By Holly Jackson

Contributing Writer

One spring social season highlight is the Umlauf Garden Party. The 12th annual soiree was set in xeriscaped grounds of overhanging trees, gravel paths and wooden bridges decorated with twinkling lights and candle-lit lanterns. Approximately 650 arts enthusiasts strolled the charming surroundings.

Held on Earth Day, going green was reflected in the theme of Coming Full Circle. To become a zero-waste event, Wandering River Recycling oversaw a comprehensive plan. Sustainable efforts included recycling, composting and reusable signage.

In addition to celebrating the internationally recognized sculptures of late Austinite Charles Umlauf, world-renowned photographer Greg Davis was the featured artist. The honorary chair was Texas hotelier Liz Lambert. Stuart Moulton of Austin Cabaret Theatre served as master of ceremonies.

Celebrity Seeds flowerpots were whimsically decorated and filled with goodies by more than 40 personalities such as University of Texas basketball coach Rick Barnes, Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, author Sarah Jane English, filmmaker Keith Maitland and local artists Bill Worrell and Bale Allen. The highest selling pots were created by metal artists Dan Grappe and Westbanker Joe Matza, artist Dwain Kelley and Chris Marsh of the Mean-Eyed Cat bar.

The Nash Hernandez Orchestra showcased their 12-piece band, known as Texas Music Hall of Fame inductees. The VIP cocktail reception was sponsored by Tipsy Texan and the Westbank businesses of Paula’s Texas Spirits and Dulce Vida Spirits. The culinary crowd was given engraved wine glasses for sampling red and white wines donated by Twin Liquors.

Mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres by the town’s top 21 food establishments were III Forks, Botticelli’s, Cool River, Eddie V’s, Fleming’s, Green Pastures, Maudie’s, Moonshine, NoRTH, Paggi House, P.F. Chang’s, Roaring Fork, Romeo’s, Salt and Time, Snap Kitchen, Sushi Zushi, The Steeping Room, Truluck’s, Urban, Walton’s and Whole Foods.

Proceeds of $90,000 benefit the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum.

“With this money, we can provide free admission for children and contribute to our long-term project of connecting Umlauf’s original home garden with the museum garden,” curator Nelie Plourde said.

This enchanting evening was a fitting tribute to Umlauf. His work is displayed in public collections and prominent museums nationwide. In Texas, his sculptures in public placements outnumber works of any other single sculptor.

For further information, visit www.umlaufsculpture.org.

BELOW: Westbanker and VIP beverage sponsor Paula Angerstein of Paula’s Texas Spirits serves up drinks at the 12th annual Umlauf Garden Party soiree.