City of Austin

AUSTIN, TX—December 28, 2016—The City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, part of the Economic Development Department, announces the opening of the 13th annual People’s Gallery exhibition at Austin City Hall. The presentation will feature a wide array of painting, sculpture, drawing and other media by nearly 90 artists from across central Texas. The public is invited to an opening reception Friday, February 24, 6 to 9 p.m., to view artworks throughout City Hall, meet the participating artists, and to enjoy light refreshments. Limited parking is available in the City Hall garage; however, visitors are encouraged to walk, bike, or use public transportation.

The People’s Gallery 2017 Opening Reception
When: Friday, February 24, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street
Free and open to the public
 
The People’s Gallery is designed to showcase the work of regional artists and to encourage public dialog, understanding, and enjoyment of visual art. Each year, the Cultural Arts Division issues a call for artworks to Austin-area artists, galleries, museums, and arts organizations. This year, approximately 1,250 entries were submitted by more than 300 local artists.

The 2017 selection panelists were exhibiting artist and co-curator of de stijl | PODIUM FOR ART, Christina Coleman; exhibiting artist and designer, Dharmesh Patel; and exhibiting artist, professor and Co-Chair of the Department of Art at Austin Community College, Gary Webernick.

For the third year, the People’s Gallery is proud to include special selection of art by Austin Independent School District (AISD) students. This year’s selection, which features artworks by students in grades 9-12, is presented with the cooperation of the AISD Art Program.

Each year, the public is invited to vote for their favorite artwork in the exhibition and a “People’s Choice” is selected from among the top-voted artworks to be added to the City’s permanent collection. Ballots for the 2017 People’s Choice will be available during the opening reception on February 24, and during normal exhibition hours through October 27, 2017. The People’s Choice award recipient will be presented with a certificate of congratulations at the opening reception, in Council Chambers, at 6:30 p.m.

Visitors to City Hall can view the People’s Gallery during regular building hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. Admission is always free. The 2017 exhibition will remain on display through early January 2018.

For more information about The People’s Gallery, visit www.austintexas.gov/peoplesgallery 

City of Austin Cultural Arts Division
The Cultural Arts Division of the Economic Development Department provides leadership and management for the City’s cultural arts programs and for the development of arts and cultural industries. The Cultural Arts Division is responsible for the Cultural Arts Funding Programs, Art in Public Places Program, community-based arts development, and programs to assist the development of film and creative industries in Austin. For more information, visit www.austincreates.com.