BENEFACTOR STORY
Vero Lyn Esque, founding member of Artist Lake House, knows the impact of having someone believe in a vision.
She was backed by the late philanthropist Marlene “Linny” Fowler, whose lifetime giving has been estimated at approximately $30 million across arts, education, cultural institutions and communities. Artist Lake House founder Veronica Lyn Esque knows what it means to have someone invest in possibility. Her work was supported by the late philanthropist Marlene “Linny” Fowler, whose philanthropy extended across the arts, education, cultural institutions and community life.
Artist Lake House carries that idea forward.We are building a place that invests in artists, educators, makers and ideas — creating the physical conditions for learning, experimentation, movement, stewardship and human connection. Now the opportunity is to do the same for generations of people who will come through this place.
DEVELOPMENT
FROM AN ARTIST’S HOME TO A LIVING INSTITUTION
Built in 1979 by artist Ralph White and his wife Ruby, the property began as a home shaped by art, experimentation and community. Artist Lake House carries that spirit forward while giving it a larger purpose.
A lake can be a classroom.
Movement can build resilience.
Art can deepen observation.
Nature can restore attention.
Food can teach stewardship.
Gathering can create connection.
The next chapter is physical: seven capital projects designed to transform the property into lasting creative, educational and environmental infrastructure.
$520,000 TOTAL BUILD CAMPAIGN
Mind · Body · Water · Ecology · Nourishment · Connection
Expore how creativity, movement, environment and relationships shape the human mind.
“The significant art of any age must embody a monumental level of imagination and the spirit of that age and for that age.” — Ralph White
Donations +
Grants
ACA receives and administers eligible charitable donations and grant funds on behalf of the project.
Financial
Administration
ACA oversees project funds and provides fiscal administration, taxes within its nonprofit framework.
Payroll +
Contractors
ACA processes approved payments to contractors, vendors and applicable project personnel.
CHARITABLE GIVING WITH ESTABLISHED OVERSIGHT
Artist Lake House Collective currently operates as a fiscally sponsored project of Austin Creative Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Through this relationship, eligible charitable contributions, grants and project funds are received and administered within ACA’s nonprofit framework.
DONATIONS + GRANTS
ACA receives & administers eligible contributions and grant funds on behalf of the project.
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
ACA provides fiscal administration and oversight of sponsored project funds.
PROJECT EXPENDITURES
Approved project expenses, including applicable contractors and vendors, are processed through the fiscal sponsorship structure. Meanwhile, Atelier Circuit is being established as the independent nonprofit intended to provide long-term governance and stewardship of the property and its mission.
OWNERSHIP + GOVERNANCE
DESIGNED TO OUTLIVE ITS FOUNDERS
The long-term vision is for Atelier Circuit to own and steward the property and its capital improvements through an independent nonprofit structure.
A multidisciplinary Board is being assembled to provide governance across the creative, educational, environmental, financial and operational areas the project serves.
The objective is permanence:
Protect the place.
Protect its purpose.
Provide responsible oversight.
Carry the mission forward.
DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE . 2027 — PHASE ONE
Priority infrastructure and initial capital projects.
YEARS 1–3
Completion of the seven build projects as funding, design, permitting and construction allow.
The goal is not to build everything at once.
It is to build each part responsibly and create infrastructure capable of serving the project for decades.
LONG-TERM OPERATIONS
Capital creates the place. A diversified operating model keeps it functioning.
Long-term operations are intended to draw from:
Memberships · Residencies · Earned program revenue · Philanthropy · Grants · Partnerships · Sponsorships · Appropriate events + rentals . Annual planning will account for staffing, insurance, utilities, programming, maintenance and reserves for future capital needs.
FOUNDING CIRCLE
HELP ESTABLISH WHAT COMES NEXT.
The Founding Circle recognizes the people whose early capital support makes the physical development of Artist Lake House possible.
$5,000+ — SUPPORTER
Helps move the vision forward.
$20,000+ — FOUNDING MEMBER
Helps establish the foundation of ALH.
$35,000+ — FOUNDING PARTNER
Helps bring a specific space or initiative to life.
$50,000+ — BENEFACTOR
Provides significant support for campus development.
$75,000+ — LEGACY PARTNER
Helps shape one or more lasting spaces.
