The Blanton Museum of Art is a cultural treasure of Austin.  On the UT campus, the gorgeous Blanton Space hosts some of the most interesting and spectacular exhibits and events in Austin’s art world and beyond.

We were just thrilled when they offered to be our visual art partner for Austin Pictures!

“Why a visual art partner?” you say?  Because, in addition to presenting some incredible music on October 1st with Jorge Caballero, the Miró Quartet and Maestro Peter Bay, Austin Pictures has a strong visual art component!

Jorge Caballero will do the impossible on the guitar on October 1st.  He will play a piece best-known as a symphonic work on a solo classical guitar.  The piece?  Modest Mussorgsky’s beloved Pictures at an Exhibition.

Mussorgsky’s masterwork has 11 musical themes.  The first, and most famous, is the Promenade, which illustrates gallery goers moving through an exhibit of ten paintings – the remaining ten musical themes!  We thought this would be a perfect opportunity to get visual artists involved.  We commissioned 11 distinguished high school visual artists to each paint their own versions one of the 11 musical themes (meet them here)!  The paintings will all be on display at Austin Pictures, and will also be the subject (along with the young artists) of a short film shown that evening.

We sat down with our friends at the Blanton to learn a bit more about this marvelous institution.

Matthew Hinsley: I cannot thank you enough for partnering with us for Austin Pictures!

The Blanton Museum of Art: The Blanton Museum of Art is proud to be a part of Austin Pictures. Not only does the event promise to provide some of the season’s most outstanding performances, but we are particularly pleased to join forces with the Austin Classical Guitar Society because their educational initiatives so closely resemble our own.

MH: We truly believe the core of our programming is about education.  What kinds of programming do you have for young people?

BMOA: Like the ACGS, The Blanton is committed to providing exceptional cultural experiences for K-12 students, particularly those from underserved communities. Through our Art Central program, Story Time Tours, Holiday Family Days and other programming, we hope to impact and inspire the next generation of leaders in this community.

MH: The Blanton is always offering world-class exhibits and programs.  What’s coming up?

BMOA: This fall, we are pleased to present two exhibitions that will engage young minds, as well as those from the University and greater Austin communities: We will serve as the only Southwest venue for El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa, a career-retrospective of the celebrated Nigeria-based artist hailed by the New York Times as an “international art star.” Also on view this fall is Storied Past: Four Centuries of French Drawings from the Blanton Museum of Art, a wonderfully rich selection that highlights the social and material history of drawing in France.

MH: Wow.  Those both sound not only gorgeous, but thought-provoking, educational and richly culturally significant!  Is there anything else you’d like to share?

BMOA: We congratulate the ACGS on Austin Pictures, and invite everyone to come and experience pictures “live and in person” in our galleries this fall.

MH: Thank you so much Blanton Museum of Art!  And I’d like to encourage everyone to check out the Blanton’s website where you can learn more about their exhibits, their programming for young people, and so much more.