Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, stylized as the UMLAUF, is a museum and outdoor sculpture garden centered on the artistic works of American sculptor Charles Umlauf. Located at 605 Azie Morton Road in the Zilker neighborhood of Austin, Texas, the garden is adjacent to Austin's Zilker Park. In 1985, Charles and Angeline Umlauf donated their home, studio, and 168 Umlauf sculptures to the City of Austin. Six years later, in 1991, the City built a museum to display the artwork on adjoining city property with private funds. Staff and volunteers maintain the museum with  support of grants, donated funds, and contributions from the City of Austin, to maintain the museum and xeriscaped garden. The Museum maintains a seasonal schedule including exhibitions of Charles Umlauf and his twentieth century peers and contemporary art exhibitions. Charles Umlauf. Charles Umlauf was a notable American sculptor who taught as a professor in the University of Texas at Austin Art Department for 40 years. He began sculpting at a young age and showed such innate talent that he began taking classes at the Art Institute of Chicago at age 11. Umlauf was employed by the Works Progress Administration Federal  Art Project during the Great Depression and he garnered recognition for his large public work sculptures, including "War Mother" (1939) which resulted in his job offer from the University of Texas. He is well known for his expressive sculptures regarding humanistic and religious themes, and his mastery of use of various materials, including exotic and difficult media such as rose quartz and Brazilian rosewood. In Texas, Umlauf has more sculptures on display in public locations than any other single sculptor. Contemporary Art Exhibitions. The UMLAUF has a gallery space which seasonally exhibits contemporary artists from around the world but with  a focus on Texan and Southern artists. Past exhibits have included work by artists: James Surls, Farrah Fawcett (student, mentee, and occasional muse of Umlauf), Jesús Moroles, Luis Jimenez, and Michael Ray Charles. UMLAUF Prize Expanded. The Umlauf offers an annual prize to an emerging artist based in Austin. The award provides a stipend and a solo exhibition at the museum.