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The Blanton’s big summer glow-up

Inside the Blanton Museum of Art’s new $35 million grounds

Looking up to the sky, the image frames eight of the new, petal-shaped structures that make up the canopy at the Blanton Museum of Art. They're painted white and filled with little holes, giving the impression of a starry sky.

The Blanton Museum of Art’s new Moody Patio is shaded with 15 petal-shaped covers. | Photo courtesy Blanton Museum of Art

After years of planning, more than a year of construction, and $35 million, the Blanton Museum of Art is unveiling some brand new grounds.

Guests are invited to celebrate the new space tomorrow, so let’s get the low-down on the changes.

What’s new

The effort fills in the museum’s 200,000-sqft property, bringing an artistic experience outdoors and connecting the main building with Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin.”

One of the largest changes is at the Moody Patio: a new, shady canopy of 15 petal-shaped structures that looks like art pieces themselves. The patio — which was designed by UT graduates at architecture firm Snøhetta — will also have raised platforms for live music and other performances.

A large, long mural depicting green shapes overlaid over a white background. — The new mural “Verde, que te quiero verde” was commissioned by Cuban American artist Carmen Herrera.
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Photo courtesy Blanton Museum of Art

Other additions include:

25,000 new, mostly native plants
Two new murals: One called “Verde, que te quiero verde” by Cuban-American artist Carmen Herrera, and another called “HI” by Kay Rosen
A Butler Sound Gallery with recordings of Texas wildlife and geology
A new, rainbow installation in the lobby titled “Plexus No. 44"

But it’s not just new grounds — the programming is changing, too.

The Blanton is now open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and will shift its free admission days from Thursdays to Tuesdays. The museum will also launch Second Saturdays, which will include public programming and special events.

Stay tuned, because a new cafe is also in the works.

What looks like an arcing rainbow spikes over the Blanton's main lobby. — No, it’s not a trick of the light — the art piece “Plexus No. 44" is just inside the Blanton’s doors.
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Photo courtesy Blanton Museum of Art

Join the celebration

Stop by the museum at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 for:

Guest speakers and announcements
Live music by Gina Chavez, the Peterson Brothers, DJ Ella Ella, and Adrian Quesada
A one-day printmaking exhibition
Readings by Texas writers
Food for purchase by Flyrite Chicken, Tamale Addiction, Amy’s Ice Creams and more

Events on the Moody Patio are free to attend, but access to the museum and “Austin” installation cost normal admission fees. RSVP here.

Asked

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, so let’s spread some love.

Share the name of a teacher who’s touched your life, so we can shout them out in an upcoming newsletter.

Give some kudos

Events

Friday, May 12

Ballet Austin presents “Cinderella” | Friday, May 12-Sunday, May 14 | Times vary | The Long Center for the Performing Arts , 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin | $15-$125 | Watch happily ever after unfold onstage.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” | Friday, May 12-Sunday, May 14 | Times vary | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $35-$165 | See Harper Lee’s classic book come to life on stage.

Saturday, May 13

46th Annual O. Henry Museum Pun-Off World Championships | Saturday, May 13 | 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Brush Square Courtyard, 409 E. 5th St., Austin | Free | Get ready for a 90-second pun-off, in addition to live music, an auction, and a PunSlingers competition.
iHeartCountry Festival | Saturday, May 13 | 7 p.m. | The Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $304-$604 | See Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Carl Pearce, and seven other big-name artists at this festival.

Sunday, May 14

Oklahoma City vs. Round Rock Express | Sunday, May 14 | 1:05 p.m. | Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock | $15-$78 | It’s the last day to watch the Express play this Oklahoma team.

Monday, May 15

Band-Maid 10th Anniversary Tour | Monday, May 15 | 8 p.m. | Emo’s Austin, 2015 E. Riverside Dr., Austin | $30 | Celebrate ten years of the Japanese rock band alongside special guest Shadow Cliq.

Tuesday, May 16

Celia Bell: “The Disenchantment” | Tuesday, May 16 | 7 p.m. | BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin | Free | Celia Bell and Edward Carey will discuss her recent book about noblewomen in 17th century Paris.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Finance

Kick back and retire (yes, please)

SmartAsset wants to help you retire. | Photo by SmartAsset

This billion-dollar startup wants to help you retire.

