Joy at the Capitol
About this Event
Honoring Austin's Forgotten Voices
There is a gold star set into the ceiling of the Capitol rotunda, representing every person who made Texas what it is today. Including our elders, quietly living out of sight, feeling isolated, forgotten, and separated from the city they helped build. This August, we bring their voices back to the center of Texas history.
For five days, their artwork will hang on the walls deep within the Capitol, in a room where laws are debated and history preserved. Free and open to the public, this exhibition will feature collections that reflect Texas and Austin as remembered, loved, and cherished by our community’s elders.
Admission is completely free, but room capacity for the exhibition is limited. RSVP to hold your spot. Exact room location and a digital map will be emailed to you upon registration.
WHEN: AUGUST 26-30, 2026
Public viewing hours August 27 through August 30.
Opening reception on August 26 is by invitation only.
WHERE: TEXAS STATE CAPITOL
1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701. RSVP to receive details on room location.
HOW MUCH:
Free and open to the public.
PARKING:
Parking available in the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage at 1201 San Jacinto Blvd. First two hours are free, then $1 for every half hour after.
What is the artwork? Who are the artists?
Artwork has been contributed by longtime Austin senior residents, many of them quietly living in nursing homes, feeling isolated, forgotten, and separatd from the city they helped build. Our Joy for Seniors program brings art and human connection directly into senior living spaces and transforms moments of isolations into moments of creativity and purpose.
This exhibition is the culmination of a year's worth of in-person studio sessions in nursing homes and retirement communities across the Greater Austin area through the Joy for Seniors program. The artwork you will see has been created by senior participants in the program.
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Thank you to our sponsors and supporters for investing in the creative vitality of our local seniors. The Joy for Seniors initiative is made possible by donations from supporters (like you!) and through grants and sponsorships from National Endowment of the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, and Austin Equity and Inclusion.
August 26
🕑: 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM
VIP Opening Reception
Info: By invitation only. Not available on Eventbrite.
August 27
🕑: 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Opening Day: Public Viewing Hours
🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Special Recognition Ceremony for Senior Artists
Info: Talk/presentation at 2:00p. Group photos at 3:00p.
August 28
🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Public Viewing Hours
🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Meet the Artists
Info: Resident artist instructors will be onsite to speak and answer questions about the artwork and collaborative projects.
August 29
🕑: 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Family Day: Public Viewing Hours
Info: Enjoy interactive arts activities accompanying the exhibition.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Service Organizations Networking Hour
Info: An opportunity for service organization members to meet and explore collaborations.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Special Recognition Ceremony for Senior Artists
Info: Senior arrival at 1:00p. Talk/presentation at 2:00p. Group photos at 3:00p.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Hello by Hand Cardmaking Station
Info: Drop by the Hello by Hand table to create a handmade card with handwritten message for an isolated senior living in a nursing home.
August 30
🕑: 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Closing Celebration: Public Viewing Hours
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Hello by Hand Cardmaking Station
Info: Drop by the Hello by Hand table to create a handmade card with handwritten message for an isolated senior living in a nursing home.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
