American Modernism from the Charles Butt Collection: From Edward Hopper to Alma Thomas is the first exhibition dedicated to the collection of businessman, philanthropist, and Texas native Charles Butt.
This exhibition presents over 80 rarely seen paintings and works on paper by icons of American modern art, including Edward Hopper, Ellsworth Kelly, Jacob Lawrence, Joan Mitchell, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Alma Thomas. The featured works span from the late 19th century through the 1970s, and will be grouped in seven thematic sections: Breaking Form: Cubism and Its Legacy, Urban Encounters, Intimate Perspectives, Precisionism, The Language of the Sea, Land Progressions, and Edges of Abstraction. The Blanton Museum of Art is one of four exclusive venues in Texas to host this exhibition.
Shared with the public for the first time, Butt’s collection reflects his vision of American creativity, as well as his civic dedication and commitment to education.
American Modernism from the Charles Butt Collection: From Edward Hopper to Alma Thomas is organized by the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Blanton’s presentation is managed by Carter E. Foster, Chief Curator and Deputy Director of Collections, Blanton Museum of Art.
Step into a bold, playful after‑hours celebration inspired by American Modernism. Enjoy cocktails, creative activities, and captivating collections, then let live performances by Dosseyand Jane Leo light up the night. Costumes encouraged — go vibrant and come dressed to impress! Check out our Pinterest Board for inspiration!Live music presented by Resound Presents.
🌟 Blanton Member exclusive: Get discounted admission and parking, plus access to a members-only lounge with dedicated cash bar. Not yet a member? Join today! (Please note, regular museum discounts such as UT-Austin ID Holder, Military, K-12 Teacher, Student, and Senior do not apply for special events.)
🍸 Food and drink available for purchase from TacoWey (while supplies last) and Haymaker Bar.
Support for B Scene at the Blanton is provided in part by KUTX.
Parking Info: $15 event parking is available at UT’s Brazos Garage on the night. Blanton Members get $4 parking, payable at garage with proof of membership. Rideshares can drop off in the Drop-Off circle on Brazos St. Get tips on bicycle parking and public transportation routes on our Visit Page.
Rainbow Tours (7:30 pm, 9:00 pm & 9:45 pm) 🌈 – Uncover the histories and symbolism of different colors on this interactive tour of artworks.
Alma Thomas Art-making (7 – 10:30 pm) – Create your own works of art inspired by artist Alma Thomas’s bold, exuberant painting style.
Photo Booth (7:30 – 10:30pm) – Create a keepsake moment and snap a pic in our photo booth!
Temporary Tattoo Station(7 – 10:30 pm) – Get your tat on with temporary tattoos outside on the Moody Patio.
& more!
7 – 10:30 pm
Other Activities with Almost Real Things
Michener Gallery Building
Join Almost Real Things (ART) for these creative activities inspired by the vivid colors and shapes found in the American Modernism exhibit:
Create textured clay tiles embellished with stamps alongside Natalie Earhart, co-founder of Almost Real Things & Touch the Art.
Build your own bracelet and keychain with London Brantley, bead maker and owner of the Austin Bead Box—choose from a kaleidoscope of beads and charms to customize your design.
Don’t leave without picking up a free copy of the Austin Studio Tour guidebook, which features over 700 local artists so you can continue supporting Austin’s incredible art community!
8:30 pm
ATX Artist Talk
Art of the American West Gallery, Second Floor, Michener Gallery Building
Join Austin-based artist Christopher Miñán Fitzgerald for a gallery talk about the painting Indian Canoe (circa 1886) by Albert Bierstadt. This work of art is on view in our Art of the American West gallery.
DOSSEY opens B Scene with glitter grunge. A fierce songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer from Austin, TX, DOSSEY blendS gritty punk energy with shimmering alt-pop hooks.
She first broke out with Heartbeats, praised by NPRʼs All Songs Considered as “unmissable” and named one of SXSWʼs 100 Artists to See. Her collab Better Run (with Disero) hit major Spotify playlists like “All New Indie” and “Indie Radar.”
