EXERSPLORING II: THE UMLAUF

Unbeknownst to me, John had another exersplorin' adventure planned for the very next day. He didn't give me any details before heading off to Austin, just that it had something to do with sculpture. It did indeed, for he was taking me to the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, located just around the corner from Zilker Park. We did have to pay to get into this one, but it was less than $5 each, and oh so worth it -- exercise, education, and lots of great nature photos for my art class, all in one fell swoop!

The Kiss

Mother and Child, and The Poetess

Charles Umlauf was born to immigrant parents on a farm in Michigan, but moved to Texas with his wife in 1941 to be an instructor in the new art department at the University of Texas. He taught there for forty years, and continued to work in his studio every day until his death in 1994. During his career, he was awarded nearly every professional award offered, and his work can be seen in museums across the country, including the Smithsonian in D.C. and the Metropolitan in New York.

In 1985 he and his wife gave their home, studio and 168 of his sculptures to the City of Austin, and in 1991 a new museum and sculpture garden were built with private monies on adjoining City property. Next on the agenda will be linking the two sculpture gardens -- the museum garden and the original one up the hill.

War Mother

We had arrived at 10:00, so we could do our walking before it got too hot, and finished up right at 11:00. How convenient, then, that one of our very favorite restaurants was right across the street, they just happened to be hosting their 24th annual Green Chile Fest, and best of all, for once we beat the crowds!

While there we were seated next to (and eavesdropping on) a fascinating little group, but I will save that story for later.