Aug 20-Jan 20 Austin Americana: The Neal Douglass Photography Exhibit

810 Guadalupe St. Austin

(512) 974-7400
www.ci.austin.tx.us/library/ahc/

The Austin History Center will open a new exhibit on August 20 called “Austin Americana: The Neal Douglass Photography Collection.” This exhibit will explore the life and career of photojournalist Neal Douglass, the first staff photographer for the Austin Statesman.

Dec 1-May 30 All Systems Go

Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado St

512-472-2499
www.austinkids.org

Where do you want to go? How will you get there? This new feature exhibit is all about transportation methods, energy and safety. Take imaginary rides on the kid-size MetroRail and Bus, coordinate operations at the Control Center, change giant foam tires on a hybrid bus in the Maintenance shop and learn about energy basics of making things go in the Energy Lab.

Dec 6-Jan 6 Heart Gallery Exhibit

Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado St.

512-472-2499
www.austinkids.org

Austin Children’s Museum will host The Heart Gallery of Central Texas, which displays photos of foster children in protective custody. The Adoption Coalition of Texas has coordinated this gallery of stirring portraits that reveal the amazing spirits and individuality of children in foster care. Many of the children featured in the gallery are older or special needs children or members of a sibling group, and considered “hard-to-place” in permanent homes. Volunteer photographers participated in shooting their portraits that will be on display throughout the season.

Dec 16-Feb 14 City of Austin Employees Art Exhibition

10:00 AM

600 River Street
April Sullivan
512-454-9912
www.vsatx.org

This visual art exhibit will be on display at the Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River Street, Austin, TX 78701 from December 16, 2008 through February 14, 2009 with an opening reception and awards ceremony on Thursday, January 15, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Artwork will be judged by local professional artists, and city officials will be presenting the cash awards and scholarships to artists in amateur, intermediate, and professional adult levels, and in youth under 12 and youth 12-18 categories.

The Austin exhibition is sponsored by The National Arts Program Foundation, VSA arts of Texas, and the City of Austin.

Dec 31-Jan 1 New Year's Eve Party

9:00 PM - 1:30 AM

701 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
Tammie Tirres
512-721-2008
http://www.austin.intercontinental.com

Celebrate the New Year in Style! Come join us at Stephen F's Bar to ring in 2009 with Live Music by Margaret Wright, Hors d'oeuvres, Mini Desserts and a Champagne Toast at Midnight. Stephen F's Bar is located on the second floor of the Historic InterContinental Stephen F Austin Hotel, in the heart of Downtown. The Bar Terrace overlooking Congress Avenue will be open, weather permitting. Price per person is $50, excluding tax and gratuity. Must be 21 years or older to attend. Please call our Holiday Reservations Line at 512-721-2008 to make your reservation, space is limited.

Dec 31-Jan 1 Driskill Gala

8:30 PM - 1:00 AM

604 Brazos St
Driskill Reservations
391-7121

Hors D'oeuvres & Champagne

Seven-course Gourmet Dinner with Wine Pairings
Music and Dance, featureing Mr. Fabulous
Midnight Toast & Balloon Drop
Party Favors, Souvenir Photos

$225/person

Feb 22-Feb 9 People's Gallery at Austin City Hall

City Hall - 301 W. 2nd


www.ci.austin.tx.us/cityhall/aipp.htm

The City of Austin Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office's Cultural Arts Division presents an annual exhibit to encourage public dialogue, understanding and enjoyment of visual art. The gallery showcases visual art that reflects the artistic excellence and cultural diversity of Austin and promotes the City’s cultural and economic initiatives. A listing all of the art pieces and artists is available on the second floor of City Hall.

Jan 3 Giant Chess at Wooldridge Square

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Wooldridge Park, 9th Street and Guadalupe


www.giantchess.org

The battle rages every Saturday from about 12:30 to 3:30. There's no telling who'll show up -- sometimes the players are new to the game, sometimes they're advanced, usually they're in-between -- so every game is an adventure.

Join in on the fun at one of downtown Austin's beautiful historic squares named after Alexander P. Wooldridge who served as Mayor of Austin from 1909 to 1919. Over the years, the park has been the setting for countless speeches, rallies, concerts, festivals, weddings, and chess matches.

Jan 3 Real Gallery Fine Art Exhibition and Reception

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

908 Congress
Kathi Herrin, Owner
512-775-0458
www.realgalleryaustin.com

Meet the Artists at this free event. Wi & Hors d'oeuvres provided.

