Joy, framedand hung inthe Capitol.

Why this matters

Honoring Austin’s forgotten voices.

There is a gold star set into the ceiling of the Capitol rotunda, representing every person who made Texas what it is today. Including our elders, quietly living out of sight, feeling isolated, forgotten, and separated from the city they helped build. This August, we bring their voices back to the center of Texas history.

They are not finished. They are still here, still creating. And they still matter.

The reality behind the canvas

We built a country in 250 years but somehow forgot our elders along the way.

Turn a card over to understand how isolation remains an epidemic among our community’s elders, and what we are doing about it.

• 1 in 4older adults in America is socially isolated.Turn the card

  Roughly one in four adults over 65 is socially isolated. Not lonely for an afternoon. Isolated as an ongoing condition.

  National Health and Aging Trends Study, 2024 to 2026
• 15cigarettes per day. That is the comparison the Surgeon General chose to describe the health risks of social isolation.Turn the card

  The health risks of chronic loneliness are as harmful to life expectancy as the physical effects of smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

  US Surgeon General advisory on social connection, 2023
• 1 in 10seniors served in our Joy for Seniors program is a veteran.Turn the card

  About one in ten of the seniors we serve are veterans, many of whom report that they never leave their care facility. They gave so much to our country, and then the country let them slip quietly into isolation.

  Artly World program data
• 14years of service and experience.Turn the card

  Backed by 14 years of experience working in Austin’s underserved communities, we bring art and human connection directly into senior living spaces and transform moments of isolation into moments of creativity and purpose.

  Artly World, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

A painting doesn’t fix isolation on its own. It is fixed when our community shows up to see them, listen to them, and celebrate their worth.

Preview the collections

A year of in-person studio sessions in nursing homes and retirement communities has led to this moment.

The 4th annual Joy for Seniors public exhibition will feature collections that reflect Texas and Austin as remembered, loved, and cherished by our community’s elders. Here’s a preview of some of the collections bringing their voices, heritage, and artistic vision to the Capitol.

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  01

  No Two Sunsets

  Just as no two Texas sunsets are alike, every senior holds a unique memory of our state. Featuring decoupage paper skies set behind silhouettes of the Austin skyline, Congress Avenue bats, and prickly pear cacti, this collection celebrates the golden hours of Texas history as remembered by its long-time residents.

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  02

  Lone Star Honor

  Created in honor of America 250, this large installation includes hundreds of tiles painted by residents and veterans living in Austin nursing homes. The colors of the Texas flag with lone white wooden stars celebrate our great state, while the tiles crafted by veterans are anchored with a carved wooden heart to honor the men and women who served our nation.

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  03

  Wild & Free Texas Icons

  From longhorns to bats to armadillos, this playful collection captures the spirited wildlife that defines our Texas heritage. Including interactive textured clay miniatures and mixed media acrylic paintings, these pieces celebrate tactile creativity and bring iconic Texas creatures to life.

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  04

  Keepers of Memory

  Proof that creative expression transcends memory loss, this collection features vibrant Austin creekbeds and bluebonnet fields painted by artists living with severe dementia. At the center of the collection sits Olvido, a 3D interactive armadillo puppet bringing tactile joy and storytelling back into the hands of our elders.

More collections will be included in the August exhibition. We’re giving you a sneak peek of four of them here.

Plan your visit and free RSVP

Five days inside the people’s house.

The Texas State Capitol belongs to every person in Texas, which is why there is no better place to honor our long-time residents. Walk in, explore, and stay as long as you like.

Admission is completely free, but room capacity for the exhibition is limited. RSVP to hold your spot. Exact room location and a digital map will be emailed to you upon registration.

Exhibition schedule and events

• Wednesday265p to 7pOpening receptionArtists, families, and special guests gather to see the full collection hung for the first time.By invitation only
• Thursday2711a to 4pOpening dayPublic viewing hours begin. Stop by on your lunch break, bring a friend, and take your time with the collection.Open to all
• Friday281p to 4pMeet the artistsMeet some of the senior artists and the teaching artists behind the works on display.Open to all
• Saturday2911a to 4pFamily dayBring the kids. Bring the grandparents. Interactive arts activities while you admire the work of our elders.Open to all
• Sunday3011a to 4pClosing celebrationA proper send off for our senior artists. If you can only visit once, make it today.Open to all

Logistics and accessibility

Everything you need to get through the door.

• Where

  Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701. RSVP to receive details on the room location.

• Capitol security

  Free entry. No ticket or photo ID required to enter the Capitol. You do pass through a security check on the way in, so allow yourself a few extra minutes on arrival.

• Access

  Wheelchair accessible through the north gate, with accessible parking, entryways, elevators and restrooms, and indoor seating. If you need any other accommodation, tell us when you RSVP.

• Questions

  Write to our team directly at contact@artlyworld.org.

A hero for kindness

America has no shortage of people defining the problem. What we lack are people willing to step up and do something about it.

Nobody is coming to do this for us. Somebody has to be the reason it changes.

Get involved

Lend a hand at the Capitol, or in the classroom.

Our exhibition and year-round art classes rely on compassionate community members who believe no seniors should be forgotten. Whether you can lend a hand for a few hours at the Capitol or want to support our recurring arts classes in local nursing homes, your time brings dignity and connection to our local elders.

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  At the event

  Volunteer at the exhibition

  Assist with visitor greeting, gallery monitoring, interactive activities, and accessibility support across the five days at the Capitol.

  Volunteer at the exhibition

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  Year round

  Become a long term volunteer

  Help set up supplies, support artists and participants, and make the day special for seniors in our recurring weekly art sessions through the year.

  Become a long term volunteer

No art experience required. Just a welcoming smile and a passion for supporting our community’s elders.

Support the year round program

Keep the studio open year round.