9:30 — 10:30 pm
Live Performance by Jane Leo
Michener Gallery Building
Headlining B Scene is Austin-based Jane Leo, an art rock, synth pop duo.
7 — 10 pm
Late-Night Shopping!
Museum Store, Check-in Building
Find a wide selection of local products and art-inspired books, stationery, homeware, jewelry, toys, and more in the Museum Store. All store purchases directly support the Blanton.
Member Exclusive: Get 10% off EVERY purchase!
Sponsored By:
Support for B Scene at the Blanton is provided in part by KUTX.
Experience 80+ rarely seen masterpieces from iconic American artists—on view for the first time in Texas. From sweeping landscapes to bold portraits and urban encounters—experience American Modernism at its best. Through close looking and conversation, we will make meaningful connections to the works of art on display. Learn more about the show on the “American Modernism” exhibition page.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Our tours can accommodate a maximum of 25 people on a first come, first serve basis. Please check-in with our Visitor Services Desk to secure your place.
Our most popular program for young visitors! Read along to a picture book paired with a work of art. This month the theme is community, and the book is In the Meadow of Fantasies by Hadi Mohammadi & Nooshin Safakhoo, paired with an artwork featured in our collection.
Inspiring curiosity in ages 4–8 years old. Presented with support from community partner Alienated Majesty Books.
1 pm
Looking Together
Michener Gallery Building
Ever wondered how others interpret an artwork? Let’s explore a visitor-favorite in our collection together! We’ll use creative ways of looking to make connections and meaning.
Recommended for all visitors 12 years & older.
TBD
Activities
Various Locations
Creative Cardmaking – All ages are invited to make and create a handmade card! Materials provided.
Writing Activity with Austin Typewriter Ink – Sit down at vintage typewriters and create your own poems, notes, and meaningful moments for mothers and caregivers. It’s a hands-on experience that turns simple words into lasting keepsakes.
Massage Therapy – Attendees can schedule and purchase a massage session with a professional chair massage therapist!
Photo Booth – Snap a Mother’s Day memory to take home.
Flowers for Mom – Free roses will be available on our Moody Patio, while supplies last.
2 pm
Curator’s Choice tour
TBD
Join Sarah Bane, Assistant Curator of Prints and Drawings, for a gallery talk about the etching The Fleet’s In! by Paul Cadmus, a print based on one of the artist’s most controversial yet influential works.
3 pm
Art with an Expert – What is the Role of Art in a Democracy? Lessons from the New Deal with John P. Murphy
Auditorium, Check-in Building
At the height of the Great Depression, with the economy in ruins and fascism on the rise, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal turned crisis into opportunity. Through unprecedented federal funding for the arts, the New Deal launched the careers of artists such as Dorothea Lange, Jacob Lawrence, Alice Neel, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko, while advancing a bold vision of cultural democracy: art by the people, for the people. This talk considers the promises and pitfalls of the New Deal art programs, drawing lessons for today on the role of art in a democratic society.
Followed by book signing in the Museum Store.
TBD
Silent Disco featuring Peligrosa DJ Collective
Michener Gallery Building
Grab some headphones and groove out to sets by live DJs!
Contempla más de 80 obras maestras raramente exhibidas de icónicos artistas americanos, expuestas por primera vez en Texas. Desde amplios paisajes hasta atrevidos retratos y escenas urbanas, vive el Modernismo Americano en su máxima expresión. Más información sobre El Modernismo Americanoen la página web dedicada.
Se ruega llegar al menos 15 minutos antes del comienzo de la visita. Nuestras visitas guiadas tienen capacidad para un máximo de 25 personas por orden de llegada. Por favor, regístrese en nuestro mostrador de servicios al visitante para asegurar su plaza.
Experience 80+ rarely seen masterpieces from iconic American artists—on view for the first time in Texas. From sweeping landscapes to bold portraits and urban encounters—experience American Modernism at its best. Through close looking and conversation, we will make meaningful connections to the works of art on display. Learn more about the show on the “American Modernism” exhibition page.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Our tours can accommodate a maximum of 25 people on a first come, first serve basis. Please check-in with our Visitor Services Desk to secure your place.