Jan 7-Feb 11 PILATES BOOT CAMP

6:00 AM - 6:00 AM

501 West 3rd Street
Vicki Parsons
512 476-9051
www.balletaustin.org

Work every part of your body using the basic movement principles of Pilates. High energy music and positive encouragement from instructors get you doing things you never thought you could do. Great way to begin your day! Taught by Ballet Austin's Certified Pilates Instructors. BASIC TRAINING begins Wed. January 7 and ADVANCED TRAINING begins Tues. January 6.

Jan 8 Narratives-In-Progress: DIG

7:00 PM

Austin Studios Screening Room (1901 E. 51st St.)
afs@austinfilm.org
512.322.0145
austinfilm.org/film/dig_0

Set in the midst of a small town, against the agricultural landscape of South Texas, DIG tracks 23-year-old Mike in his search for answers following the untimely death of his father.

Tickets are free. Attendance is limited to AFS Filmmaker-level members and above.

Jan 9-Jan 11 11th Annual Austin Spring Home & Garden Show

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Austin Convention Center - 500 East Cesar Chavez


www.ShowTechnology.com

The Home & Garden Show Rolls into Austin with a Load of Inspiration and Resources! The event helps support Capital Area Food Bank, Austin Humane Society and Austin Habitat for Humanity. The 11th Annual Austin Spring Home & Garden Show will inspire you to rethink your home in the wake of the holidays and get a fresh start. Get inspired with the best and newest materials, techniques and live expert advice for your home and garden; while you're at it, enjoy celebrity speakers, including talks by Tom Silva, host of "This Old House" on PBS, and Brian Santos, "The Wall Wizard," Texas talent and gourmet treats!

Tickets are $7.50, available at the door. Admission Specials (Senior/Military, etc): $1.00 admission coupon at www.ShowTechnology.com; 65+ $5.00 on Friday only.

Get $1 off admission by donating to the Capital Area Food Bank or the Austin Humane Society: Bring a non-perishable food item (or diapers and formula), or a monetary or pet food, litter or toy donation and receive $1.00 off adult admission. Not valid with any other discounts.

Show times are Friday, Jan 9, 2p-7p, Saturday, Jan 10, 10a-7p, Sunday, Jan 11, 11a-5p. For a full show schedule, please visit www.ShowTechnology.com

Jan 10 Giant Chess at Wooldridge Square

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Wooldridge Park, 9th Street and Guadalupe


www.giantchess.org

The battle rages every Saturday from about 12:30 to 3:30. There's no telling who'll show up -- sometimes the players are new to the game, sometimes they're advanced, usually they're in-between -- so every game is an adventure.

Join in on the fun at one of downtown Austin's beautiful historic squares named after Alexander P. Wooldridge who served as Mayor of Austin from 1909 to 1919. Over the years, the park has been the setting for countless speeches, rallies, concerts, festivals, weddings, and chess matches.

Jan 10 Second Satrudays are for Families

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Austin Museum of Art - 823 Congress Ave.

512-495-9224
amoa.org

Explore movement inspired by Sebastiao Salgado: Workers in a family-friendly yoga class led by Brandy Arena of Bea Love Yoga from 12:30-1:15 pm. Then photograph your favorite body part in movement, experiment with materials that move, and take home your own photographic work of art!

Jan 11

7:30 PM

701 W. Riverside Drive Austin, TX 78704
info@thelongcenter.org
512-474-LONG (5664)
www.TheLongCenter.org

Inspired by the film, this cast of colorful and flamboyant performers from America's top Historically Black Colleges and Universities, present the rousing and rhythmic sounds of great trumpets, explosive athleticism and the talented group of percussionists who form the "drumline." Sparks will fly!

For a special pre-show event, come the The Long Center's City Terrace at 6pm to see local High School drumline talent show off their skills!

Jan 12 Kenneth Branagh's THE MAGIC FLUTE

7:00 PM

Alamo Drafthouse @1120 So Lamar
Molly Browning, Director of PR
(512) 472-5992 ALO Box Office
secure.austinlyricopera.org/MagicFlute.asp

Austin Lyric Opera presents a special screening of this delightful film at The Alama Drafthouse South. Lyubov Petrova who stars as The Queen of the Night in the film will sing in ALO's upcoming production of Rigoletto. She will be a guest at the screening. Sponsors include The Austin Film Society and The Alamo Drafthouse.

Jan 13 DTAC Commander Forum

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

600 River Street Austin, TX 78701
DTAC.DR@ci.austin.tx.us
512-974-3822

WHO: Downtown Area Command (DTAC) District Representatives

WHAT: An opportunity for community members to become updated on APD/DTAC activities, news and reports from APD, introduce new personnel and address issues and answer questions.

