An Austin artist whose work spanned the communities of dance and design,
theatre and art, has died. Michael Jay Ciasullo, also known as Michael
Carroccio, died Monday, September 2, at the age of 40. Ciasullo moved to the
city in 1975 to study art and dance at UT Austin and over the next two decades
found more outlets for his talents and made more creative contributions to the
community than many artists do in a lifetime: dancing with Sharir Dance
Company, Austin Contemporary Ballet, Deborah Hay Dance Company, and in the
Zilker Summer Musical; designing the Zilker “Trail of Lights” for 10 years;
teaching at Kealing Junior High and painting a mural at the school; designing
sets for the Austin Natural Science Association as well as interiors for
restaurants around the country. A memorial service for Ciasullo will be held in
Woolridge Park, Sunday, September 8, 11am.
AMOA Nails Phase One
The Austin Museum of Art has just completed Phase One of its campaign toestablish a presence in downtown Austin. This phase involved raising $750,000
to fund an interim museum space at 823 Congress Avenue. On August 28, AMOA
Chairman Bruce Kneirim announced that the goal had been achieved, with a gift
of $30,000 from H.E.B. putting the museum over the top. This means AMOA can
proceed with plans to produce its first exhibition in the interim space in
November. Call 495-9224 for info.
Worthy Causes
University YWCA has put together a spectacular festival to raise funds andcelebrate women in the arts. Circle of Friends features performances by
Toni Price, Tina Marsh, Betty Elders, Lourdes P�rez, Texana Dames,
Laurie Freelove, plus a dozen more acts and art, books, food, drink, and more
for sale, Saturday, noon-10pm, at Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Bergman. Admission is
$10 ($15 after 6pm). For info, call 442-5986.
Mexic-Arte Museum will host a night of fine food including traditional
interior Mexican dishes as served at the table of Frida Kahlo. Frida’s
Fiestas II includes delicacies prepared by guest chef Ricardo Mu�oz
and served at festive Fonda San Miguel. The event takes place Tuesday,
September 10. Tickets are $60. For info, call 480-9373.
Wanted: You
Dance Umbrella wants you in this year’s 10 Minutes Max, the performanceshowcase of short works by area artists. Pieces may include dance, theatre, or
performance art, so long as they are only… ten minutes max. Performance dates
are September 27 & 28 at Synergy Studio. Application fees are $25 ($15 for
DU members). Call 322-0227 for info.
Frontera@Hyde Park Theatre is in the market for a Marketing Director.
Interested persons should call F@HP Administrative Director Eva Paloheimo at
419-7408.
Send literary, performing, and visual arts news to: “Articulations,” PO Box
49066, Austin, TX 78765 or onstage@auschron.com
This article appears in September 6 • 1996 and September 6 • 1996 (Cover).