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The city of Dripping Springs is set to twinkle with creativity as it launches Stars of Dripping Springs, a city-wide art initiative featuring captivating star sculptures. Organized by the city of Dripping Springs, Destination Dripping Springs, the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Dripping Springs Art League, this project will be a vibrant public art project that invites local artists to share their talent while also highlighting the city’s Dark Sky community.
“We are excited to invite artists to participate in this exciting project that will turn our downtown into an outdoor art gallery and bring awareness to the beautiful night sky that the Hill Country is famous for,” said Pam King, tourism manager for the Destination Dripping Springs. “Through these star sculptures, our goal is to not only showcase the immense talent of our local artists but also to inspire a sense of awe and connection among residents and visitors alike.'
The project will be ongoing, starting with a series of stars to be unveiled in the fall along Mercer Street. In the future, residents and visitors can look forward to discovering these creative star sculptures in unexpected places, from shopping areas to the city’s beautiful parks and more throughout the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. Each star will tell a unique story, reflecting themes tying into the night sky, Dripping Springs and the beauty of the Hill Country.
In 2014, Dripping Springs was the first city in Texas to be designated as an International Dark Sky Community — and the sixth one in the world. Since then, the city and its residents and business partners have diligently maintained that distinction. The city chose the star sculptures to highlight its beautiful night sky, one of the things that makes Dripping Springs such a beautiful place to live, work and visit.
Artists interested in creating a star will need to join the Dripping Springs Art League and submit their proposals by May 24. Selected artists will have the opportunity to design artwork for a permanent 3D star within the following categories: Night Sky; Nature/ Wildlife/Birding; Music/Film Friendly Community; General Dripping Springs; and Texas Culture/History. The newly formed Dripping Springs Art League strives to serve as the art community hub for the Dripping Springs area art scene and to help promote awareness as a vibrant and inspiring Hill Country Art Destination.
Selected artists will receive a stipend for their supplies and participation and will have a little over three months to complete their star. The completed stars will be unveiled on Mercer Street on Oct. 5 at a “Stroll the Stars” event. The public will be able to observe the artwork as well as meet and chat with the artists. The project will continue to unfold with future guided art walks under the stars, artist-led workshops, stargazing nights and other opportunities for the community to meet the artists behind the sculptures.
In order to help bring the full visionary project to life, the project committee will be actively seeking partnerships and sponsorships from businesses and organizations that share the commitment to art, culture, and community enrichment. Sponsorship opportunities will range from program supporters, sponsoring themed and educational events associated with the Stars of Dripping Springs program, to supporting individual star sculptures. This is a unique chance for businesses to align themselves with a citywide initiative that will leave a lasting impact on Dripping Springs.
To explore the starstudded world of Stars of Dripping Springs and stay updated on the latest installations and events, residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the official project website at destinationdrippingsprings. com/starsofdripping.
To learn more about the Stars of Dripping Springs Public Art Project or to find out how to submit an application, go to destinationdrip-pingsprings. com/p/ starsofdripping. To become a member of the Dripping Springs Art League, go to artindripping. com. For questions regarding the project, contact communications@ cityofdrippingsprings. com.
