umlauf - The Austinot

Please Touch the Art During Touch Tours at Umlauf Sculpture Garden

August 30, 2019 by Camellia Falcon Leave a Comment

Touch Tours for Visually Impaired at Umlauf Sculpture Garden — Sarah Story and Sara Athans demonstrate the Touch Tours experience at “Muse II”

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum is a place most Austinites have been at least once. This beloved art venue offers vibrant programming, which includes summer camps, family days, and yoga. The peaceful space is also a popular event venue.

But as I walked in to do research for this story, I realized I’d never taken a proper tour. That’s how I missed a key fact regarding touching the statues. I had to confirm: is it really okay to touch the art? “Yes,” Program Director Sarah Athans replied as she smiled, “at least the bronze ones.”

This fact, along with a longtime relationship with Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, set the perfect conditions for Touch Tours to become a part of the garden’s offerings.

[Read more…]

Umlauf Prize Honors UT Students and Charles Umlauf’s Innovation

October 25, 2016 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Credit: Rebecca Belcher Photography

Near Zilker Park sits the iconic Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, a tranquil space dedicated to exhibiting Charles Umlauf’s dramatic bronze and stone pieces that combine themes of family, religion, beauty and Austin itself. While this charming piece of the city maintains a sense of old, historical Austin, Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum also embraces contemporary art.

The Umlauf Prize is one of the ways this local institution fosters the creation of artwork that is reminiscent of the thoughtfulness and skill that Umlauf employed. The idea for the prize originated in 2005 when former Umlauf Board Member Damian Priour and his wife, Paula, wanted to develop a way for the nonprofit organization to encourage new artists.

As Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum Executive Director Nina Seely explained in a press release, “The Umlauf Prize represents the future of emerging artists in our community and their work honors the legacy of Charles Umlauf.” [Read more…]

10 Beautiful Sights from Umlauf Garden Party 2015

April 29, 2015 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum is located at 605 Robert E Lee Rd near Zilker Park
(Credit: Rebecca Belcher Photography)

Last week, I joined local photographer Rebecca Belcher at Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum for one of the loveliest events in Austin, the 17th Annual Umlauf Garden Party.

This major fundraiser featured fare from 20 local restaurants, wine, a silent and live auction, live music and, of course, striking artwork. Though the humidity that night made us feel like we were in Houston, the event was unmistakably Austin with excited chatter, beautiful summer dresses and a garden full of sculptures made by a man who loved this city, Charles Umlauf (1910-1994). [Read more…]

Top 14 Famous Statues in Austin

November 13, 2014 by J. Alan Nelson 8 Comments

Statues become mental landmarks of people, animals, fantastic beings from creative minds…and legends.

Observing a statue can be a zen like or aesthetic experience. Or for those who love to do statue art, it’s a convivial fun fest of reactions and poses for statue photos.

Here are 14 famous statues in Austin you should include on your next public statue pilgrimage:

#1 Lady Hare With Dog

Lady Hare with Dog

Sophie Ryder’s mythical creatures stand throughout the world. Lady Hare With Dog is near the Zach Theatre and it’s a classic Ryder work. The figure of the hare holding the dog is funny, poignant and compelling. [Read more…]

The Story of Umlauf Sculpture Garden’s Beloved Artist

September 23, 2014 by Kelli McDonald 3 Comments

Umlauf Sculpture Garden, with Ballerina in the foreground (1977, bronze)

“You don’t have to know. It’s just beautiful,” a man said while shrugging, after his friend seemed confused about a piece at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum.

It’s true; visiting the Umlauf can be enjoyable with little or no knowledge about Charles Umlauf (1910-1994) or his artwork. The grounds feature nice gravel paths, lush native plants, a waterfall, two ponds and a museum all nestled in the heart of the city next to Barton Springs and Zilker Park. [Read more…]

#1 Lady Hare With Dog

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