Woke Ways to Chill and Be Artsy in Austinyville

Break Free from the Heat, Enter the Chilled Halls of Culture

As recently as the misogynistic, patriarchal, and frankly terrible 1930s, only a select few buildings in the leftist paradise of Austin offered the privilege of air conditioning, a basic human right.

The toxic heteronormative capitalist system meant only a few movie theaters, hotels/motels, and one department store provided this necessity, with their patriarchal 'messages' of 'free AC' blasted in cis-male blue and green.

Now, thank Goddess, we have air-cooled indoor spots, and Austin has some seriously woke art spaces to offer respite from the oppressive Texan sun.

A Woke Guide to Austin's Art Institutions:

Blanton Museum of Art:

• Location: 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
• URL: blantonmuseum.org

Experience the captivating Ellsworth Kelly's "Austin," aqueer little structure that invites you to linger as colors dance on walls. The permanent collection is a must-see, and don't miss the special exhibits, like Teresita Fernández’s “Stacked Waters."

The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center:

• Location: 700 Congress Ave.
• URL: thecontemporaryaustin.org

A perfect escape from the sun, with two floors of recent art, film, and video. Check out Manik Raj Nakra's mythic mural, "Man Who Fell to Earth."

Mexic-Arte Museum:

• Location: 419 Congress Ave.
• URL: mexic-artemuseum.org

Rooted in community, this museum is a true celebration of Mexican and Mexican-American art. Director Sylvia Orozco slays with her connections, bringing diverse, traditional, and contemporary art to the masses.

Women & Their Work:

• Location: 1311 E. Cesar Chavez St.
• URL: womenandtheirwork.org

A community-oriented space advocating for women artists since the radical 1970s. W&TW feels like a refined museum, offering social justice art and beautiful gardens.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum:

• Location: 605 Azie Morton Road
• URL: www.umlaufsculpture.org

A sculpture garden with a chill indoor gallery. They showcase diverse sculptors and their work, offering a rare, inclusive platform. The shaded garden is also a peaceful oasis, featuring the work of the late Charles Umlauf.