Stories

Most folks know Lady Bird Lake for paddleboards, running trails, and the largest urban bat colony in North America. But for two nights this September, the star of the show wasn’t any of those things. It was the old pump house that we’ve all been hiking past for years. Yep. That old building was turned into an outdoor art canvas for a public art installation called WaterWork. And thanks to my friends at This Is Texas Water, I had a front-row seat along with all of Austin.

So, What Is WaterWork?

WaterWork is an outdoor art installation produced by Design Austin with The Trail Conservancy, showcasing the work of twenty-two Central Texas artists in 15 different pieces projected across the lake and onto the side of the old Seaholm Intake Facility.

It was INCREDIBLE. Each had motion, visuals, and music all timed out to perfection. The whole facade seemed to ripple and breathe, like the old pump house had woken up from a very long nap. I was expecting something cool, but this was downright captivating. I couldn’t take my eyes off it for a single second. Some were a colorful journey through space and time. One showcased hands braiding river reeds. Another had the artist look like he was trapped inside the building.

The actual artist lineup was stacked. You had Beili Liu, a former Texas State Artist whose work has traveled the globe. You had Chris “Tobar” Rodriguez and his Neon Rodeo. And you had legendary gig-poster artist Mishka Westell teaming up with musician Jesse Ebaugh and storyteller Eric Schoenborn. Not a bad crowd.

Plus, it was completely free. Folks spread blankets across Auditorium Shores and packed the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge. Others paddled out in kayaks and paddleboards from Texas Rowing Center and Austin Rowing Club, who both stayed open late just for the show. A few lucky ones floated right out front on open-air pontoon cruises and Retro Boat rentals, picnic baskets in hand. Let me tell you, there’s something special about watching art about water while you’re sitting on the water.

Presented by This Is Texas Water

This year’s show was presented by This Is Texas Water, the official water awareness campaign for the State of Texas. Honestly, I can’t think of a better fit. You’ve got a building made to move water, sitting on a lake that Austin loves, lit up by folks whose whole mission is helping Texans understand where their water comes from and why it matters. I’m proud to be an ambassador for the campaign, as water is a HUGE part of what makes “The Daytripper” possible. I mean, what would our show be without swimming holes, Texas beverages, and food? All of which require Texas water.

WaterWork Opening Reception

The night before the big show, This Is Texas Water co-hosted an opening reception at The Paggi House, just a stone’s throw from the lake. It was a chance for all the artists, designers, architects, and technical folks to get together and celebrate the monumental feat of putting WaterWork together.

Cards were scattered across tables with water facts. The bar had a custom menu with the headliner cocktail called “Smoke on the Water,” made with mezcal, watermelon, hibiscus and lime. Super tasty. For the zero-proof crowd, there was a strawberry basil lemonade.

Design Austin and The Trail Conservancy said a few words about the project, then This Is Texas Water rolled its anthem video for the room. Watch it here if you haven’t seen it.

Then came my big moment. I got to draw the winner of the door prize: a handmade charcuterie board and tickets to a cheese tasting at Antonelli’s. Somebody went home very happy.

But nobody went home empty-handed. Every guest got a box of custom truffles from Delysia, the award-winning Austin chocolatier. The first, Texas Wildflower, was white chocolate infused with wildflowers and a hint of Texas honey, a sweet nod to Lady Bird Johnson. The second, