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Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum in Austin
By Ki Gray
One of the most interesting and beautiful places to visit in the Austin area is called Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, which is located near Zilker Park on Robert E. Lee in southwest-central Austin, across from the softball fields and Barton Springs. Umlauf Garden and Museum was named for contemporary sculptor Charles Umlauf, and the museum features his sculptures as well as the works of other local artists, some of whom studied under Umlauf at the University of Texas, where Umlauf taught.
The sculpture garden and museum hosts a very popular yearly fundraising event called the Garden Party, and this event is held shortly after Easter every year. This year, the 11th year for this gala and party, the event will take place on April 23rd, and many local restaurants, clubs, vineyards, artists, and other merchants will display their wares during this event at booths spread about the grounds, and a silent auction will be held as the evening progresses.
For the past three years, a series of architectural lectures has also been held at the facility, and this year's opening architectural lecture features Michael Antenora, a local architect with Antenora Architects. The lecture begins at dusk, and a five dollar fee is charged for admission except to Umlauf members, who gain free admission to the series with the cost of their membership.
Many of the facilities on the property, such as the gardens, are available for rental, the proceeds of which go to cover costs of maintaining the facility and grounds, and many weddings, receptions, parties and other gala events are regularly held at the museum and gardens throughout the year, especially in the spring.
The museum is also open for visiting and tours Wednesday through Friday from 10:00am until 4:30pm, and 1:00pm through 4:30pm Saturday and Sunday, and the museum is a popular attraction for local schools and church groups, as well as various other clubs and organizations. Another attraction this spring is a collection and show of Umlauf's early works, narrated and discussed by Umlauf's son Karl Umlauf, which is being held at the museum January through April of 2009.
This year's 11th annual Garden Party, the most exciting attraction at Umlauf, will feature the Nash Hernandez Orchestra again, and works of featured artist Kyle Bunting will be displayed, among others. Damian Priour has been named honorary chairman for the event this year, and in addition to the silent auction, a celebrity seed auction will be held, during which terra cotta pots and small garden and plant containers will be made or decorated by local well-known celebrities, such as local seed artist Beth Thom, who has been featured for the last three years.
During the silent auction, numerous eclectic gifts, creations, art, jewelry, wines, meals, and other services from local merchants will be auctioned off, and the proceeds will benefit all of the many educational programs sponsored by Umlauf Gardens and Museum.
Some of the restaurant sponsors for the Garden Party include Hudson's on the Bend, Moonshine, Cool River Cafe, and Green Pastures, among others, and vendors will have samples of the tasty menu specialties of these restaurants available to patrons of the garden party for a nominal fee.
Attendees can choose between the wares of various restaurants from the many booths, stands and vendors situated along the tree and foliage encircled paths which meander throughout the grounds. Drinks are also available from outlets along the paths including choices of refreshments such as local wines and beer, and other beverages, with wine being provided by local liquor company Twin Liquors. A dance floor will be set up in front of the stage and orchestra, and dancing is usually a popular activity during the event, along with schmoozing with the local cognoscenti.
Other events this year at Umlauf include a Saturday afternoon sculpting workshop for kids interested in the art form, and during the school break a summer camp is held in two sessions for children interested in art and sculpture. The summer camp includes field trips, materials, and snacks, for a reasonable fee. In the fall, the Autumn lecture series begins, with another series of lectures by local architects.
Umlauf Gardens offers something for everyone, and with its natural beauty and majestic art, the facility is an ideal location for your next event or just to visit, so the next time you are in the Barton Springs area, be sure to explore the many wonders that Umlauf Garden and Museum has to offer!
Ki lives in the Austin area, where he enjoys biking the hill country. His website compiles information on Austin Texas real estate. It also has a search of the Austin MLS and a blog covering Austin real estate.
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