The Women Who Shaped World-Renowned Artist Charles Umlauf’s Legacy
Discover how the women in Umlauf’s life guided the celebrated sculptor’s journey and continue to keep his legacy alive in Austin
Charles Umlauf is an internationally-renowned sculptor whose legacy is preserved here in Austin at the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum. Born in Michigan as Karl Umlauf to immigrant parents, his family anglicized their children’s names in response to anti-German sentiment during World War I. This early experience of cultural assimilation would mark the beginning of a journey that shaped Umlauf into one of the most celebrated artists of his time.
Charles met Angeline Allen, the love of his life, while both were studying at the Art Institute of Chicago. They relocated from Chicago to Austin in 1941, when the city’s population was just about 90,000. Initially, the Umlaufs rented a house on Stamford Lane in northwest Austin. However, as their family grew, they decided it was time to settle into a larger home.
A creative sanctuary in Austin
In 1944, after an extensive search, Angie discovered a piece of land in what is now a lively area off Barton Springs Road. At the time, the land was remote and neglected and held a house built in the 1920s that had likely been abandoned during the Great Depression. The Umlaufs purchased the property, which now overlooks Zilker Park, for a reported $2,500 and made it their lifelong home.
In 1956, the house underwent mid-century modern renovations, which remain beautifully preserved today. Stone walls harmonize with warm wood accents, while exposed architectural rafters and abundant natural light give the space distinctive character. With its understated allure, the charming kitchen enhances the home’s inviting ambiance, all coming together to foster a sense of warmth and creative inspiration. One can easily imagine their six children darting through the space, their laughter echoing off the walls and infusing the home with vibrant energy. Initially, the house served as Charles’ studio, but a standalone studio was later added to the property, offering him a dedicated workspace separate from the bustling household.
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Sculpting the sculpture
Angie cared for the children so Charles could focus on his work, but she did much more than that. An artist in her own right, she loved writing poetry. Without his wife’s support and dedication, Charles certainly would not have thrived as an artist with lasting success.
“I call her the de facto business manager,” says Katie Robinson Edwards, UMLAUF curator and executive director. “With her velvet touch on her typewriter, she made everything happen. When he was irascible, she would smooth things out.”
Carla Umlauf, Charles’ granddaughter, came to know him in his later years. “He was an affectionate, passionate person, completely devoted to his purpose—making art,” she recalls. “Much of his time was spent in the studio, where my brother and I were occasionally allowed to visit. He would share his work and discuss his concepts—often far beyond our youthful understanding—but he commanded our attention, and we knew his words carried significance.”
During college, Carla worked for her grandparents, washing and waxing Charles’ outdoor sculptures. “That experience left the most profound impression on me,” she says. “My grandfather patiently taught me how to clean each piece, explaining why he used tree wax and how to apply it properly. Even in those small moments, his dedication to his craft was evident. He was determined to communicate through his work.”
An Austin legacy of art and mentorship
Charles, with his vibrant personality, was a beloved professor at the University of Texas at Austin for 40 years. Among his most notable students was the iconic actor Farrah Fawcett. Their close bond developed through countless hours working together in his home studio and years of heartfelt correspondence. The current UMLAUF museum exhibition, “Bombshell,” showcases many of Fawcett’s original artworks, highlighting both her talent and Umlauf’s influence on her style. Her artistic ability, paired with her striking beauty, likely contributed to the deep creative connection they shared and the joy he found in mentoring her.
In 1985, Charles and Angie donated their home, studio and two acres of land with the understanding that they could reside there for the remainder of their lives. The museum opened to the public in 1991, and Charles passed away in 1994. His wife Angeline lived in the house above the museum until she died in 2012.
“She and I shared a spiritual connection,” Carla reflects. “She was a wise woman, guided by love, truth and peace. As a young mother, I spent many lunch hours and weekends with her, listening to her stories and seeking her advice. She had a special bond with my daughters, and though her passing at 97 was anticipated, losing our family’s matriarch was still a profound shift.”
Carrying on the Umlauf history
Her passing required collaboration between the Sculpture Garden, the City of Austin, and the Umlauf family to ensure her and Charles’ gift to the city would be honored. Carla was actively involved in transitioning family items from the property and continues to serve as custodian for many family archives, including Angie’s writings and the family-owned collection. “As with my grandfather, there are so many things I still wish I had asked her,” she admits.
Carla served on the UMLAUF board for over 12 years, eventually becoming Board President, and now sits on the Advisory Council. The City of Austin now owns the home, studio, more than 250 pieces of art and eight acres, of which the museum occupies six. Large oak branches are intertwined with city views and sculptures — many of women and children. The house and studio, which is currently closed to the public, sit on a small hill that is walkable from the current UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum.
Talented women served as managers and muses for Charles, keeping him organized and inspired. Along with Carla, even long after his death, yet another intelligent and creative woman continues to manage the Umlauf affairs. When we interviewed Edwards, who led us through a tour of the home and studio, her knowledge regarding the Umlaufs’ history was clear, along with the amount of work she has put into preserving their legacy.
UMLAUF home and studio to open to the public
Largely thanks to the dedicated efforts of Carla and Edwards over the years, Charles’ home and studio are set to open to the public in the future. A capital campaign will launch in 2026 to fund the essential updates needed to prepare the property for visitors, and restoration work will include critical roof, foundation, and wiring repairs. A key objective is to establish a seamless physical connection between the sculpture garden, home and studio, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Plans are also underway to expand parking while preserving the property’s natural beauty.
The sculpture garden is poised for enhancements as well, with proposed additions such as event spaces, pavilions and amphitheaters, further enriching this cultural landmark.
Soon, art enthusiasts will gain a deeper understanding of who Charles Umlauf truly was — a visionary artist whose life and work were profoundly shaped by the women around him. From Angie, his devoted wife and tireless manager who anchored his creative endeavors, to Fawcett, the talented protégé whose artistry and connection with Umlauf left an indelible mark, to Carla, his beloved granddaughter who has played a key role in continuing her family’s legacy, and finally Edwards, whose dedication has ensured that his legacy endures, women have played an integral role as both muses and stewards of his work. Their efforts preserved his contributions and helped shed light on the complex, often eccentric lives of 20th-century artists like Umlauf. Thanks to their passion and perseverance, his artistry continues to inspire and captivate generations to come.
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