Opening Reception: Spring 2026 Exhibitions
Join the Opening Reception: Spring 2026 Exhibitions at the Visual Arts Center at UT Austin for an exciting night of art on Friday, January 23 from 5-8 PM!
Dive into three major new exhibitions: Abby Flanagan's solo debut To Move Through Stone, exploring the Edwards Aquifer with drawings, sculptures, and installations; Francesca Lally's Half Time, wrapping up her St. Elmo Arts Residency by linking ancient Roman coliseums to UT's Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium communities; and Towards Detournement, a student-curated show challenging mass media, consumerism, and institutions inspired by Guy Debord.
Don't miss the re-opening of Zalika Azim's powerful Blood Memories (or a going to ground), delving into Black histories of movement and placemaking, plus the unveiling of a vibrant new mural, Codex Two Thousand Twenty-Six, by UT professor Carlos Rosales-Silva and his advanced painting students using pictographic symbols for today's big ideas.
- Sip refreshments from Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Topo-Chico, Coca-Cola, and smartwater
- Groove to live music
- Browse books on exhibition themes at Alienated Majesty Books' table
A fun, free evening packed with fresh art, local talent, and creative vibes—perfect for art lovers!
The Venue
The Visual Arts Center (VAC) at The University of Texas at Austin is a vibrant gallery and creative hub dedicated to showcasing contemporary art and fostering artistic innovation. Located within the College of Fine Arts, the VAC features 13,000 square feet of dynamic exhibition space where national and international artists, as well as emerging student talent, present thought-provoking work.
- Mission: The VAC inspires community engagement and critical conversation by offering a platform for experimentation, collaboration, and risk-taking in visual art.
- Exhibitions & Programs: Year-round exhibitions highlight both solo and group shows, often foregrounding underrepresented artists. The center also presents extraordinary thesis exhibitions, student-curated projects, and collaborative installations that invite the public to interact with current artistic ideas.
- Artist Residencies: Each academic year, the VAC hosts two artists-in-residence who create new works, mentor students, and culminate their residencies with unique exhibitions.
- Student Involvement: Undergraduate students actively contribute through the Center Space Project, where they curate and organize exhibitions, encouraging interdisciplinary creativity and leadership.
- Community & Education: The VAC regularly organizes workshops, lectures, guided tours, and events designed to spark inspiration, deepen understanding of contemporary art, and connect diverse audiences.
- Open & Inclusive: Admission is always free, ensuring accessibility for all art enthusiasts, students, and the Austin community to engage with cutting-edge visual culture.
Explore current and upcoming exhibitions and learn more about programs.