All the Highlights From UMLAUF’s Glamorous Garden Party in Austin

The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum raised more than $300,000 at its 27th annual Garden Party on April 16, marking a record-setting year for the organization’s signature fundraiser. Held during the museum’s 35th anniversary year, the evening carried an “Amore, Garden Party” theme inspired by Charles Umlauf’s Italian heritage and the casting work he created in Italy.

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Jennie Branch, Angela Hinson, Jonathon Todd, Dale Huggins, Victoria Pontiff. (Photo by Justin Lietner)

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Tayler Laplana Zelinski and Alejandro Laplana. (Photo by Justin Lietner)

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Kelsey Bradshaw & Nicole Cobler. (Photo by Justin Lietner)

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The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden during the Garden Party as the sun sets over the grounds. (Photo by Justin Lietner)

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Bite-sized offerings allowed guests to sample a variety of dishes from each booth throughout the evening. (Photo by Justin Lietner)

An evening in bloom

Guests strolled through the garden’s winding paths, surrounded by the museum’s beloved sculptures and bright greenery, while sampling bites from more than 25 of Austin’s standout restaurants.

Each culinary station offered a unique experience, complemented by fine wines, handcrafted cocktails and dessert offerings, including a popular Aperol Spritz bar by Twin Liquors. Live music from Joshua Alderete & The Fellowship carried across the garden as guests mingled beneath the trees and explored the museum’s outdoor spaces.

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Adrien Lavigne, Amanda Turner and Kevin D’Andrea. (Photo by Justin Lietner)

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Gail Chovan & Evan Voyles. (Photo by Justin Lietner)

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Carrie Frugé of Biddy Up Auctioneers leads the live auction. (Photo by Justin Lietner)

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Jill Kickman & Katie Robinson Edwards. (Photo by Justin Lietner)

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An engaged crowd bids enthusiastically during the live auction.

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Sophia Cavazos, Sabrina Macias & Cassie Butterfield. (Photo by Justin Lietner)

A lasting impact

This year also introduced a new philanthropic element through a partnership with Gold4Good, which invited attendees to donate unwanted or broken gold and platinum jewelry on-site. The addition offered another way for guests to contribute to the museum’s mission beyond the evening’s ticketed event and auction fundraising.

The live and silent auctions, led by Carrie Frugé of Biddy Up Auctioneers, helped drive the record-breaking total. Auction packages included offerings from Windstar Cruises, Abercrombie Jewelry, Hideaway Round Top, Four Seasons, Laura Goodson and other local partners. Following the fundraiser, the evening continued with an after-party at Hotel Ella, where guests gathered for cocktails, music and conversation.

Proceeds from the Garden Party will support the UMLAUF’s year-round cultural, educational and community initiatives, including Shaping Space, Family Days and Summer Camp. As the museum celebrates 35 years in Austin, the annual fundraiser once again reflected the broad community of supporters behind it and the enduring role the UMLAUF continues to play in the city’s cultural life.

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