Thursday, March 31, 2022

Austin Public Health and Travis County Partner with Community Organizations for COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics


Austin Public Health (APH) and Travis County are partnering with local community organizations to provide free COVID-19 vaccination clinics around the county for events from April 1-4.   

Clinics are open to all eligible individuals without registration or appointment and do not require identification, insurance, or proof of citizenship. All vaccinations are free. All APH sites offer Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, including  third doses for the immunocompromised and booster shots for qualifying individuals. If you are receiving your second, third dose or booster shot, please bring your Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to be updated.   

Pediatric vaccinations for children 5-11 years of age are offered at Old Sims Elementary Gymnasium and the Shots for Tots clinics. Shots for Tots offers vaccines by appointment only. 

Individuals attending these events should be weather- and traffic-aware. Remember to wear appropriate clothing, including garments that allow you to easily expose your arm.   

To locate providers in your area with a supply of COVID-19 vaccines, go to Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.govfor Spanish), or text your zip code to 438829 (822862 for Spanish).  

NOTICE: Hours are subject to change. 
 

Friday, April 1 

Consulate General of Mexico (Travis County) 

African American Youth Harvest Foundation (CTAHI/Travis County) 

Huston-Tillotson University (Travis County) 

La Mexicana Market – Rundberg (Travis County) 

La Mexicana Market – Stassney (Travis County) 

Poco Loco Supermercado – Cameron (Travis County) 


Saturday, April 2 

Del Valle Opportunity Center (Travis County) 

Dailey Middle School (Travis County) 

El Rancho Grande (Travis County) 

La Moreliana Market (Travis County) 

Travis County Constable Precinct 4 Office (Travis County) 

Old Sims Elementary Gymnasium (APH) 

St. Elmo Brewing (APH) 

 

Sunday, April 3 

Travis County Constable Precinct 4 Office (Travis County) 

 

Monday, April 4 

African American Youth Harvest Foundation (CTAHI/Travis County) 

La Mexicana Market – Rundberg (Travis County) 

La Mexicana Market – Stassney (Travis County) 

Poco Loco Supermercado – Cameron (Travis County) 


COVID-19 Information  

For more information on COVID-19 and vaccinations, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19 or call 3-1-1 (512-974-2000).    

*The vaccination sites are closed to press. While vaccinations are occurring, each site is considered a hospital with patients, and only authorized visits are allowed. Agencies listed in parentheses for each location (Austin Public Health or Travis County) are the only entities that can authorize admittance. 


Register for Swim Lessons and Swim Teams on April 11

Registration for swim lessons and swim teams opens on April 11 at 8 AM for Austin residents and at 10 AM for non-residents. Register for swim lessons and swim teams at AustinTexas.gov/ParksOnline.

The Aquatics Division offers instructional programs for all ages. A wide variety of swim lessons are available for students six months old to adults. For information about swim lessons and swim teams, visit AustinTexas.gov/Swimming.

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La inscripción para las clases de natación y los equipos de natación se abre el 11 de abril a las 8 a.m. para los residentes de Austin y a las 10 a.m. para los no residentes. Regístrese para clases de natación y equipos de natación en AustinTexas.gov/ParksOnline.

El equipo Acuático ofrece programas de instrucción para todas las edades. Una amplia variedad de lecciones de natación están disponibles para estudiantes que tienen seis meses de edad hasta para los adultos. Para obtener información sobre lecciones de natación y equipos de natación, visite  AustinTexas.gov/Swimming.



Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Design Update Community Meeting


The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is continuing work toward moving the Dougherty Arts Center out of the beloved naval center and into a newly envisioned building to be constructed on Butler Shores Park. Since receiving City Council approval for the building’s location in Spring 2021, the DAC project team has made significant progress in designing a facility that will meet the needs of both PARD and the Austin arts community. https://www.austintexas.gov/department/dougherty-arts-center-redevelopment-project

DAC Replacement Design Update Meeting
Monday, April 25, 2022, 7 p.m.
Zoom Registration
Event will also be streamed on Facebook Live.

