Charles Umlauf was a notable American sculptor who taught as a professor in the University of Texas at Austin Art Department for 40 years.

Umlauf was employed by the Works Progress Administration Federal Art Project during the Great Depression and he garnered recognition for his large public work sculptures, including War Mother (1939) which resulted in his job offer from the University of Texas.

He is known for his expressive sculptures regarding humanistic and religious themes, and his use of various materials including rose quartz and Brazilian rosewood.

In Texas, Umlauf has more sculptures on display in public locations than any other single sculptor.

Past exhibits have included work by artists: James Surls, Farrah Fawcett (student, mentee, and occasional muse of Umlauf), Jesús Moroles, Luis Jimenez, and Michael Ray Charles.