unknown
The week at a glance (& actually starting with Sunday!)
September 11 - 17
Know of other events? Leave a comment & I can update the calendar

Sunday 11
Monday 12
Tuesday 13
Wednesday 14
Thursday 15
Friday 16
Saturday 17

September 9, 2011

Opening of Anxiety of Photography

11:40 PM Posted by Unknown , ,
"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.

September 6, 2011

Weekly Roundup

11:40 AM Posted by Unknown
The week at a glance
September 6-September 11
(Know of other events? Leave a comment & I can update the calendar)

Tuesday 6:
Wednesday 7:
  • 6:30pm: The Heritage Society presents The Greenest Building Film (historic preservation & sustainability) @ Paramount Theater 
Thursday 8:
Friday 9:
Saturday 10:
  • Opening of The Anxiety of Photography @ Arthouse
  • 2pm: Talk w/ Matthew Thompson, Associate Curator, Aspen Art Museum @ Arthouse in conjunction w/ opening of The Anxiety of Photography
  • 6pm: Jan Heaton: Tranquillo exhibit opens @ Wally Workman Gallery (Austin-based artist alert!)
  • 7pm: Opening reception for Reclamations exhibit @ Davis Gallery
Sunday 11:

(I'll get back on a "typical" week schedule soon)