Friends of the Austin State Hospital

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Friends of the Austin State Hospital

A nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the of life of patients at Austin State Hospital

Opened in 1861 to its first patients, ASH has been providing psychiatric services to the citizens of Texas for 150 years.

02/18/2026

“I love the art show because it offers an opportunity for social connection while showcasing beautiful works of art that demonstrates how art is a wonderful therapeutic tool plus it’s just fun!” – Stacy Mendelson

Join us for the Insights Art Show: Art in Bloom — a vibrant evening of inspiring artwork, live music from the Ron Nottebart Trio, food, and community that benefits the patients of Austin State Hospital. 🎨🌸

Date/Time: February 22nd from 3pm – 6pm
Location: 7811 Rockwood Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Purchase tickets here: https://lp.friendsofash.org/artshow

02/15/2026

“This is my third ASH art show as a committee member. I love it for many reasons:
- I know funds raised will go to provide money for materials, activities, presents, special events and all the things that help make a day more hopeful for our folks.
- I get to see and examine a lot of art by people served at ASH and by artists in the community. I have learned a lot about color, perspective, mediums and composition.
- The art show itself is amazing, from set up, to coordination, to mingling with guests, to seeing our folks served get pieces of their art sold, to seeing so many from the community come to support us.
- Our committee members are so committed to supporting ASH, and we are a well functioning team. It is very satisfying.” – Janice Goodspeed

Join us for the Insights Art Show: Art in Bloom on February 22nd from 3pm – 6pm at 7811 Rockwood Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Purchase tickets here: https://lp.friendsofash.org/artshow

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day from Friends of ASH! 💖

Today, let’s spread a little extra love:
💬 Tell someone why you appreciate them
🤝 Reach out to a friend who might need support
🌟 Share a moment of kindness that made your day

✨ You are loved. You are important. You make a difference. ✨

02/11/2026

“The ASH art show is special to me because it highlights how art can be an important means of self-expression in improving our mental health. Like Jane, I jumped back in to helping with the art show out of my love for Dianna Pickens and Jane.”
– Al Jones

Join us for the Insights Art Show: Art in Bloom — a vibrant evening of inspiring artwork, live music from the Ron Nottebart Trio, food, and community that benefits the patients of Austin State Hospital. 🎨🌸

Date/Time: February 22nd from 3pm – 6pm
Location: 7811 Rockwood Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Purchase tickets here: https://lp.friendsofash.org/artshow

02/09/2026

Hop to it, Austin! 🐰

Lace up those sneakers and get ready to run, walk, or hop your way through the Bunny Run! A fun-filled 5K for all ages benefiting mental health programs at Austin State Hospital. Bring your friends, your family, and your bunny ears — every step supports a great cause! 🏃♀️💙

Date/Time: Saturday, April 4th at 8am
Location: 4110 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78751

Get registered at: https://eventdog.com/a/eventpage.php?shorty=regme.io%7Cbunnyrun2026&eID=61191

02/08/2026

Meet the talented artists that have graciously donated their art to the Insights Art Show this year! We are SO excited to feature their pieces and share their stories ✨

Join us for the Insights Art Show: Art in Bloom — a vibrant evening of inspiring artwork, live music from the Ron Nottebart Trio, food, and community that benefits the patients of Austin State Hospital. Every piece tells a story of healing, hope, and creativity. 🎨💙

Date/Time: February 22nd from 3pm – 6pm
Location: Ben Hur 7811 Rockwood Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Purchase tickets here: https://lp.friendsofash.org/artshow.

02/06/2026

Happy Pay A Compliment Day! 💙

Today we’re celebrating kind words + big hearts! Take a moment to share a compliment — whether it’s for someone who brightens your day, a friend who listens, a caregiver who goes above and beyond, or someone taking brave steps in their mental health journey.

👉 Drop a compliment in the comments and let’s lift each other up today! ✨

02/04/2026

For thirty years, Dianna Pickens served as Director of Education and Rehabilitation at Austin State Hospital, leading a wide range of patient services that supported healing and growth. Her work encompassed educational programs for children, adolescents, and adults, along with occupational, physical, recreational, music, dance, and art therapies. These programs not only enriched treatment but also equipped patients with vital skills for transitioning back into the community.

Dianna’s devotion to mental health advocacy did not end with her tenure. For sixteen years, she has continued her service as a member of the Friends of ASH Board. A passionate advocate for art and art therapy, she was instrumental in launching the Insight Art Show in 1990. Her vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact—one that continues to benefit patients and the Austin State Hospital community today.

Donate in tribute to Dianna here: https://lp.friendsofash.org/artshow

01/30/2026

🐰✨ The countdown is ON! The ASH Dash 5K Bunny Run is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to see our community come together for a morning of movement, smiles, and purpose. From seasoned runners to casual walkers, everyone is welcome — all in support of mental health at Austin State Hospital!

🏃♂️💙 Don’t miss your chance to hop in and make an impact! Learn more at: https://lp.friendsofash.org/bunny-run?_gl=1

01/28/2026

🎨🌸 Step into a night of inspiration at the Insights Art Show: Art in Bloom! Discover moving artwork created by patients of Austin State Hospital and local artists, enjoy live music by the Ron Nottebart Trio, and savor great food — all while supporting mental health and the power of creative expression.

✨ An evening of art, connection, and purpose you won’t want to miss. Tickets are only $35 and can be purchased here: https://lp.friendsofash.org/artshow?_gl=1

01/26/2026

Celebrating an incredible woman whose dedication has shaped Austin State Hospital for decades! 🌟

Dianna Pickens served as the Director of Education and Rehabilitation at Austin State Hospital for 30 years, overseeing programs for children, adolescents, and adults—including occupational, physical, recreational, music, dance, and art therapies. Her work not only supported patient healing but also equipped them with skills for life beyond the hospital.

Dianna’s commitment to mental health advocacy continues through her 16 years on the Friends of ASH Board, and her love for art helped launch the Insight Art Show in 1990—touching countless lives along the way. Her compassion, intelligence, and dedication have left an enduring mark on patients and the community alike. 💙

Donate in tribute to Diana here: https://lp.friendsofash.org/artshow

01/25/2026

🎨🐰 Two great events. One powerful way to give back. Friends of ASH is proud to bring together the Insights Art Show and the ASH Dash 5K Bunny Run — and we’re inviting our community partners to be part of both through a shared sponsorship opportunity!

From Mental Health Champion ($5,000) to Compassionate Advocate ($500) to Devoted Friends ($100), sponsors receive recognition across both events, including event materials, 5K T-shirts, tickets and registrations, website and social media spotlights — all while directly supporting patients at Austin State Hospital.

✨ Art. Movement. Community. Impact.
Learn more about sponsoring and help us champion mental health in Austin at: https://lp.friendsofash.org/sponsor?_gl=1

Address

4110 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX
78751

Telephone

+15124192330

Website

http://www.friendsofash.org/, https://www.austincoolart.com/

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