Austin Museum of Art Expansion

Submitted on April 14, 2008 by

The Austin Museum of Art-Laguna Gloria announces the successful expansion of its facilities, including two new state-of the art studios, and a Gatehouse Visitors Center that features an Art School Gallery, Café Laguna, and Museum Store. Renovations will provide long-needed amenities for students, faculty, and visitors, address the need for expanded art studios, and tackle the demands of student enrollment increases in Art School classes all while preserving the charm of this historic Italianate Villa.

Clara Driscoll’s original vision, a place where art and nature should co-exist seamlessly, was restored by architects, contractors, consultants, and a design team who were careful not to alter the facility’s charisma. Decades of modifications were stripped off while office space and the addition of a hospitality center upgraded the museum’s functionality. This historic structure now features the Art School Gallery, Café Laguna (serving fair trade and organic coffee) and an art store that will sell art supplies and gifts.

Apertura: The Public Opening on Saturday, April 19 from 12 noon-3pm will celebrate the opening of AMOA-Laguna Gloria’s new facilities. Visitors are invited to spend an artistic afternoon enjoying the new studios and unique site. This free event will feature exhibitions showcasing faculty and student artwork, demonstrations led by local artists, and families will have the opportunity to participate in art activities. Austin Book Workers will also be onsite to recover children’s books, and refreshments will be available in the new Café Laguna.

Organized by the Austin Museum of Art.

Demonstrations:
Bonnie Lynch at 1pm- New ceramics studio #6
Austin Book Worker’s Fair Studios #2 & 3: Bring children’s books for recovering
Xochi Solis, New Art Austin Artist- Studio #1: Family collage party

Information:
Location: 3809 West 35th Street (West of Mopac)
Hours:
Villa: Tuesday-Sunday 10-4
Grounds: Monday-Saturday 9-5, 11-5 Sun.
Gatehouse Visitors Center, Art School Gallery, Museum Store, & Café Laguna: Monday-Thursday, 11-7, Fri-Sun, 10:30-3:30
Weekend Public Tours: 1 pm
Admission: Suggested donation $3
Parking: Free parking on the grounds or along 35th Street
Telephone: 512.458.8191
Tours: 512.495.9224, ext. 313




Written by Shilpa Bakre