WHERE: Mexican American Cultural Center

Jan 15 City of Austin Employees Art Exhibition Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Mexican American Cultural Center: 600 River Street
April Sullivan
512-478-6222
www.vsatx.org

Almost 120 City of Austin employees, retired employees, and family members of employees have entered 240 works of art into the sixth annual National Arts Program in Austin.

This visual art exhibit will take place from December 16, 2008 through February 14, 2009 with an opening reception and awards ceremony on Thursday, January 15, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Artwork will be judged by local professional artists, and city officials will be presenting the cash awards and scholarships to artists in amateur, intermediate, and professional adult levels, and in youth under 12 and youth 12-18 categories.

The Austin exhibition is sponsored by The National Arts Program Foundation, VSA arts of Texas, and the City of Austin.

For more information on the National Arts Program in Austin or the artists involved contact April Sullivan at VSA arts of Texas at 512-454-9912 or april@vsatx.org. The Mexican American Cultural Center can be reached at 512-478-6222.

Jan 15-Feb 21 Leslee Fraser : No Sure Footing

6:00 PM

Women & Their Work 1710 Lavaca Street Austin, TX 78701
Katherine McQueen
512-477-1064
www.womenandtheirwork.org

Opening Reception: January 15, 6-8 pm

Sifting through found objects, natural and political history, religious iconography and suburban kitsch as source materials, Leslee Fraser creates small-scale ceramic figure assemblages that draw the viewer in for a closer look. From this intimate vantage point, Fraser’s repurposed figurine tableaux offer darkly humorous allegories reflecting life’s absurd realities. Suburban malls, the Bible, scientific theory and domestic talismans all provide ripe fodder for Fraser’s miniature parables as she assembles familiar tokens into vignettes both tender and thoroughly skewed. To get up close and personal with Fraser’s tiny bricolage is to be reminded that sometimes the cutest fragments of life’s detritus can pack the darkest punchlines.

Jan 17 Giant Chess at Wooldridge Square

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Wooldridge Park, 9th Street and Guadalupe


www.giantchess.org

The battle rages every Saturday from about 12:30 to 3:30. There's no telling who'll show up -- sometimes the players are new to the game, sometimes they're advanced, usually they're in-between -- so every game is an adventure.

Join in on the fun at one of downtown Austin's beautiful historic squares named after Alexander P. Wooldridge who served as Mayor of Austin from 1909 to 1919. Over the years, the park has been the setting for countless speeches, rallies, concerts, festivals, weddings, and chess matches.

Jan 23-Jan 25 Texas Home & Garden Show

Austin Convention Center

800-654-1480
www.texashomeandgarden.com

One of the state's largest home decor, remodeling and landscaping expos, the Texas Home & Garden Show features dozens of free seminars, hundreds of experts from Central Texas and across the United States. The event features hundreds of exhibitors featuring the latest products and services for every aspect of your home.

Jan 24 Engineering Saturday

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado St

512-472-2499
www.austinkids.org

Children and families can explore engineering first hand with activities presented in collaboration with students from UT's Cockrell School of Engineering.

Jan 31 32nd Annual Carnaval Brasileiro

8:00 PM

Palmer Events Center - 900 Barton Springs Road
Penny Moulder
210-573-8195
www.SambaParty.com

Austin’s annual CARNAVAL BRASILEIRO, possibly the city’s longest-lived and legitimately “Austin Weird” event, is gearing up for its 32nd year as Austin’s biggest, best and perhaps most misunderstood party. Carnaval’s ability to weather the changing times has become even more apparent during a year in which even the deservedly legendary Spamarama has, unfortunately, passed its expiration date.

Carnaval Austin, which has grown into the largest indoor Brazilian Mardi Gras celebration anywhere on the globe, explodes at 9:00 p.m., January 31, 2009 at Austin’s Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road.

The irresistible pulse of samba drums, an endless parade of exotic costumes, and the uninhibited euphoria of over 6,000 attendees have established this Brazilian-style festival as one of the most eagerly anticipated blowouts on the area’s social calendar. Carnaval and Eeyore’s Birthday Party remain as the last vestiges of the Austin which earned the city its reputation as a true bohemian party town.

Now a local institution attracting partygoers from all over the United States, Carnaval Brasileiro began in the early 1970s as a nostalgic dose of their homeland’s legendary festivities for UT’s Brazilian students. After blowing the roof off one downtown club, the party eventually outgrew the long-gone Armadillo World Headquarters, and likewise the City Coliseum before nestling into its present venue.