The DAC project team will share the current status of the facility design and information on the Art in Public Places (AIPP) opportunities that will be made available through this bond-funded project. Community members are invited to see firsthand how the new Dougherty Arts Center will inspire Austinites to create community through the arts.                         

Background
Built in 1947 as a Naval and Marine Reserve Center, the DAC was dedicated to the City and named for the late arts advocate Mary Ireland Graves in 1978. Since then, the DAC has been offering arts experiences for a broad audience through its three main components: The Dougherty Theater, Julia C. Butridge Gallery and the Dougherty Arts School.

As identified in a conditions assessment completed in 2010, the DAC building is beyond repair. The building was established as a temporary structure meant to be razed in the 1970s, but was adopted as a permanent home that has outlived its viability. Following multiple planning and community engagement processes which started in 2018, City Council gave final approval to the location and orientation of the new building in spring 2021.

APH Administering Additional Boosters to Certain Populations

Federal regulators recommend additional dose for those with increased risk of severe illness

Austin Public Health (APH) is now administering additional COVID-19 booster doses to older adults and certain individuals who are immunocompromised. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated recommendations also include an additional booster for individuals who received a primary dose and booster of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine. 

The Austin-Travis County Health Authority, Dr. Desmar Walkes, says that enhanced eligibility is an important consideration for people who are at increased risk. “Even as we enjoy this period of low hospitalization rates, this expansion is a welcome addition to our prevention strategies,” said Dr. Walkes. “As we’re seeing in other parts of the world, COVID-19 outbreaks are still happening. We should continue to do what we can to protect our most vulnerable.” 

Updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations include: 

  • A second booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine may be administered to individuals 50 years of age and older at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.  

  • A second booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine may be administered to certain immunocompromised individuals* 12 years of age and older at least 4 months after the first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine. 

  • A second booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to certain immunocompromised individuals* 18 years of age and older at least 4 months after the first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine. 

  • Adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA (Pfizer and Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine. 

*Immunocompromised individuals may have a range of conditions, such as recipients of organ or stem cell transplants, people with advanced or untreated HIV infection, recipients of active treatment for cancer, people who are taking some medications that weaken the immune system, and others. A full list of conditions can be found on CDC’s website.  

“Vaccines are safe, effective and FREE. I encourage everyone who is a part of this newly eligible group to get up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. “Boosters are available at all Austin Public Health vaccination sites, as well as your doctor’s office and pharmacy.” 

CDC reports that during the omicron surge, people who were boosted were 21-times less likely to die from COVID-19, and 7-times less likely to be hospitalized compared to those who were unvaccinated. 

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reports that almost 73 percent of the eligible population in Travis County is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  When it comes to additional doses, though, about 45 percent of people that have completed their primary series have received a booster and/or third dose. 

APH offers free COVID-19 vaccines through a combination of pop-up clinics, a static site, the Mobile Vaccination Program and Shots for Tots/Big Tots clinics. DSHS data shows most people in Travis County get COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies (1.1 million doses) followed by public health clinics (347,300+ doses). APH continues to adjust operations to better serve priority populations who are uninsured as the pandemic response evolves. 

APH testing and vaccination information  

People can find vaccine providers using Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish) or by texting their zip code to 438829 (822862 in Spanish) to find a nearby clinic.  

APH clinics offer COVID-19 testing and vaccinations without an appointment, although creating an account online in advance saves time. COVID-19 vaccinations are free and require neither identification nor insurance. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 or visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.  

The APH Mobile Vaccination Program brings vaccine clinics to businesses, churches and more. Organizations can fill out an online form to request a pop-up clinic at their location.


Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Notice of Application to Rename Pan American Neighborhood Park

 

New Name to Honor Coach Tony Castillo

On February 17, 2022, a complete application to rename Pan American Neighborhood Park was received, proposing to rename the park to Tony Castillo Pan American Neighborhood Park to honor Coach Castillo's 65 years of service to East Austin and the Pan Am complex.

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is seeking feedback from community members on this proposed name change. A community survey (in Spanish) is open now through June 4, 2022 for community members to provide input. In addition, two opportunities for community discussion are available in April.

