Austin City Hall: Through the Fish Bowl

Dry Creek, encaustic w/ mixed media, 24"x24"

The next time you are attending an Austin City Council Meeting, having lunch with the mayor or catching up with the City Clerk, believe it or not you can also see some really great artwork. For more than five years the City has showcased the talents of Austin artists with an extensive annual art exhibition known as the People's Gallery. Approximately 150 contemporary artworks, including paintings, photographs, sculptures and other mediums, are on display in the atrium and open areas of the first three floors of the uber-cool,enviro-friendly Austin City Hall. 


I'm thrilled to have my painting "Dry Creek" included in the 2011 People's Gallery (#52 on the tour guide). And want to know Zuzu's favorite part? The painting hangs in the hallway outside Conference Room 2003—aka "The Fish Bowl" because it is completely glass and dangles precariously over the atrium—side by side with possibly the world's largest (and certainly the most fabulous) "Catfish" painting by Hunter Wesson (#53) and just a stones throw from an all-time classic photographic favorite "Buba At Barton Springs" by Roy Mata (part of the permanent collection and winner of the People's Choice 2008)! Jackpot! Make sure you go around the corner to see John Sager's "Hagia Sophia" sculpture (#76). It gets my vote for this year's top prize.


So stop by, say "hey" to Mayor Leffingwell and soak up some culture.  Austin City Hall is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. City Hall is located at 301 W 2nd Street (parking is available underneath the building). The Exhibition remains on view for the entire year, so no excuses not to visit.

For more information, visit the People's Gallery Exhibition page.