Citizen Generation Closes

Citizen Generation folds in the wake of Alex Winkelman's resignation

After five years spent bolstering Austin's young philanthropic community, Citizen Generation is closing its doors. The news comes as a reaction to the announcement that the nonprofit's founder and executive director, Alex Winkelman, has resigned from the organization.

News of Winkelman's departure broke on Tuesday evening in a piece by Austin American-Statesman reporter Michael Barnes. Winkelman and Citizen Generation quickly followed the story with a press release discussing the decision.

"It is with a very heavy heart that I step away from an organization that has been my life’s work for the last five years," said Winkelman in the release. "I am immensely proud of what Citizen Generation has accomplished and the 67 organizations we have helped."

The volunteer board of Citizen Generation decided to fold the nonprofit in the wake of Winkelman's departure. Over the next year, the board will work with Winkelman to close the books and establish a beneficiary for any funds lefts over. During its tenure, Citizen Generation raised more than $1 million in support of 67 organizations; $561,000 in grant money was also distributed.

As for the future of cultivating young philanthropists in Austin, the board members remains positive. "Citizen Generation successfully fulfilled its mission by engaging a new generation of philanthropists," said board member Doug Ulman in the release.

"The impact of the organization will be felt for many years as young people are now actively involved in so many worthy organizations and causes. Alex's leadership was instrumental in making this happen."

Alex Winkelman (right), with Christina Shipley.

Charitybash Benefit Christina Shipley and Alex Winkelman

Photo by Jon Shapley

Alex Winkelman (right), with Christina Shipley.

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Night at the Museum

Austin museum opens lush gala afterparties to the public for first time

Photo from Thecontemporaryaustin.org.

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For 11 years now, the Contemporary Austin has been hosting "Art Dinners" at its lakeside location, Laguna Gloria. These fairytale-like galas take place as dusk sets in, surrounded by twinkling lights strung across the property's sprawling 14-acre sculpture park. But until now, they've been invitation-only affairs. For the first time ever, the Contemporary Austin is inviting the public to the best part this magical evening: a late-night afterparty.

The Art Dinners have welcomed 300 art luminaries, collectors, civic leaders, and philanthropists over these years to raise funds for the museum's classes and exhibits.

On October 25, once the dishes are put away and the early birds have weeded themselves out, the Art Dinner Afterparty will begin. It will go from 9:30 until "late evening."

Guests can expect a pop-up cocktail bar by the cool Austin speakeasy Garage, with specialty drinks like espresso martinis. Plus, there will be late night snacks from Dolce Bacio Gelato and Restart CBD. Live music and performances will be provided by J'cuuzi and DJ SuperNova of Pangea Sound. Highlights also include: tarot card and palm readings, live body painting, and fire dancing. All of this set to the stunning backdrop of Laguna Gloria's grounds at night. It's basically A Midsummer Night's Dream.

A DJ performs at a late-night Laguna Gloria party. Live music for this after party will include performances by J'cuuzi and DJ SuperNova of Pangea Sound. Photo courtesy of Giant Noise

"We're excited for the magic of our iconic Art Dinner to reach wider audiences," says the museum's Earnest and Sarah Butler executive director and CEO, Sharon Maidenberg, in a release. "We wanted to extend the welcome to more folks and give them the opportunity to engage with our gala, which has historically been a very intimate affair."

Tickets are now on sale on the Contemporary Austin's website at $160 for members and $200 for nonmembers. Ticket sales will benefit the museum's exhibits and educational programming. The Contemporary is Austin's only museum focused solely on contemporary artists and their work. It offers year-round exhibitions, classes, workshops, and events.

$The Contemporary Austin \u2014 Laguna Gloria$ The Contemporary Austin — Laguna Gloria is one of the most beautifu Artwork by Tom Friedman, photo by Brian Fitzsimmons via the Contemporary Austin

Event organizers recommend that guests "dress sharp." Valet parking will be provided, but if this night is as Shakespearian as we think it might be, you may want to catch a rideshare.

More information about the museum is available at thecontemporaryaustin.org.

museums galleries galas dinner visual art