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Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

Introduction

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Located in Zilber Park, Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum was established in 1991 to display the works of artist Charles Umlauf (1910-1994), one of the 20th century's best sculptors. He created works with a variety of materials including wood, terra cotta, cast stone, bronze, alabaster, and marble. His subjects were varied as well, including family groupings, animals, religious and mythical figures, and nudes. The collection is comprised of 168 of his sculptures which are displayed inside the museum and in the gardens. The collection also includes works created by the late actress Farrah Fawcett, who was Umlauf's friend and student. Visitors can take guided tours, attend workshops, classes, and lectures, even take yoga classes.


Images

  • "Icarus," created by Umlauf in 1965.

Backstory and Context

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Umlauf was born in South Haven, Michigan. His artistic talent was recognized from an early age. His family moved to Chicago when he was eight years old and he attended summer art school at the Art Institute. He studied at the institute for many years before becoming a life drawing and sculpture instructor at the University of Texas in 1941. He taught there for 40 years. His works can be seen in museums across the country including the Smithsonian Institution and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Sources

"History of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum." Accessed June 28th, 2017. http://www.umlaufsculpture.org/history.

Additional Information