Culture - 3/13 - The Austinot

Immerse Yourself in the Past at Bullock Texas State History Museum

July 25, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Under the star at Bullock Texas State History Museum (Credit: Van Sutherland via Flickr CC)

The perfect way to beat the summer heat or enjoy a rainy day in Austin is to visit one of our city’s fine museums. And if you’re looking for an opportunity to brush up on your Texas history, look no further than Bullock Texas State History Museum, located just south of The University of Texas.

Having grown up in Texas and taken the obligatory two years of Texas history, going to the Bullock was a refresher course. The visit reminded me of all the crazy stories from the Lone Star State’s past that I’d forgotten, and introduced me to many I hadn’t heard before.

It was also fun to take my New Jersey-bred husband with me. He was able to trace the history of his newly adopted homeland from its prehistoric inhabitants, through the frontier years, and into modern times. I think he was at least mildly impressed by my ability to recall random characters from the fabric of history, like Erastus “Deaf” Smith.

If you haven’t been to Bullock Texas State History Museum yet, here are a few of the highlights waiting for you. [Read more…]

All of Austin’s a Stage: Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park Runs Through May

May 18, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Scene from The Comedy of Errors at Zilker Hillside Theater (Credit: Sam Zavieh)

Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park is an experience I look forward to every year. It combines three of my favorite things: Shakespeare, being outside under the stars on an early summer evening, and free stuff. That’s right! Shakespeare in the Park is completely free theater, although they gladly accept donations.

This is a great place to take a special someone or your group of friends, and let the Bard’s words wrap around you while the fireflies dance. [Read more…]

Barton Springs Bathhouse Marks 70 Years With Community Plunge

May 10, 2017 by Jaclyn Hubersberger Leave a Comment

Barton Springs Bathhouse Dedication in 1947

1947 Barton Springs Bathhouse dedication ceremony (Credit: Barton Springs Conservancy)

Located within Zilker Park’s 358 acres is Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre, underground fed spring that has been referred to as the “Heart and Soul” and “Crown Jewel” of Austin. If you’ve been there, you understand why. In 1947, Barton Springs Bathhouse opened its doors for the first time, welcoming swimmers from all walks of life who sought fun, relaxation, and healing in the water beyond its walls.

This year marks 70 years that the historic Barton Springs Bathhouse has been open. On May 13, Austinites can celebrate this anniversary during the 70th Birthday Splash: Parade and Plunge. The event is hosted by Barton Springs Conservancy, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor, preserve, and enhance the Barton Springs experience through education and facility improvements. [Read more…]

It’s Time to Visit the Renewed and Reimagined Blanton Museum of Art

March 17, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Images from the newly remodeled Blanton Museum of Art in Austin (Credit: Sam Zavieh)

If you’re an art fan in Austin, you’ve probably visited Blanton Museum of Art. But have you been there lately? If not, you’ll find there have been changes far beyond the rotating exhibits. In fact, the museum did a revamp of its permanent galleries that just opened this spring. In addition to the new design of the upstairs galleries, there are more than twice as many pieces on display. It’s definitely worthy of a second look. [Read more…]

Experience a (Texas) Flood of Memories at Bullock Museum’s Stevie Ray Vaughan Exhibit

March 15, 2017 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

Stevie Ray Vaughan Exhibit at Bullock Museum in Austin

Pride & Joy: The Texas Blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan is open now through July 23, 2017
(Credit: Bullock Texas State History Museum)

Growing up Texan, loving Stevie Ray Vaughan was never optional. Something deep inside us stirs when we hear his bluesy, wailing chords. We stop whatever we’re doing to listen with due reverence. His music speaks directly to the heart.

Jimmie Vaughan and The Grammy Museum are bringing a one-of-a-kind exhibit of Stevie Ray Vaughan memorabilia to the Bullock Texas State History Museum for music buffs to enjoy. Pride & Joy: The Texas Blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan opened on March 10, 2017 and will be open through July 23, 2017. The exhibit includes several items that haven’t been on display since the musician’s tragic early death in 1990. Austin, long-time home for Stevie Ray Vaughan and his older brother, Jimmie, is the fourth and final stop of the tour. [Read more…]

You Don’t Need a Badge to See 5 Innovative SXSW Art Installations Here

March 14, 2017 by Kelli McDonald 3 Comments

Tiny dancers form a circle in Akinori Goto’s piece

This year, SXSW extends its reach into the art world with the new, expansive SXSW Art Program. By highlighting documentaries focusing on art (like “The Secret Life of Lance Letscher,” based on an Austin artist), art happenings (like the walls of HOPE Outdoor Gallery represented on the Trade Show floor in the Convention Center) and sessions (like a panel on Museums of the Future), SXSW aims to showcase creative freedom across disciplines.

The SXSW Art Program has also curated an incredible lineup of art installations. Here’s a look at five of the most immersive, exciting and innovative installations of 2017. [Read more…]

Give Texas Art Its Due With Hotel Ella Salon Series

March 6, 2017 by Dustin Vegas Leave a Comment

Hotel Ella is the home of a monthly artistic salon series (Credit: Jake Holt)

Austin has a reputation for being Texas’ city of art and creators. We are the Live Music Capital of the World, right? Throw a rock in any direction and you have a good chance of hitting some type of self-expression. Music everywhere, indie filmmakers, glassblowers, painters. Nearly any and all kinds of art can be found within Austin city limits. We are a city of art makers.

But are we a city of art appreciators? One group at Hotel Ella is doing its best to make sure we are. The Hotel Ella Salon Series is a monthly gathering of art aficionados and regular folks who care deeply about supporting Austin’s unique artistic community. At their regularly hosted artistic salon, Austinites can get to know both the art and the artists who keep our city weird. [Read more…]

Do You Know the History Behind Austin’s Mount Bonnell?

February 21, 2017 by Kelli McDonald 5 Comments

The view from Mount Bonnell (Credit: atmtx via Flickr CC)

It takes climbing 106 steps up a historical flagstone staircase to reach the top of Austin’s famous 775 foot tall promontory, Mount Bonnell. What is now a popular destination for tourists, photographers, couples and families was once a wilder, more rural part of Austin.

Though Austinites love to climb to the top for a quick photo, what do most of us know about this iconic natural formation? To get an overview of Mount Bonnell’s development, I asked the knowledgeable Kim McKnight from the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department for details on what we should know about this Central Texas wonder. [Read more…]

Embrace Your Inner Kid at Austin Toy Museum

February 20, 2017 by Ashley Alkek 2 Comments

Welcome to Austin Toy Museum (Credit: Wright Sulek)

It seems appropriate that Austin would have a museum of toys, mostly due to how serious we are about playfulness. When it comes to fostering a playful spirit as a way of life, Austin Toy Museum has it down!

Imagination and nostalgia line the walls of Austin Toy Museum, which has over 40,000 rotating items for display. While visitors certainly get a glimpse into past childhood joy, Austin Toy Museum serves the community in surprising ways. [Read more…]

Get to Know the Artist Behind Austin’s Iconic Signs

December 29, 2016 by Irvianne Torremoro Leave a Comment

Norma Jeanne Maloney works on a piece for long time client, Hotel San Jose

Norma Jeanne Maloney’s work is seen everywhere in town and you probably don’t even know it. Once you do start noticing, you’ll be overwhelmed with the abundance of local Austin businesses that take advantage of her skills in sign artistry. Her long list of clients include the likes of Stubb’s BBQ, Hotel San Jose, Caffe Medici and many others. [Read more…]