Art Alliance Austin’s history reflects the evolution of art in Austin. In 1956, the group was founded as The Women’s Art Guild – formed to support the Laguna Gloria Art Museum (which is now part of the Austin Museum of Art). For years, the Austin Museum of Art Guild (as they came to be known) presented “Fiesta” an annual outdoor art event that was one of the regions largest art events. As the guild and annual event grew, their aspirations became broader. In 1999, The Austin Museum of Art began renovations on the historical grounds of Laguna Gloria and Fiesta moved from the secluded West Austin neighborhood to downtown, becoming the Austin Fine Arts Festival, changing the organization’s name to the Austin Fine Arts Alliance in 2004 – reflecting their intention to support the larger art community, starting with the addition of the Blanton as a beneficiary in 2006. 2007 brings the organization to a new vista, where the leadership sees that there is a greater opportunity to serve and to reflect the vitality of art in Austin for local, regional, and national patrons and participants.

Mission

Through dynamic collaboration with artists, inclusive engagement of the community, and passionate devotion of our members, Art Alliance Austin is a catalyst for art. We exist to enrich and endow Central Texas’ cultural landscape as well as to promote the participation in visual art through the production of our suite of annual events – which culminate in our anticipated juried outdoor art fair: Art City Austin.

Vision

Art Alliance Austin strives to harness the limitless creative talent of the art community and the imagination of the people. The organization and events we produce will become important meeting places for artists, members, collectors, leaders, educators, galleries, museums, and the casual participant to engage in collaboration at the intersection of life + art.

Values

We value . . . Inclusiveness · Innovative collaboration · Inspiring all who participate · Improving quality of life

Board of Directors

Jack Armstrong, Multicarte, Chair
Travis James, Texas Perspectives, Vice Chair
Sharon Francia, Francia Consulting, Treasurer
Kim Eckert, IBM, IT Architect, Secretary
Tom Coopwood, M.D., F.A.C.S., Parliamentarian
Meg Lowry, Philanthropist, Chair Emeritus
Lynn Osler, State Farm Insurance
Lee Crawford, Temple-Inland
Susan Hausmann, Texas Department of Transportation
Sharon Lyle, Russell/Shaw
Steve Rogers, Applied Materials
Stuart M. Thomajan, The Chameleon Group LLC and Chameleon Ventures LLC
Meredith Powell, Executive Director, Art Alliance Austin, non-voting member

 

We now make it easier to join the alliance or renew your membership with a simple online membership form. If you are so inclined and get a chance, join us at MySpace.