Virtual Community Meeting
Thursday, April 28, 2022, 7 p.m.
Zoom Registration Link

In-Person Community Meeting
Saturday, April 30, 2022, 10:30 a.m.
A.B. Cantu Pan American Recreation Center
2100 East 3rd St., Austin, TX 78702

At each meeting, attendees will learn about the renaming process, some background of the park and Tony Castillo, and have the opportunity to discuss the possible name change.

All comments and survey results will be collected and presented to the Parks and Recreation Department Director for her recommendation. Learn more about the process on the project webpage.

Background of Tony Castillo (adapted from Application)
Coach Augustine "Tony" Castillo is a product of East Austin who served the community at Pan Am Park for 65 years. He attended elementary school at Zavala Elementary School, next to Pan Am Park, before attending Allan Middle School and graduating in the first class at Johnston High School. His involvement in the community dates back to his teenage years in the 1950s when he was among the founders of the Jokers softball team. He continued his efforts by organizing a Jokers basketball team and hosted league tournaments for neighborhood youth. He coached sports at his alma mater Johnston High School before moving to Akins High prior to retirement.

In addition to sports, Castillo played important roles in expanding the community’s political voice. His membership in LUCHA was significant in the election of first-time Latino office holders from East Austin that included Richard Moya, John Treviño, and Gonzalo Barrientos.

In his approach of “leading by example,” Castillo completed his studies at the University of Texas, taught in the classrooms of Austin ISD, and became head coach of the former Johnston High School Rams, leading the team to a historic “Final Four” state tournament appearance at the University of Texas in 1986.

View the submitted renaming application here.

City of Austin Taking Steps to End Hair Discrimination

A disease that causes hair loss is making headlines all over the world after Sunday’s Oscar ceremony, shedding additional light on the importance of hair and its impact on society’s view of others. Right now, the City of Austin is looking at ways to end hair discrimination. The Office of Civil Rights is hosting virtual meetings focusing on the CROWN Act and ways to build a stronger, more inclusive community.

The CROWN Act stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”. Austin City Council has directed the City Manager to work with stakeholders, including civil rights organizations, organizations representing the interests of workers and protected classes, and businesses, on further recommendations for this civil rights ordinance and for the Civil Rights Office. 

“People are being penalized and discriminated against for refusing to succumb to more Eurocentric standards of beauty,” said Civil Rights Officer Carol Johnson. “It’s our responsibility to ensure equity for our entire community.”

Carol Johnson is available for interviews to discuss hair discrimination, civil rights, and the City’s efforts to look towards the CROWN Act.

Elisabet Ney Museum Wins the 2022 Gold TAMMIE Award of Excellence in Digital and Electronic Communications

Austin Parks and Recreation's Elisabet Ney Museum received the Gold TAMMIE 2022 Award of Excellence in Digital and Electronic Communications for the social media campaign behind the Suffrage Now exhibit. The Texas Association of Museums Media Innovation & Excellence Awards or TAMMIES for short, are designed to showcase museums that are doing innovative things with media and technology. 

The Elisabet Ney Museum is housed in the trailblazing German sculptor's 1892 and 1902 home and studio in the historic Austin neighborhood of Hyde Park. "Suffrage Now: A 19th Amendment Centennial Exhibition," was conceived to celebrate and comment upon the Centennial of the Ratification of the 19th Amendment. “Suffrage Now” opened on August 6, 2020, the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Right Amendment which opened the doors for universal suffrage in the U.S.

The Elisabet Ney Museum's staff had made plans for an invitational installation series of works created by Austin and Texas women artists, but with the COVID-19 pandemic closing the museum to visitors, they had to quickly pivot. As opposed to a physical exhibition, staff curated its first entirely online exhibition. For this exhibit, the museum launched its very first nationwide call, asking for women photographers to submit contemporary photographs that speak to the Centennial. Out of hundreds of submissions, 22 were chosen by a diverse and estimable jury of seven photographers, photo editors, and educators, and were presented in the online exhibition, featuring testimonials and often video of the photographers discussing their work – along with the meaning of the centennial to them.

