Charles Umlauf
American, 1911 - 1994
In 1941, the couple moved to Austin, Texas, where Charles had agreed to join the new art department at the University of Texas as a sculpture instructor. He taught there for 40 years, retiring as professor emeritus in 1981.
Umlauf's work can be seen in public collections and museums across the United States, including the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. and the Metropolitan Museum in New York City. In Texas, there are more of his sculptures in public placements than work by any other single sculptor.
In 1985, Charles and Angeline Umlauf gave their home, studio, and more than 200 pieces of Umlauf sculpture to the City of Austin. Six years later, in 1991, a new museum was built with private funds raised under the leadership of Austin arts patron Roberta Crenshaw. These included a generous matching challenge grant from the Meadows Foundation of Dallas.
In a unique partnership between Austin's public and private sectors, the Friends of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden fund, manage, and maintain the Museum while the City's Parks and Recreation Department maintains the xeriscape garden.
During the hours that the museum is open to the public, it is staffed entirely with volunteers. The Friends of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden continue to seek out additional funds for the Umlauf Sculpture Garden Endowment, a fund set up within the Austin Community Foundation to supplement the City's funds available to maintain and improve the Garden
The full range of Charles Umlauf's incredible work can be seen in both permanent and changing exhibitions inside the museum as well as outside in a wheelchair accessible garden.
Died 1994, Austin, Texas
Person TypeIndividual
