Austin Museum of Art at Laguna Gloria
While many do know of this wonderful feature of our city, many do not. Yes, Austin has a wonderful Museum of Art, several in fact, but the Austin Museum of Art at Laguna Gloria is special in so many ways. ( http://www.amoa.org/ )
When I was young, I simply knew it as Laguna Gloria, and it wasn't the beautiful art on the walls or statues that adorn the grounds that were the main calling for me (though I did find them appealing). Instead I came for the art classes I could take. Yes, every Saturday I took classes in various art forms...pottery, painting, film, photography (took that twice), a drawing class, a different drawing class, and all of them allowed me to explore the artistic side that I'm finding my son's elementary school simply doesn't explore in-depth enough for his artistic nature.
Laguna Gloria is on the west side of Austin, west of MoPac at the very end of 35th street, almost hidden from the world amond trees and forests that seem perfect for artists and those that appreciate the works they create. The grounds border Lake Austin and are great to explore, something I recall doing for quite a few art classes, truly inspiring, and are even worthy of a peaceful interlude during a busy day.
The AMOA's art school and all related links can be found here , including registration forms, class schedules and topics, and pictures with wonderful descriptions for both kids and adults. You'll also find on their site links and information for their social calendar, events worth attending for both their enriching content as well as the social interactions of some of Austin's true art enthusiasts. And hey, great food and great art go well together!
Of course, if you find that you have walked through you might also walk next door to beautiful Mayfield Park, another Austin Treasure, with trails through the woods, ponds and numerous plants, and peacocks for the children to be amazed by (we usually chased them).
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/cepreserves/mayfield.htm
~melanie
