Friends of Laguna Gloria Giving Circle

“Laguna Gloria isn’t just a physical space; it’s a sanctuary where creativity blooms and imagination thrives. Every time I step onto its grounds, I’m enveloped in inspiration.”

- Viki Chupik

Native Austinite and The Contemporary Austin Trustee

Friends of Laguna Gloria

Friends of Laguna Gloria is a patron group whose generosity is focused on providing essential support for the care and legacy of Laguna Gloria. Upon inception, the group will provide Laguna Gloria, the backdrop and home of many beloved and unique programs, with critical operational funds to serve the community. In the long term, Friends of Laguna Gloria will provide input and resources to guide future development and preservations of this Austin treasure to ensure it thrives and remains a site of cherished memories and experiences for generations. Scroll down for more information about Laguna Gloria, its history, and visitors.

Each year, The Contemporary Austin invests more than $1 million into the care and maintenance of the grounds of Laguna Gloria.

Friends’ contributions directly support the needs of Laguna Gloria such as:

Managing the grounds and shoreline

Restoring and caring for native plants

Maintaining and providing service to built structures

Having a team of facilities and visitor engagement staff on hand to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests

Purpose

Friends of Laguna Gloria channel their passion for the site to ensure the stewardship of the grounds; the preservation of the Driscoll Villa; and the care and maintenance of the art school and permanent sculpture garden for the Austin community of today and tomorrow.

Join us in our mission to support Laguna Gloria by committing to an annual gift of either $10,000 or $25,000 for the next three years. Become a Founding Member by making a gift in 2024! You’ll be part of a special group of friends who supported us from the very beginning.

Benefits

Support of Friends of Laguna Gloria comes with benefits designed to increase your engagement with The Contemporary Austin and show your support for our beautiful grounds.

$10,000 Donor Benefits

All Friends of Laguna Gloria donors will receive:

Name recognition on a plaque prominently displayed on the grounds, a dedicated webpage, and print collateral

Annual celebration onsite for Friends of Laguna Gloria

Invitation to participate in an annual Town Hall with The Contemporary leadership to discuss both ongoing preservation efforts and future improvements

Museum membership at Ambassador ($5K) level for two adults and children under 18 in household. Benefits of the Ambassador membership includes travel opportunities, presale access to Art Dinner table purchases, free admission to both museum locations for a year, invitations to curator-led tours and VIP events, and more.

$25,000 Donor Benefits

Friends at the $25K level will be additionally acknowledged with an upgraded museum membership to the Leader level ($10k). Leader level benefits include all perks of the Ambassador level membership, plus discounted event rental fees to both Laguna Gloria and Jones Center.

A personalized dedication bench for three years in the majestic Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria

To join, or to learn more, contact Hillary Welde, Director of Development, [email protected].

About Laguna Gloria

+ The Place -
With diverse ecology – including woodlands, meadows, gardens, and waterfront alongside a rich array of flora and fauna – Laguna Gloria is a precious reserve of natural beauty and a welcoming art-in-nature site in the heart of the city. Twenty-nine sculptures from over 20 artists are nestled throughout the majestic and meditative grounds of Laguna Gloria, awaiting to be discovered again and again by visitors of all ages.
+ The People -
Humans have been drawn to the land we now call Laguna Gloria for thousands of years – lured by a constellation of interconnected natural resources, unique geographic features, and beautiful scenery. Indigenous people inhabited this area for over 10,000 years before European contact. Stephen F. Austin, founder of Anglo-American Texas, surveyed it as a site for a prospective home in 1832, but no claim was made before his death in 1836, the same year The Republic of Texas was established. It was utilized for agriculture until Clara Driscoll and Hal Sevier purchased the parcel in 1915 and built a distinctive villa inspired by the architecture of Italy. Their home became a gathering place for artists and inspired theater performances, nurtured by Driscoll’s love of historical preservation and the arts.
+ The Institution -
The Contemporary Austin’s unique, art-in-nature site is home to a thriving art school, historic villa, and the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park. A complement to the Jones Center—The Contemporary Austin’s downtown location—Laguna Gloria serves as the setting of vibrant, engaging exhibitions and programs alongside thoughtful land stewardship.

Thank you!

Thank you for considering becoming a Founding Member of the Friends of Laguna Gloria. Your support will make a lasting impact and helps us keep this Austin treasure loved, nurtured, and preserved for current and future generations to enjoy.