If you’re one of the whopping 110 million Americans over age 50 — or a wise Millennial looking to get ahead — SmartAsset’s no-cost tool makes it easy to find vetted financial advisors who serve your area.

It’s never too late to work towards more radiant golden years. Take this quiz to see if you can retire comfortably.*

Take the free quiz

News Notes

Weather

Prepare for potential severe flooding this weekend, with heavy rain expected to start tonight and last until Sunday morning. Here are some tips for staying safe in case of an emergency.

Biz

Intel announced plans for national layoffs, but hasn’t disclosed how much the move will affect its 2,100 Austin employees. The company reported a net loss of $2.8 billion last month, its largest quarterly loss in history. (Austin American-Statesman)

Development

The buildings at West 17th and Lavaca Streets — including the old El Mercado restaurant — appear to be headed for demolition. Learn more about the history of the site. (Austin Towers)

Kids

The Spurs announced the schedules and opened registration for their 50th annual summer basketball camps, which take place in San Antonio and Austin. Camps include skills training, an all-girls camp, overnight camp, and Spurs player camp for kids age 6-18.

Now Open

The Violet Crown, a wine bar and coffee shop in the old Violet Crown Clubhouse space, is now open in Crestview. Guests can expect to find wines by the glass, bottles for purchase, and snacks like charcuterie and desserts. (Eater Austin)

Cause

Nonprofit Can’d Aid donated 100 free bikes to first and second graders at Josephine Houston Elementary School yesterday. The bikes, which were all built by volunteers, are meant to inspire healthy practices. (KVUE)
Austin Pets Alive! is hosting its annual Kitten Shower fundraiser this Saturday, May 13 at 12 p.m. Stop by with a donation or some kitty supplies for a tour of the neonatal kitten nursery, activities, and refreshments.

Drink

Meet Rebel Rabbit — not a hard seltzer, a high seltzer, infused with just enough cannabis to turn up the relaxation with none of the nasty next-day side effects of a can of beer or a glass of wine. Intrigued? Shop their whole collection of beverages online.*

Health

In recognition of National Nurses Week, we’d like to celebrate and thank all our Austin nurses whose hearts for the community extend inside and outside the hospital walls. Looking to take your next career step in healthcare? See how to join the team at Texas Health Resources.^

Holiday

How to win Mother’s Day? Send the mother figure in your life iconic meals and desserts from across the country with Goldbelly. Think: Ina Garten’s coconut cake, a New York bagel brunch kit, and a chef’s steak dinner for four. Yup, it’s all on Goldbelly.*

Kids

Let your kids touch the stove

Summer cooking camps for kids in Austin

Two kids in denim aprons gaze at a counter holding a bowl of flour, chocolate chips, and croissants.

Kids will be whipping up French pastries in no time. | Photo via Sur La Table

Let us explain. We’d only recommend this activity under professional supervision, with detailed instruction and the promise of tasty treats at the end — AKA, everything you get in one of Sur La Table’s cooking camps.

Check out the camps held at Sur La Table (11800 Domain Blvd., Suite 130), perfect for little chefs who’d love hands-on cooking instruction this summer. Bon appétit.

🧁 For kids ages 7-11

Baking 101
This camp will have kids mixing batter and rolling out dough to make everything from chocolate marble banana bread to homemade pizzas. Camps are available May 30 through August 4. Browse four-day camps and five-day camps.

Culinary Excursion
From a chicken dinner to taco night, little chefs will learn a breadth recipes to make again. Five-day camps are available June 12 through July 28. Browse camps and sign up for 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. slots.*

More camps for kids + teens

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
London

From the editor

I tried out a new happy hour downtown yesterday, and I’ll just say two words: $3 cocktails.

That’s right, Ellis at Fareground Austin offers a full happy hour menu with well cocktails, beer, wine, and snacks all for three bucks. It kind of felt like I was dining in 1995.

In all seriousness, if you’re wondering why cocktails suddenly cost $20 these days, here’s an interesting breakdown on the work behind your drink.

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