Stars of Dripping Springs unveils first six sculptures

Mercer Street now twinkles with a new kind of starlight as the Stars of Dripping Springs art initiative unveiled its first six star sculptures. The city-wide public art project, spearheaded by the city of Dripping Springs, Destination Dripping Springs, the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Dripping Springs Art League, celebrates the city’s identity as the first International Dark Sky Community in Texas and aims to showcase local artistry while fostering community pride.

Lisa Sullivan, People and Communications Director for the City of Dripping Springs, praised the collaborative effort that brought the stars to life.

“Thank you to our sponsors, the city council, and city administration for trusting us to do this,” Sullivan said. “Most importantly, thank you to our amazing artists. The stories behind the artwork touched our hearts. These stars symbolize the creativity and spirit of Dripping Springs, and I can’t wait to see this project grow.”

The sculptures, each painted by a local artist, represent a range of themes inspired by the Hill Country and the night sky. The project, which organizers hope to expand in 2025, aims to sprinkle these artistic stars throughout the city, highlighting Dripping Springs as a hub of creativity.

“This is the first new project I’ve been a part of here, and I’m honored,” Pam King, director of the Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “This process was unique, from the materials used to the care taken to protect the artwork. It’s inspiring to see our community come together like this.”

The Dripping Springs Art League helped spur the initiative as well.

“It’s humbling to be part of something that energizes our community,” Steve Friedman, president of the Dripping Springs Art League, said. “We received over 30 artist submissions and are proud of the six selected for their unique designs that bring these stars to life.”

The six artists shared their inspirations behind their stunning creations:

• Renèe D’Arienzo painted Everlasting, inspired by the quiet beauty of the Hill Country. “I chose the road runner, the cactus, and the monarch butterflies because they leave a lasting moment, even if they’re only here for a short time,” she said. “Under our dark skies, they symbolize the endurance of life’s spirit, which can feel timeless even if fleeting.”

• Michael Greenwald, a newcomer to the area, painted Heart of the Hill Country. “The heart on one side represents the heart of this region, and the other side depicts a landscape with the night sky and prickly pear cacti,” he said. “This whole landscape is new to me, and it was fun to capture its beauty on the star.”

• Cathy Richardson created Twinkle Bright My Texas Light, inspired by her nighttime walks. “Every night I walk my dog and look up at the sky. I hear the animals, and it grounds me,” she said. “This piece reflects the creativity I feel and the stories of the wildlife. I hope visitors discover new details each time they look at it, sparking curiosity and connection.”

• Erin Hounsel designed Preserving the Stars with a focus on the future. “The inspiration behind my star is God’s creation and how it’s gifted us with abundance here,” she said. “My kids are a huge inspiration to me, and I wanted to highlight how our Dark Sky Community reduces their carbon footprint. The design shows kids running on a trail with stars rising from their feet and being placed into the sky, symbolizing how we’re giving our children a brighter future.”

• Melissa Richardson created Magic Melody, blending music and family. “One thing that connects me to Dripping is my family, but also its music,” she said. “The front of the star has a guitar and the words ‘down in Dripping Springs,’ which is a Johnny Cash song. On the back, there’s a record surrounded by musical elements like a piano, symbolizing how music brings the community together.”

• London Farris took inspiration from local history for A Gathering Place. “I focused on the beginnings of Dripping Springs and the Tonkawa Indians who first gathered here,” she said. “The Milk House Branch, near Edwards Aquifer, was their gathering place. I wanted to pay homage to the Tonkawa Indians and their contributions to our city’s foundation.”

The Stars of Dripping Springs is sponsored by H-E-B and the Stroll the Stars event on Dec. 4 was sponsored by Dripping Springs Elite. The stars will remain on display along Mercer Street, inviting residents and visitors to explore their intricate designs and the stories they tell. As Sullivan noted, this is only the beginning.

“We want stars sparkling all over Dripping Springs—just like the night sky.”