The 8 Most Exciting Art Exhibitions Opening This Fall in Austin
Austin’s dynamic art scene is bursting with activity, and these are the exhibitions you’ll want to see this season
It’s fall, y’all; at least that’s what we’re telling ourselves. And there’s something in the air that’s making us excited for the many celebrations of the season. Austin’s dynamic art scene is bursting with activity, and there are plenty of new exhibits (and intriguing opening night parties) to check out from downtown to the east side to the hills of Barton Springs. Read on to discover eight exhibitions you’ll want to see with your own eyes this fall, exploring everything from portraits made with broken glass to 50 years of hip-hop.
Art Exhibits On View Now
“Flowing into Fall”
Through Oct. 20, Art for the People Gallery, 1711 South 1st St. Open Tuesday–Wednesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Thursday–Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lean into that fall feeling on September 16 from noon to 4 p.m. at the opening reception celebration for “Flowing into Fall,” a group exhibition of 16 local artists of varying mediums who create work meant to accentuate the home and workspace. Some of the artists will be present throughout the day so you can mingle with the creatives. Peruse (or purchase) art depicting downtown scenes and blue jays, then shop for jewelry, home goods, and more.
“Apropos”
Through Nov. 26, Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, 605 Azie Morton Rd. Open Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden takes its name from the sculptor Charles Umlauf, who created moving works of figures in joy and anguish and taught at UT Austin for 40 years. In a celebration of Umlauf’s body of work, 18 artists create contemporary artworks that pay homage to a particular aspect of Umlauf’s art, from subject to style.
“Unbreakable: Feminist Visions from the Gilberto Cárdenas and Dolores Garcia Collection”
Sept. 16–Dec. 3, Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Open Sunday and Tues.–Fri. 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
This year, the Blanton Museum of Art opened its splashy, redesigned grounds to the public, and it also acquired more than 5,600 works by Latinx and Chicanx artists in a gift from Texan married couple Gilberto Cárdenas and Dolores Garcia. See both of these new additions at this exhibition celebrating feminist art and the feminine art of survival. Admission is free on Tuesdays, and Second Saturdays are celebrated outside every second Saturday of the month with food, drinks, and dancing.
Art Exhibitions Opening This Month
“Beauty in Destruction: The Art of Simon Berger”
Opens Sept. 23, West Chelsea Contemporary, 1009 W 6th St #120. Hours vary.
Swiss artist Simon Berger is here in Austin creating and installing his surreal portraits made by intentionally breaking, pounding, and cracking glass. His genre-shattering work has depicted such luminaries as Vice President Kamala Harris and Andrea Bocelli. This exhibition will showcase 40 new works created specifically for Berger’s first show in Texas, and, on opening night, the artist will be present from 2 to 4 p.m. to discuss the exhibition (RSVP is required).
“This Land”
Sept. 28–Jan. 28, 2024, The Contemporary Austin, Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave. $5–$10, free on Thursdays. Open Thurs.–Sun. noon to 6 p.m. and Wednesday noon to 9 p.m.
We all know that Austin is changing, and fast. This group exhibition explores how colonialist and capitalist values changed people’s relationships with land and place throughout history. Artists from Brazil, Jamaica, Mexico, the Navajo Nation, and the United States examine topics including migration, deforestation, and labor through paintings, sound and video installations, text-based work, and live performances.
Upcoming Gallery Exhibitions
“Attuned Surrender”
Oct. 27-Nov.19, OFC Creatives Gallery, 101 Colorado St #102. Hours vary.
OFC Creatives is dedicated to showcasing BIPOC artists, and their next solo exhibition will feature art by Texan Celica Ledesma. Stop by during Austin Studio Tour, where the gallery is an official stop, and experience Ledesma’s paintings exploring the intersection of spirituality and Black identity.
“50 Years of Hip Hop”
Opens Nov.1, Richesart Gallery, 2511 E. 6th St., Unit A. Hours vary.
It’s been five decades since DJ Kool Herc first brought hip-hop to a party in Brooklyn, and Austin will be celebrating. Join Richesart and Afrotech for a fresh block party on the east side where you’ll be immersed in live art battles, a showcase of NFTS, a DJ spinning decades of hits, and a curated gallery packed with pieces by local artists honoring hip-hop’s legacy and evolution.
Austin Studio Tour
Nov. 4-19. Locations and hours vary.
It’s not fall without Big Medium’s Austin Studio Tour! This art extravaganza takes over the city once more with three weekends celebrating local artists who joyfully open their homes and studios to the public. Shop in pop-up markets around town, take in live music and events, and discover your new favorite artist (who just might happen to be your neighbor).