A portion of the proceeds from Carnaval will benefit the Austin Sunshine Camp non-profit organization which provides not only free summer camps for Austin at-risk kids, but year-round mentoring and leadership programs.

Jan 31 2009 Blanton Gala: Essence of Cool

7:00 PM

Blanton Museum: 200 East MLK
Sarah Young
512-471-9206
blantonmuseum.org/get_involved/support_the_blanton/gala/index.htm

On Saturday, January 31, 2009, the Blanton will hold the first gala event in the new museum complex. The 2009 Blanton Museum Gala, including an elegant dinner in the Sarah and Ernest Butler Family Fund Gallery, will honor Jack Blanton, Sr. Prices for a table of ten are $50,000. $25,000, and $10,000, and proceeds from the event will support the museum’s programs for students and adults, exhibitions, and collections.

Nov 15-Jan 11 Rapture in Rupture

Arthouse - 700 Congress Ave
info@arthousetexas.org
512-453-5312
www.arthousetexas.org

Rapture in Rupture features works by Lauren Kelley, Shiri Mordechay, Mindy Shapero, and Nicolau Vergueiro. The exhibit reveals aspects of our conflicted culture through the lens of four young artists. Their mesmerizing objects or fantastical artistic worlds move between two, three, and even four dimensions, frequently shuttling back and forth between figuration and abstraction. The “ruptures” in their respective works express (sometimes gleefully) chaos, irresolution, and discomfort, perhaps alluding to the imploding rapture that has come to define our specific time and place in the world.

Nov 15-Feb 8 The Texas Chair Project by Damian Priour

Austin Museum of Art-Downtown, 823 Congress Ave.


www.amoa.org

The Texas Chair Project is an artistic exchange initiated by Texas artist Damian Priour. In 2007, Priour created and mailed 100 unique miniature glass and limestone chairs to fellow artists with the request that they return a chair in response. A celebration of material exploration, this exhibition is a presentation of this interchange. Texas artists Steve Brudniak, Melissa Miller, Jesus Moroles, Margo Sawyer, Bob Schneider, James Surls, The Art Guys, and Sydney Yeager, among others, created chairs in such diverse media as a beer can, buttons, cast bronze, plastic army men, sawdust, steel, uranium tubing, and U.S. currency. Organized by Damian Priour and Eva Buttacavoli, Director of Exhibitions and Education, Austin Museum of Art.

Nov 22-Feb 8 The Serie Project: Quinceanera

7:00 PM

419 Congress Ave, Austin, TX
Alexandra Landeros
512-480-9373
www.mexic-artemuseum.org

MEXIC-ARTE MUSEUM

Features the 15th annual series of prints from The Serie Project. Exhibition includes Coming of Age, a mixed media installation dress created by Austin artist, Sandra Fernandez. Mexic-Arte Museum is the official archive of the Serie Print Collection, including over 200 prints.

Nov 22-Mar 1 Creando Fuerza: Cambio y Permanencia

7:00 PM

419 Congress Ave, Austin, TX
Alexandra Landeros
512-480-9373
www.mexic-artemuseum.org

MEXIC-ARTE MUSEUM

Artwork and a collective portfolio by members of Consejo Grafico, an independent network of Latin printmaking centers, exploring the centers' diverse origins and dimensions, as well as their cultural resonance within a broader national community of printmaking. Latino print centers across the country have historically conveyed unity as a catalyst for change and permanence through printmaking.

Nov 22-Mar 1 Creando Fuerza: Cambio y Permanencia

7:00 PM

419 Congress Ave
Alexandra M. Landeros
512-480-9373
www.mexicartemuseum.org

Exhibition of artwork and a collective portfolio by members of Consejo Gráfico, an independent network of Latino printmaking centers. Explores the print centers’ diverse origins and dimensions, as well as their cultural resonance within a broader American community of printmaking. Featuring The Serie Project’s Quinceañera.

Opening Reception:
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008: 7:00PM-9:00PM
Free Admission

Exhibition:
Nov.22, 2008- March 1, 2009

Musuem Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 10:00AM till 6:00PM
Fri-Sat: 10:00AM till 5:00PM
Sun: 12:00PM till 5:00PM

Admission:
$5 Adults
$4 Students
$1 Children (12 & under)
Free for Museum Members

Nov 28-Jan 4 Rockin' Christmas Party at Zach Scott Theatre

Zachary Scott Theatre: Corner of Riverside & S. Lamar

512-476-0541 ext. 1
www.zachtheatre.org

The Rock-n-Soul Musical

Created and Directed by Dave Steakley
ZACH's Kleberg Stage
(Corner of Riverside & S. Lamar)

Rockin’ Christmas Party reigns as one of Austin’s longest-running traditions. Bigger, brighter and merrier than ever, our award-winning cast sure knows how to put the Christmas spirit in your heart–and your booty!–as they shake, rattle and roll down Santa Claus Lane. It’s great fun for the whole family, but get your tickets early because seats go fast for this wildly popular holiday shindig. For all ages.
Starring BEEHIVE'S Rebecca Schoolar, Judy Arnold and Andra Mitrovich!