Through its six-month run, thousands of visitors flocked to the site from all over the world. A topical, moderated video conversation series was made available online as well. The photos also were used in a vigorous and innovative social media campaign to encourage voter registration and voting in advance of the 2020 Presidential election. Photos from the exhibition were used with commentary from the photographers and links to their sites with hashtags such as #suffragenow, #suffragette, #vote2020, #democracy, #womenphotographer, #19thAmendment, #womensupportingwomen, and so on.

The social media campaign was in keeping with the Elisabet Ney Museum’s mission, "to preserve the memory and legacy of Elisabet Ney for education, historical, and artistic purposes." As a highly influential and indeed formative Texas Suffragist, her activities helped lead to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in Texas and elsewhere, even though she passed before she ever had an opportunity to vote. Vigorous and effective legislative appeals were formulated in meetings at her home and studio, and future leaders were inspired by her work and dedication.

About the Texas Association of Museums
Texas Association of Museums (TAM) is a nonprofit organization established for educational purposes, to provide a network among museums, to improve the level of professionalism within the museum community, to encourage the use and enjoyment of museums by all Texans, to serve as an information clearinghouse for and about museums, and to serve as a liaison between museums and museums-related agencies and organizations. For more information, visit TexasMuseums.org.

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Launches New Route Between Austin and Amsterdam

On Mar 28, 2022, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines launched nonstop service between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). KLM will operate three flights weekly between Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
 
With the launch of service to Austin, KLM will operate direct flights this summer to 12 U.S. destinations, its highest number ever. Alongside Air France and joint-venture partners Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic, KLM offers business and leisure travelers access to a vast network of destinations worldwide.
 
“We are excited to expand our transatlantic network and make Austin KLM’s 19th North American destination with the first ever service directly connecting the capital of Texas to Amsterdam. Austin is now connected to KLM’s global network, and Europeans have direct access to the thriving culture and tech community in Austin,” said Pieter Elbers, President & CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. 

“Welcome home! This new connection with Amsterdam opens doors to exciting possibilities as Austin becomes an increasingly international city,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “This flight brings closer together two cities with a shared love of art, music, and innovation.”
 
Passengers booking flights with KLM have the option of purchasing SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) to further demand with the hope that by scaling up the market, SAF will become more affordable for the entire airline industry. KLM conducted the world’s first commercial flight on sustainable fuel in 2011 and has since then pursued the development of SAF through used cooking oil, forestry residues and sustainable synthetic fuel. Today, KLM is operating flights with an increasing percentage of SAF through its various programs, including adding a standard admixture to flights departing from Amsterdam and its Corporate and Cargo SAF Programs, as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable aviation.

“Austin is a growing city that prides itself in providing a variety of transportation options including air travel to its residents and Central Texans,” said Gina Fiandaca, Assistant City Manager of the SD23 Mobility Outcome. “I can’t think of a better or more exciting way to improve our air mobility network than offering a nonstop flight to Amsterdam, which opens the door to over 60 destinations across Europe, Africa and India.”

Austin is KLM's second destination in Texas after Houston. Flights will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring World Business Class flatbeds with direct aisle access, HD entertainment, and on board Wi-Fi. The state-of-the-art aircraft incorporates many innovations to enhance passenger well-being and sustainability including:

  • 30% larger windows
  • Ambient LED mood lighting
  • Higher cabin pressure
  • Increased humidity
  • Double air filtration
  • 20% lower fuel consumption
  • Less noise during take-off and landing compared with similarly sized aircraft
  • Less waste during manufacturing
  • End-of-life recycling

“This is a huge milestone for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport,” said Jaqueline Yaft, Chief Executive Officer of AUS. “We’re a community that values traveling to new places and connecting with others, and today’s launch is a tribute to those values. Our main goal is to provide the routes and options that get our travelers to as many places as possible, as fast as possible, and we’re grateful to KLM for investing in our community and supporting that goal.”

Passengers flying from Austin can conveniently connect to over 60 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India via Amsterdam Schiphol. The award-winning airport is among Europe's most popular for transfers due to its single terminal design and multitude of shops and services.
 
The flight schedule is as follows:
KL0668 departs Austin at 18:00 hours local time and arrives at Schiphol the next day at 10:25 hours.
KL0667 departs Schiphol at 12:40 hours and arrives at 16:10 local time in Austin.

