Celebrate the holidays with the AACA

Published 8:01 am Sunday, October 15, 2017

The holidays are coming and you are looking for ways to celebrate with your family, friends, co-workers and employees. Consider a holiday experience with the Austin Area Commission for the Arts this season.

Screen a movie at the Paramount Theatre. Pick a flick and invite your friends to a private movie viewing at the day and time of your choosing. Fee is $250 and if you expect more than 15 guests, we’ll turn on the popcorn machine and make concessions available.

Rent the Paramount for a private performance or party. Take over the stage and our 622 theatre seats for a private event. How about a family talent show? Cost starts at $350 for two hours. Technical support for lights and sound can be added for $25 per hour. You may bring in your own food or hire a caterer.

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Rent the ArtWorks Center second floor gallery. With seating for up to 55 people and literal works of art on display, the ArtWorks Center gallery is an inspired site for a party, reception, shower, dinner or gift opening. You may bring in your own food or hire a caterer. Cost is $60 an hour with a $75 set-up and clean-up fee. The Lounge, with seating for up to 10, is available for cozy get togethers for $25 an hour during business hours and $50 an hour outside of business hours.

Work with our education coordinator to create a group art experience in canvas painting, mosaic, clay, or print-making that is inviting and fun for all skill levels. Cost starts at $15 per person depending on the project. These art experiences are available for social groups and can also be tailored for professional team-building retreats. You may bring in your own food or hire a caterer. For more information, contact Education Coordinator Lana Kenyon at lana@austinareaarts.org.

Art parties for kids are available, too. Gather up to ten kids to do an art project like canvas painting. We will provide the space, instructor and supplies. The birthday kid gets to choose the subject. Then open gifts while the instructor cleans up all the mess. Guests get to take home finished artwork. Cost is $325 for the party with an instructed project or $260 for no project.

AACA Member discounts are available for all these items; inquire when booking. Events at the ArtWorks Center can also offer a hosted or cash wine and beer bar if event hosts are AACA members. For details, call Kelsey Ritchie at 507-434-0934.

Coming soon at the Paramount Theatre

•Oct. 18: $5 Movie: “Poltergeist,” 7:30 p.m.

•Oct. 21: One Night in Memphis, 7:30 p.m.

•Oct. 25: $5 Movie: “Ghostbusters,” 7:30 p.m.

•Oct. 28: Caravan du Nord, 7:30 p.m.

Coming soon at the ArtWorks Center

•Oct. 16: Sandy’s Pop Up Shop, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

•Oct. 27: Clay Wheel Throwing for Teens, 6 p.m.

•Oct. 27: ArtRocks Open Jam, 7 p.m.

•Oct. 28: Landscapes in Oil with Joni Finnegan, 10 a.m.

Find out more at www.austinareaarts.org