Through the preservation and exhibition of African American material culture, history, and aesthetic expression, the Carver Museum works to create a space where the global contributions of all Black people are celebrated. We accomplish this by telling stories about our local community and connecting those histories to larger narratives about Blackness. The Carver Museum is free and open to the public. Masks are encouraged inside the museum.

Take a Virtual Reality Tour of the Carver!

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Boyd Vance Theatre renovation closure dates: August 2023 to March 2024 (anticipated). More information here.

For interest in the artifact(s) donation procedure please visit our Donations & Collection Information Page.

Two Births and the Afterlife

On view now through April 20, 2024

dark blue graphic with abstract painting and event informational text

Two Births and the Afterlife features a new body of work by Milwaukee-based artist Aimée M. Everett, exploring the profound transformations experienced during childbirth and the subsequent journey of self-discovery into motherhood. The artist delves into the poignant realization that with every birth, there exists a simultaneous death—the departure of one's former identity to welcome a new, evolved self. Everett vividly portrays the overwhelming joy and simultaneous dissolution of familiar aspects of identity. This body of work—employing abstraction, minimalistic line-making, saturated colors, and melodic compositions—serves as an emotional odyssey.  

The months following the birth unfolded into a challenging transition period.

The artist notes:

A child, my child, commands nurturing while I found my footing with the new identity of Mother. Interacting with a world that does not recognize or respect my new position made the days overwhelming and difficult. But with my child’s help, I am beginning to embrace the second Birth. She requires only my presence—a presence without armor. With honor and gratitude, I put to rest those former selves and thank them for making way for the new. In this second life, this second chance, I am free.  

The work in Two Births is rooted in a rich history of Black women artists working in abstraction. Communicating experience and emotion through a gestureless monochromatic blue color palette in Quiet Fog (2023) recalls the synesthesia-driven Minimalism of Jennie C. Jones; the geometrical repetition of Under These Stars I Lay to Rest (2023), is akin to Howardena Pindell’s emphasis on structure, process and arrangement; while Softening My Focus (2023) signals to Mary Lovelace O’Neal’s perfectly placed gestural marks, shapes, and colors that create innumerable zones of perception.

Also drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of her birthplace, New Orleans—where the celebration of the dead coexists with a forward-looking perspective—the artist embraces this tradition within the exhibition. Through this work, the artist not only honors the past but also looks optimistically toward the future—a future filled with new beginnings, growth, and the endless possibilities of this second chance at life.

Two Births invites viewers to embark on a personal journey of empowerment and liberation, ultimately found through new Motherhood.   

Aimée M. Everett’s atmospheric works transcend language using abstraction, minimalism, saturated colorways, form, and texture. Her work explores personal and collective memory that is both critical and introspective. Everett’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the United States. Her work is held in collections at prestigious institutions in the U.S., France, and the United Kingdom. Aimée M. Everett is a native of New Orleans, LA and currently resides in Milwaukee, WI.

RSVP HERE


Featured Events

Red Dress Exhibition - SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024  4:30 - 6:30 PM RSVP HERE

Red graphic with white dress

Join us this weekend at Carver Museum ATX on Saturday March 9, at 4:30 PM for a breathtaking exhibit opening reception and ceremony. In partnership with Red Sand Project, we are hosting a Red Dress Exhibition honoring and remembering Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Relatives (MMIW/R). This exhibit is an extension of We Ride for Her, a documentary short film about the medicine wheel ride that sheds light on the epidemic of MMIW/G/R.⁣

Why red dresses? Each red dress represents the thousands of Indigenous people impacted by this epidemic of violence. Red is a sacred color believed to be seen by the spirits of loved ones who have passed on. When we wear red, our ancestors can see us and walk with us.

As a society we must advocate, support, give voice to, and stand with the families whose lives have been affected by MMIW/G/R. ⁣ Lifting up the powerful—and often silenced—stories of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Relatives is a critical step in creating meaningful change.⁣

Today, and all days, we commemorate stolen sisters, aunts, mothers, grandmothers, and two spirit relatives whose stories are too often ignored or forgotten. Together we are strong, resilient, and committed to ending this epidemic.

Then the following day, Sunday, March 10, at 3:00 PM, we will host a panel discussion around this powerful exhibit with facilitators from the Red Sand Project. RSVP HERE


Rooted In Culture - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024 6:00 - 7:30 PM (at Central Library)

Join us on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 6-7:30 at the Central library for “Rooted in Culture” a botanical experience of color and blended appreciation. We will discuss seasonal plants native to the Tejas region with indigenous rooted history and Mexican culture and People of color rooted in our Austin lineage. Workshop Conversations with Jesus Garcia & Harvé Franks:

Jesus Garcia will support us in connecting with 3 botanicals that are easy to grow in any garden with planting tips and harvesting methods as well as how to use these plants in healing preparations and culinary settings and traditional ceremonial practices.

Harvé Franks will explore the concepts of Racism affected on the Planet with cultural diversity in our farming communities by highlighting her history and work through topics that honor our blended and black powered ancestors. Will explore the ideas of what the Agricultural landscape of America is today and what once was through food sovereignty and social justice movements in relationship of healing and sanctuary found in our gardens, farms & food forests.  

Free and open to the public.


Create & Heal: The Art of Reverence - SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM RSVP HERE

blue graphic with woman and sunflowers

Join us on March 23rd from 10am-12pm for the first Create and Heal field trip at the Neill-Cochran House Museum. Please arrive at 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX 78705 by 9:45 AM to join the tour which will start promptly at 10:00 AM. For this Create & Heal, we encourage attendees to wear white clothing.

Patrons will get a private guided tour, which includes the slave quarters, a Q& A session, ancestral tribute and lunch. Limited ticket availability! Free for the first 30 patrons to arrive at the Neill-Cochran House Museum. Regular museum fees apply after the first 30 entries are claimed.

For more information please contact cathy.runnels@austintexas.gov.


Boyd Vance Theatre Renovation and Carver Improvements

 

Carver Museum Facility Expansion Plan

 


Exhibitions

Banner of Mandy from the African American Presence in 19th Century Texas exhibit

History, culture and art exhibits curated to educate and inspire. The Carver Museum has two rotating art galleries as well as four permanent exhibits honoring African-Americans in Austin and beyond.


Programs and Events

AKIRASH performs during the opening reception of his art exhibit, Majele (Venomous). January 2020.

The Carver provides culture and arts based programming free and for all ages to allow visitors to connect with community through special events and ongoing learning experiences. 


Education Programs and Services

Students enjoy HBCU Day 2020.

The Carver offers culture and arts classes and educational programs that will come to you.


Genealogy Center

Front of the Carver Genealogy Center

The Genealogy Center provides genealogy databases, workshops and seminars. All resources are free and open to the public.


Community Garden and Sunken Stage

Community members gathered around garden and empty pool with mural painted inside of it

The Carver community garden and sunken stage has breathed new life into the in the inactive Keeling pool. Recently repainted by Austin artist, Kelv Brown, this space is on its way to housing events in the fall. Renovated and reimagined by Greg Farrar, this space is outfitted by hand-made seating, greenhouses, and concession stands. Master Gardener Harvé Franks tends the planter boxes, as we continue to uplift this hidden gem situated directly beside the Freedom Plaza behind the museum.


 

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Learn about what is happening at the Carver from special events, classes, and more.

<iframe title="George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/931Dk-bpAvs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>