$100,000+ — LEAD BENEFACTOR
Provides major support toward the larger vision.
$150,000+ — VISIONARY PARTNER
Helps advance multiple spaces and future development.
$200,000+ — FOUNDING PATRON
Transformational support helping define the future of Artist Lake House.
PRIORITY ACCESS
Preferred opportunities to participate in eligible Artist Lake House programs, gatherings and experiences.
HEALTH + LONGEVITY
Opportunities to engage with movement, recovery, nature and wellness programming..
PRIVATE EXPERIENCES
Partner gatherings, intimate dinners, artist programs, wellness sessions and special events.
HOST + CONNECT
Opportunities, when appropriate and approved, to bring family, colleagues or community together at Artist Lake House.
CREATE + COLLABORATE
Opportunities to explore programming and partnerships with participating artists, educators and practitioners.
FOUNDING LEGACY
Recognition and an enduring connection to the spaces, programs and future your contribution helped make possible.
ACCESS
INTENTIONAL BY DESIGN
Artist Lake House combines membership, artist and educational residencies, scheduled programming and invited public access.
Access is intentionally managed to respect the residential character of the area, protect the Lake Travis environment and preserve the quality of the work taking place. Meaningful participation. Responsible scale. Long-term stewardship.
Teaching Dome
CAMPAIGN GOAL — $55,000
Materials + Equipment — $34,000
Geodesic dome • weather enclosure • raised deck • footings • electrical • lighting • ventilation • furnishings • teaching equipment
Labor + Installation — $21,000
Site preparation • deck construction • dome assembly • electrical • installation • finishing
FOUNDING PARTNER ACCESS
Founding recognition • Priority programming • Preferred scheduling • Private gatherings • Bring your organization or community
LEARN • CREATE • ADAPT
A year-round environment for creativity, conversation, movement and interdisciplinary learning. The Dome explores how creative challenge, physical practice and shared experiences can support neuroplasticity, attention, adaptability and lifelong learning.
ACTIVITIES
Art • Drawing • Painting • Sculpture • Photography • Talks • Psychology • Philosophy • Mobility • Stretching • Breathwork • Wellness Workshops
AREAS OF STUDYNeuroscience & Neuroplasticity • Positive Psychology • Creativity & Cognition • Human Movement • Systems Thinking
Movement Grove
CAMPAIGN GOAL — $25,000
Materials + Equipment — $15,000
Steel bars • rings • climbing structures • parallel bars • benches • anchors • concrete • drainage • natural surfacing
Labor + Installation — $10,000
Site preparation • footings • assembly • anchoring • drainage • landscape restoration
FOUNDING PARTNER ACCESS
Founding recognition • Wellness programming • Preferred scheduling • Private sessions • Bring your team or community
MOVE • STRENGTHEN • REGULATE
An open-air environment for strength, mobility and physical practice. Movement becomes a pathway for developing coordination, body awareness, resilience and the ability to regulate physical and mental stress.
ACTIVITIES
Calisthenics • Pull-Ups • Rings • Functional Strength • Mobility • Stretching • Balance • Breathwork • Group Training
AREAS OF STUDY
Exercise Physiology • Motor Learning • Proprioception • Nervous-System Regulation • Mind-Body Connection
Lake Platforms
CAMPAIGN GOAL — $28,000
Materials + Equipment — $18,000
Marine frame • decking • flotation • anchoring • shoreline connection • ladder • hardware • safety equipment
Labor + Installation — $10,000
Assembly • shoreline preparation • anchoring • installation • site finishing
FOUNDING PARTNER ACCESS
Founding recognition • Lake programming • Preferred scheduling • Private gatherings • Bring your organization or community
OBSERVE • GATHER • CONNECT
A floating threshold between land and water for ecological observation, creative practice and small-group gathering. Direct contact with the lake encourages attention, curiosity and a deeper understanding of the living environment around us.
