Texas legend Clara Driscoll was a true visionary and focused her philanthropic efforts on art, history, and nature, preserving their beauty for future generations to enjoy. To this end in 1943 she donated her lakeside 1916 Austin estate, Laguna Gloria, to be used “as a Museum to bring pleasure in the appreciation of art to the people of Texas.”  That site has served both as a launch pad and active location, in addition to its downtown galleries, for the Austin Museum of Art’s four-decade history in its pivotal role as the principal community art museum in Central Texas.

In honor of her generosity, passion, and innovative vision, the Museum presents this annual Clara Driscoll Arts Award to recognize the continued foresight and efforts of today’s visionary Austin arts leaders.

                        Rudolph “Rudy” Green and Joyce Christian

Rudolph “Rudy” Green has been giving to the city of Austin since his arrival in our town in 1968 at the tender age of fifteen.  That year, Rudy was the first recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, an award which ignited the young man’s desire  to give back to the adopted city which welcomed him with such an honor.   St. Stephen’s continues to be one of the many recipients of Rudy’s volunteer spirit and generous philanthropy.  Rudy and his wife, Joyce Christian, are dedicated art collectors and have graciously lent works from their wonderful collection of art of the Caribbean and the African Diaspora to the school for special exhibitions.  These important exhibitions celebrate diversity in the arts and introduce students to new worlds of art and culture.  Additionally, Rudy and Joyce have been most generous in lending works from their collection to multiple exhibitions at AMOA.

Over the years, Rudy has held many positions in Austin’s arts and community service organizations.  His long association with Austin Museum of Art actually began on his wedding day in 1995.  He and Joyce were married at Laguna Gloria and Rudy was approached that very day to be on the Board of Trustees at AMOA.  He has served on Boards of such diverse organizations as Austin Lyric Opera, Ronald McDonald House, and of course, his alma mater, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School where he presently serves as Board Executive Chair.  His wife, Joyce is a native of the Caribbean Island of Dominica and is trained as a nurse and midwife.  She has dedicated herself to community service as well. She was the recipient  of the Guardian of Caring Award from The Care Communities in 2008, honoring her vibrant spirit in caring for those less healthy and ensuring dignity at the end of life.  She has also served on the Ronald McDonald House Board of Directors and the Hospice Austin Minority Access Committee and was instrumental in founding the East Austin Wellness Initiative, a health ministry of St. James' Episcopal Church.

Join us on May 1st to honor Rudolph "Rudy" Green and Joyce Christian