Tis the season for parties of all stripes: graduation, anniversary, bridal shower, retirement. The Austin Area Commission for the Arts has two venues that can help you throw an easy, fun celebration without cleaning your house.

Rent the ArtWorks Center second floor gallery. With seating for up to 55 people and literal works of art on display, the ArtWorks Center gallery is an inspired site for a party, reception, shower, dinner or gift opening. You may bring in your own food or hire a caterer. Cost is $60 an hour with a $75 set-up and clean-up fee.

The Lounge, with seating for up to 10, is available for cozy get togethers for $25 an hour during business hours and $50 an hour outside of business hours.

Rent the Paramount Theatre for a private performance or party. Take over the stage and our 622-seat theater for a private event. How about a family talent show? Cost starts at $350 for two hours. Technical support for lights and sound can be added for $25 per hour. You may bring in your own food or hire a caterer.

Screen a movie at the Paramount Theatre. Pick a flick and invite your friends to a private movie viewing at the day and time of your choosing. Fee is $250 and if you expect more than 15 guests, we’ll turn on the popcorn machine and make concessions available.

Work with our education coordinator to create a group art experience in canvas painting, mosaic, clay, or print-making that is inviting and fun for all skill levels. Cost starts at $15 per person depending on the project. These art experiences are available for social groups and can also be tailored for professional team-building retreats. You may bring in your own food or hire a caterer. For more information, contact Education Coordinator Lana Kenyon at lana@austinareaarts.org.

Art parties for kids are available, too. Gather up to 10 kids to do an art project like canvas painting. We will provide the space, instructor and supplies. The birthday kid gets to choose the subject. Then open gifts while the instructor cleans up all the mess. Guests get to take home finished artwork. Cost is $325 for the party with an instructed project or $260 for no project.

AACA Member discounts are available for all these items, inquire when booking. Events at the ArtWorks Center can also offer a hosted or cash wine and beer bar if event hosts are AACA members. For details, call Kelsey Ritchie at 507-434-0934.

Coming soon at the Paramount Theatre

•May 16: $5 Movie — “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” 3 and 7:30 p.m.

•May 19: Fabulous Vegas Guys: Senior Center Benefit, 3:30 p.m.

•May 20: Peggy Reich: Musical Pathways of Love piano, 2 p.m.

•May 23: $5 Movie: “McLintok,”3 and 7:30 p.m.

Coming soon at the ArtWorks Center

•May 18: An Evening with the Arts with James Wegner: Art of the 60s, 6:30 p.m.

•May 19: Music at the Bank: Rock and roll revue MIMI, 7:30 p.m.

•May 25: ArtWorks Open Jam, 7 p.m.