The centuries and civilizations that preceded our time have left us two marvelous things: their ideas and their art.

Surrounded by magnificent sculptures and reliefs, ancient Greek thinkers molded the systems of ethics and democratic government we treasure as self-evident today. Michelangelo's paint on the Sistine Chapel was still fresh when Galileo ushered in the modern age of science and astronomy. It seems that creative, open minds and the arts are always side-by-side. History indeed repeats itself.

It is often considered that we are in a new Renaissance Age. The churn and smoke of the Industrial Revolution has given way to the High Tech Era. And it should come as no surprise that the city that fostered Michael Dell is brimming with a dazzling visual art community. From public murals and statues to hundreds of galleries and thousands of studios, the Austin art scene inspires its citizens in ways that cannot me measured. Or can it?

In 2003, as part of an exhaustive global research initiative, Jones Lang LaSalle (the world's leading real estate services and investment management firm) dubbed Austin a "World Winning City" - one of only three in all North America. In determining which cities around the globe will be the best for investors and everyday citizens alike, the firm concluded, "issues of culture, living environment, city 'vibe,' [and] environmentC9. are the new ingredients of success."

Well it doesn't take a multi-million dollar research firm to figure that out. As Monique Capanelli, your average Austinite resident, employee and dabbler in the arts, so succinctly stated, "everywhere you look you see something beautiful. Of course everyone wants to live here!"

So where do you look to see beautiful art in Austin? While "everywhere" is a good place to start, breaking the city down into sections could help you make the most of an outing. You'll find that several engaging and altogether unique galleries are often conveniently clustered within blocks of each other.

Downtown
There are certainly noteworthy galleries here in the heart of the city. Kathy Womack Gallery exudes contemporary refinement while Gallery Lombardi, on edge of downtown geographically, lives on the edge of art's more eclectic, adventurous spirit. But an art outing downtown must certainly include a visit to the area's museums. The Austin Museum of Art (AMOA), Arthouse, and Mexic-Arte - all on Congress Avenue between Town Lake and the Capitol - anchor the downtown area.

AMOA has been a venue for art appreciation and education for more than forty years. It stages exhibitions of internationally famous artists, including recent showcases of Andy Warhol, Andy Goldsworthy, Annie Leibovitz and Dr. Suess. AMOA not only inspires young artists, it highlights them. 22 to Watch is a triennial exhibit that sheds light on up-and-coming Austin talent, and always creates an abundance of excitement.

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