Austin Water Releases Investigation Report into Boil Water Notice

 In a memo released March 29, Austin Water has provided details from an internal investigation of the treatment process data and operational actions that led to February’s recent boil water event.
 
“This in-depth investigatory process has confirmed our preliminary findings that there were failures in staff’s response to deteriorating plant conditions and communications up the chain of command,” said Austin Water Director Greg Meszaros. “This is unacceptable, and Austin Water managers are taking steps to ensure that it does not happen again.”
 
The reports substantiate Austin Water’s initial assessment that the cause of the February 2022 boil water notice stemmed from high turbidity water flowing out of a basin and overloading filters at the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant. Investigations of staff actions found that personnel did not appropriately respond to rising turbidity levels despite logs and multiple alarms and failed to communicate worsening water quality conditions or seek assistance.
 
“Austin Water has already completed improvements in remote monitoring, timer-based seeding processes, and enhanced shift turnover communications. Our teams will continue to work toward improved operational procedures, training, and guidelines,” said Director Meszaros.

The full memo and investigation reports can be read here. This item is scheduled for discussion at the March 31 Austin Water Oversight Committee at 2:00 p.m.



Austin Public Health Introduces New Risk-Based Guidelines to Align with CDC Recommendations

 

Updated chart includes guidance tailored to those who are at risk or up to date

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Public Health (APH) has updated its Risk-Based Guidelines to align with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) metrics. The CDC introduced Community Levels to track the spread of COVID-19 at the county level in February. APH is incorporating that new model into our local guidance. 

“We continue to adapt our response as we enter a new phase of this pandemic.” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “While we enjoy the progress we’ve made, we should remember that this isn’t over yet; the potential for new variants still poses a threat.” 

There are three Community Levels (Low, Medium and High) with corresponding guidance for those who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and for those who are at risk. These levels replace the stages that guided our response for much of the pandemic. The risk level for Austin-Travis County is currently low

“We’re excited to roll out an updated tool offering our community the guidance necessary to stay safe and healthy moving forward,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. “We thank everyone for stepping up and taking precautions when it was asked of them. We’re optimistic about this new phase and feel confident our community is better equipped to respond if—and when—the need arises.” 

Recommendations for people who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines: 

  • Low: Precautions optional when gathering, dining and shopping. 

  • Medium: Precautions optional when gathering, dining and shopping. Mask when social distancing is not possible. 

  • High: Use precautions when gathering, dining and shopping. 

Recommendations for people who are at risk:  

  • Low: Precautions optional when gathering, dining and shopping.  

  • Medium: Use precautions when gathering, dining and shopping.  

  • High: Use precautions when gathering, dining and shopping. 

Precautions include wearing a well-fitting mask, washing hands and practicing social distancing.

At all levels people can wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by their personal level of risk. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. 

 

Community Levels are determined by a combination of indicators including new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 population in the past seven days, the percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population in the past seven days. 

 

These changes will be reflected on APH’s Key Indicators dashboard which will populate with CDC data weekly. The dashboard will be updated this afternoon.

The CDC shifted to Community Levels as much of the country achieved high levels of vaccination and immunity. The Community Levels model aims to protect those at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and reduce strain on healthcare systems. 

The City of Austin and Travis County lifted all COVID-19 orders last week, which included mask requirements at most City and County facilities.  

APH testing and vaccination information 

People can find vaccine providers using Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish) or by texting their zip code to 438829 (822862 in Spanish) to find a nearby clinic. 

APH clinics offer COVID-19 testing and vaccinations without an appointment, although creating an account online in advance saves time. COVID-19 vaccinations are free and require neither identification nor insurance. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 or visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19

The APH Mobile Vaccination Program brings vaccine clinics to businesses, churches and more. Organizations can fill out an online form to request a pop-up clinic at their location.

About Austin Public Health 

Austin Public Health is the health department for the City of Austin and Travis County. Austin Public Health works to prevent disease, promote health and protect the well-being of all by monitoring and preventing infectious diseases and environmental threats and educating about the benefits of preventative behaviors to avoid chronic diseases and improve health outcomes. 