ACTIVITIES
Ecology Observation • Drawing • Photography • Meditation • Conversation • Water Access • Creative Practice • Small Gatherings
AREAS OF STUDY
Freshwater Ecology • Watershed Systems • Environmental Observation • Attention Restoration • Human-Nature Connection
The Commons
CAMPAIGN GOAL — $65,000
Materials + Fixtures — $40,000
Two structures • two restrooms • two outdoor showers • sinks • lumber • roofing • foundations • plumbing • fixtures • lighting • drainage • pathways
Labor + Installation — $25,000
Carpentry • plumbing • electrical • excavation • drainage • fixture installation • site finishing
FOUNDING PARTNER ACCESS
Founding recognition • Partner gatherings • Program access • Community-event opportunities • Connection to future campus development
REFRESH • RESET • RETURN
Two independent open-air washroom areas providing private restrooms and outdoor showers across the property. Thoughtful essential infrastructure supports hygiene, privacy, comfort and longer participation in programs and gatherings.
USES
Restrooms • Outdoor Showers • Changing • Hygiene • Events • Workshops • Day Programs • Guest Access
PURPOSE
Clean Facilities • Privacy • Guest Comfort • Accessibility
Movement House
CAMPAIGN GOAL — $250,000
Supplies + Equipment — $160,000
Timber structure • foundation • sloped metal roof • large windows/open-air glass wall system • professional movement floor • full-length mirrors • photography backdrop/cyclorama wall • electrical • architectural lighting • climate control • sound system • storage • safety equipment
Labor + Installation — $90,000
Site preparation • foundation • timber framing • roofing • windows • flooring • mirrors • electrical • HVAC • lighting • cyclorama installation • finishing
FOUNDING PARTNER ACCESS
Founding recognition • Priority studio access • Preferred scheduling • Private rehearsals + photoshoots • Workshops • Gatherings • Bring your organization or community
MOVE • CREATE • CAPTURE • CONNECT
A 1,000 sq. ft. indoor/outdoor creative studio designed around movement, body mobility and visual expression.
High ceilings, natural light, expansive glass, professional flooring, mirrors and a dedicated photography environment create one flexible space for dance, movement, and photoshoots.
ACTIVITIES
Dance • Body Mobility • Movement • Choreography • Somatic Practice • Photography • Photoshoots • Content Creation • Rehearsals • Workshops • Music • Performances • Private Gatherings
AREAS OF STUDY
Body Mobility • Movement Psychology • Motor Learning • Rhythm + Coordination • Embodied Cognition • Creative Expression • Photography • Visual Storytelling • Human Connection
Water Garden
CAMPAIGN GOAL — $65,000
Materials + Systems — $40,000
Natural stone • basin materials • waterproofing • lake-water intake • pumps • filtration • circulation • piping • controls • electrical • drainage
Labor + Installation — $25,000
Excavation • stonework • plumbing • electrical • grading • circulation-system installation • landscape integration • testing
FOUNDING PARTNER ACCESS
Founding recognition • Wellness experiences • Preferred programming • Private sessions • Bring your organization or community
IMMERSE • REGULATE • RESTORE
Stone-lined water basins integrated into the landscape and supported by a lake-water circulation and filtration system. Water, temperature, stone and nature create a sensory environment for restoration, reflection and nervous-system regulation.
ACTIVITIES
Water Immersion • Cooling • Breathwork • Recovery • Meditation • Quiet Reflection • Sensory Practice • Nature Observation
AREAS OF STUDY
Environmental Psychology • Sensory Regulation • Human-Nature Connection • Hydrology • Aquatic Ecology
Community Food
CAMPAIGN GOAL — $32,000
Materials + Infrastructure — $20,000
Stone beds • soil • edible and native plants • trees • irrigation • composting • pathways • tools • storage • gathering areas
Labor + Installation — $12,000
Site preparation • stonework • soil building • irrigation • planting • pathways • landscape installation
FOUNDING PARTNER ACCESS
Founding recognition • Seasonal gatherings • Community planting days • Garden programming • Bring your organization or community
GROW • TEND • SHARE
A working permaculture garden where people gather around food, plants and the living systems that sustain us. Growing together connects nourishment with soil health, biodiversity, seasonal awareness and shared stewardship of the land.
ACTIVITIES
Planting • Gardening • Harvesting • Composting • Seed Saving • Native Plants • Herbs • Pollinator Gardens • Community Meals • Garden Gatherings
AREAS OF STUDY
Permaculture • Regenerative Ecology • Food Systems • Soil Biology • Native Plants • Biodiversity • Environmental Stewardship
