ART GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS

Austin is home to many great galleries and museums, offering tourists and locals an intimate view of Mexican art, American historical collectables and originals, and the life of President Johnson.

• The Mexic-Arte Museum announces its presence with colorful and eclectic murals along the outside of the building, giving visitors a taste of Mexico before they set foot in the door. Exhibitions include the museum's collection of contemporary Mexican art, as well as ancient pieces that celebrate cultural heritage.

• At the University of Texas, the Blanton Museum of Art is home to the largest collection of art in Central Texas. Its varied collection includes Renaissance paintings, modern sculpture and 18th century etchings. Drop in for a public tour, to see and hear about this impressive body of work.

• A world-renowned humanities library and museum, the Harry Ransom Center features a vast array of diverse collections from around the world. It plays host to a constant cycle of travelling exhibitions, and holds millions of manuscripts within its archives. Appointments are required to see the archives, but the gallery showcases a rotating exhibit of the otherwise obscured pieces.

• The Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library features archival materials and collections relating to the life and presidency of the 36th President of the United States. Exhibits and photographs celebrate the life of the man who was paramount in passing the Revenue Act of 1964.

Other Art Galleries and Museums in Austin:

• The Mondo Gallery
• Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
• Texas Memorial Museum
• Austin Museum of Art
• Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
• grayDUCK Gallery
• The Contemporary Austin
• South Austin Popular Culture Center
• Austin Children's Museum
• Elisabet Ney Museum
• Yard Dog Art Gallery
• Austin Nature and Science Center
• Capitol Visitors Center
• The Thinkery
• ArtHouse
• Texas Music Museum

ARTISTIC INSTITIUTIONS

While the University of Texas in Austin dominates the city's post-secondary scene, Austin does offer additional art programs of which it can be proud.

• The Art Institute of Austin: the Texas branch of this nationally recognized art school offers hands-on degrees in culinary arts, graphic design, fashion design, animation and more.

• Art and Art History degrees are offered at Austin College. Students study a variety of topics, including Ancient and Medieval Art History, Painting, Ceramics and Sculpture.

• Take a two year course in liberal arts and visual communication at Austin Community College. The institution prepares students for a full degree in an artistic focus of their choice once they have explored their many options.

• The private, liberal arts school of St. Edward's University offers a unique blend of art-related programs including Acting, Graphic Design, and English Literature. Stick around to earn a Masters of Liberal Arts or a Masters of Digital Media Management through their graduate program.

Other schools and art classes in Austin, for all ages:

• Texas Culinary Academy
• Huston-Tillotson University for Music and English
• Concordia University Texas
• Austin Graduate School of Theology
• Austin Fine Art Classes
Painting With A Twist
• Art + Academy
• Sacred Arts Studio and Gallery
• The Art Garage

NATIVE ARTISTS

Austin may be known as the Live Music Capital of the World, but their locals have more than just instrumental ability to contribute.

• Federico Archuleta is a local graffiti artist responsible for many of the - legitimate - murals around the city.
• Michael Ray Charles is a painter who explores racial stereotypes in his art. He works as an art professor who now works at the University of Texas at Austin.
• Jim Franklin is an illustrator and "underground cartoonist" who created the well known poster art seen in the Armadillo World Headquarters, an old Austin music hall.
• Guy Juke is a graphic artist and musician who makes his home in Austin. His dark figures are inspired by horror films and cartoon characters.
• The world-famous rapper Nelly was born in Austin. He is known for his Apple Bottom jeans and duet with country singer Tim McGraw.
• Charles Umlauf was a sculptor who taught in Austin for many decades. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden showcases many of his pieces.
• Karen T. Taylor is a portrait artist and sculptor who pioneered two dimensional facial reconstruction in the 1980s.
• Elisabet Ney was a well known German sculptor who immigrated to Texas later in life. Her sculpted works are featured around Austin, including the Elisabet Ney Museum.

ART AND CURLTURAL EVENTS

Annual Events

• The Austin Film Festival has been held in late Autumn each year since 1993, and focuses the work of screenwriters, without whom there would be no film. In the past, Claire Danes, Russell Crowe and Wes Anderson have taken part in the Austin Film Festival and Conference, which allows amateur writers to brush shoulders with and learn from established persons in their field.
• The Austin Urban Music Festival, which began in 2005, is an African-American-based festival that features numerous musical performers and diverse food vendors over a 2-day period in late March.
• Running for over 60 years, April sees the arrival of Art City Austin. Bringing in tens of thousands of visitors, the festival features 100s of outdoor art stands showcasing painting, wood carving, photography and more, as well as live musical guests and popular local food trucks.
• For twelve years running, the No Idea Festival combines music and sound artists in an eclectic collaboration that runs for three nights. Check out impressive improvisations, compositions and contemporary noise.
• The South by Southwest Music Conference and Festival sees nearly 30,000 guests and conference participants, who come out to see and take part in three separate conferences that take place at the same time: Interactive, Music and Film. SXSW offices in different parts of the world give the creators of this event the opportunity to bring is international talent.

Other Events and Sights to See

• Check out the Lady Bird Lake reservoir of the Colorado River, located right downtown.
• Cross Lake Austin on the beautiful Pennybacker Bridge.
• Soak in the warm, underground springs of the Barton Springs Pool, nestled in beautiful Zilker's Park.
• Celebrate Eeyore's Birthday Party with an annual festival featuring music, food and activities. The proceeds benefit various charities.
• Take in a play or two at the Zach Theatre, named for the native Austinian film star Zachary Scott.
• Visit the University of Texas at Austin to catch a Texas Longhorns football game.

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