Monday, March 28, 2022

Community meetings to focus on changes to Project Connect designs


Rendering of CapMetro light rail vehicle.
The public will have a series of opportunities this week to learn about the latest developments of Project Connect’s Blue and Orange light rail lines.

Two meetings this week will show how designs of the routes are incorporating community feedback. Breakout sessions will delve into environmental considerations, how transit services will connect communities, traffic impacts and anti-displacement efforts.

Live webinars are scheduled this Tuesday and Thursday and will be held on Zoom. You can also review previous presentations and public meetings in the Project Connect Public Engagement Library.

Next opportunity to provide feedback on I-35 designs comes April 12

 


Traffic moves along I-35 in downtown Austin.
As the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) goes through its federally mandated environmental review for its $4.9 billion redesign of I-35 through Central Austin, TxDOT is holding a series of meetings to periodically receive feedback from the community throughout the process. 

The next VOICE meeting for the Capital Express Central project will be held Tuesday, April 12, from 4-6 p.m. in person at Huston-Tillotson University's Davage-Durden Student Union. This will be the first CapEx VOICE meeting since TxDOT made significant design changes in January to Alternative 3 in response to feedback from the community and the City of Austin. 

The April 12 meeting will focus on options for widened bridges over the highway as well as bicycle and pedestrian bridges and intersection options at Airport Boulevard and Riverside Drive. You can RSVP for the meeting here.

The project to rebuild the highway through an 8-mile stretch of Central Austin is set to begin construction around late 2024 or early 2025. Another official public comment period will be open when TxDOT presents its locally preferred alternative in its Draft Environmental Impact Statement, expected in 2022/2023. You can find more information on the project at www.AustinTexas.gov/I-35Mobility

The ESB MACC Presents Entropy by Mery Godigna Collet

 

Exhibit Dates: April 9June 22, 2022
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB MACC) is proud to announce “ENTROPY,” an exhibition of recent works by Venezuelan artist Mery Godigna Collet that runs April 9–June 22, 2022, at the Sam Z. Coronado Gallery, ESB MACC. Across four decades, Mery Godigna Collet has been revealing the artist’s ability to transform deep research into profoundly moving works of art.

Godigna Collet uses art as a tool to confront complex social issues which she then synthesizes into concepts for the viewers. Her works of art utilize a multitude of diverse materials and she works in different media from installations, paintings, sculptures, photography, and video. She challenges her viewers by consistently modifying and utilizing new techniques and unconventional materials so one can confront the ways humans survive, cope, and deal violence or by inviting one to deeper contemplation and self-introspection.

Mery Godigna Collet is not only a Venezuelan artist, she is a writer, philanthropist and environmentalist who has studied, worked, and exhibited internationally. While her artistic technique is ever evolving, her core values behind her artistic practice remains consistent and was solidified from a young age.

At the exhibition opening on April 9, a printed catalog will be presented with texts by artist and writer Rachel Koper, anthropologist and curator Patricia Morales, the architect, curator and professor of art Veronica Liprandi, awarded poet Lucia Boni, cultural researcher and lecturer Surpik Angelini and art historian Rebecca Gomez. It is available to view online on the Smithsonian Museum’s Learning Lab.

Friday, March 25, 2022

Sanitary Sewer Overflow Incident, 3:05 p.m. on March 25

Austin Water crews are responding to a domestic wastewater overflow near 2704 Catalina Drive, in the collection system of the South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Due to a leaking wastewater main, there was an overflow of over 100,000 gallons of wastewater into a tributary of Country Club Creek.

The overflow was discovered at 3:05 p.m. on March 25 and was stopped by 3:34 p.m. by means of a bypass. Crews are currently making repairs. Recovery, hauling, and cleanup is in progress.

This overflow does not affect Austin’s drinking water supply. Officials with the Texas Commission Environmental Quality have been notified of the situation.

Austin Water officials urge:

  • Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the overflow site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling.
  • Persons who purchase water from another public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use.
  • The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the overflow.
  •  If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the spill, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible‎. 

If you have any questions, please contact:
Austin Water Public Information Office 512-972-0499