For times and tickets, visit www.zachtheatre.org or call 512-476-0541 ext. 1.

Nov 28-Jan 11 Santaland Diaries at Zachary Scott Theatre

Zachary Scott Theatre: 1510 Toomey Road

512-476-0541 ext. 1
www.zachtheatre.org

Whisenhunt Stage
Wednesday-Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2:30pm
Some Special Holiday Performances Will Be Announced!

Our little Macy’s elf knows a thing or two about faking the Yuletide spirit. But you won’t be faking a good time when your sides split during David Sedaris’ wickedly funny The Santaland Diaries. Sedaris’ comedy tells the real-life story of Sedaris’ tour of duty as the elf Crumpet, and what it takes to juggle tots and tottering Santas during a painfully festive time of the year. A laugh ‘til you cry evening of merrily subversive entertainment to delight adult audiences.

Many theatres have an annual production of A Christmas Carol, but at ZACH we do The Santaland Diaries because David Sedaris' writing is uniquely tied to the Austin sensibility. Each year we change parts of the show to keep it fresh for the audience and for us. But one thing remains constant, you never know what our little elf is going to do with a live audience!

For tickets, visit the web-site or call the Box Office at 512-476-0541 ext. 1.

Nov 28-Jan 11 Ice Skating on the Plaza at Whole Foods Market

10:00 AM

6th & Lamar

512-542-2260
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/lamar/storecalendar.php

The Holiday Season is here! Bring the family out to Whole Foods Market for Austin's only outdoor ice skating rink. $10 a ticket - includes skate rental and 50 minutes on the ice. Tickets are available for purchase an hour before desired skating session.

$10 includes rentals.

40 people maximum capacity on ice (50 during private party)

To reserve a private party, please call 512-542-2260

Regular Hours:
10 am to 9 pm Special Holiday Hours:
Dec 24th - 10 - 7
Dec 25th - closed
Dec 31st - 10 - 7
Jan 1st - 10 - 8

Oct 5-Feb 15 Citizens at Last: The Woman Suffrage Movement in Texas

112 E. 11th Street Austin, TX 78701
Kyle Schlafer
512.305.8400
www.TexasCapitolVisitorsCenter.com

Citizens at Last recounts the 70 year struggle of Texas women to receive the right to vote. The exhibit uses archival photographs, newspaper clippings, cartoons, cards and text to detail this important historical movement.

Sep 28-Jan 18 The New York Graphic Workshop: 1964 - 1970

Blanton Museum of Art
Brady Dyer

http://www.blantonmuseum.org

This exhibition is the first comprehensive presentation of a crucial, yet little-known, episode in the history of American and Latin American Conceptual art. Showcasing over 100 prints, drawings and mixed media works, the exhibition will explore contributions made to the Conceptualist movement of the 60’s and 70’s through the printmaking of the The New York Graphic Workshop (NYGW). The NYGW was founded in 1964 by three young Latin American artists in New York - Luis Camnitzer, José Guillermo Castillo, and Liliana Porter - whose mission was to redefine the practice of printmaking in conceptual terms, focusing on the mechanical and repetitive nature of printmaking, rather than its traditional techniques.

Sep 28-Jan 18 Reimagining Space: The Park Place Gallery Group in 1960s New York

Blanton Museum of Art
Brady Dyer

www.blantonmuseum.org

The Park Place Gallery was a prominent artist’s cooperative space in 1960s New York, shared by five sculptors (Mark di Suvero, Peter Forakis, Robert Grosvenor, Anthony Magar, and Forrest Myers) and five painters (Dean Fleming, Tamara Melcher, David Novros, Edwin Ruda, and Leo Valledor). With their unique interest in dynamic, complex space in sculpture and painting and their active engagement with contemporary cultural issues, the group was often at odds with the predominant movements and philosophies of most artists of the day. As a result, Park Place has rarely been treated in histories of the 1960s. By assembling a selection of major works rarely seen or seen together since that era--as well as photographs and documents chronicling the group’s activities--this exhibition opens a new window on the 1960s art world. In doing so, it reveals the decade to have been a period of much richer artistic possibility and complexity than standard art historical narratives ever suggest.