Keeping it Cool: The Blanton's Birth of the Cool [Art Preview]

On Sunday, the Blanton Museum of Art debuts their latest special exhibit, Birth of the Cool. The show focuses on art, design, and culture from the West Coast from around the mid-century. This ambitious exhibit encompasses not only visual art, but also the architecture, furniture design, film, and music that have come to exemplify the mid-century modern aesthetic. To get a sense of the style, think mod glass penthouses, Eames loungers, and Miles Davis on the stereo (hence the name of the exhibit).

To tackle the formidable task of recognizing the many facets of mid-century modern culture, the Blanton's exhibit will be augmented by events and programs brought about by collaborating with many of Austin's cultural powerhouses. The Drafthouse and the Austin Film Society have joined forces to sponsor a film series that will screen mid-century films. The Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architects is producing a self-guided tour of mid-century modern architecture around town. The iconic Elephant Room has put together a concert series with musicians performing pieces from the period. UT's Odyssey School for Continuing Education is even holding a lecture series focusing on the roots and influences of modernism in architecture. Many local businesses are offering discounts or special deals to customers who show their Blanton receipts at the time of purchase.

Birth of the Cool: California Art, Design, and Culture and Midcentury opens on February 22nd and runs through May 17th at the Blanton.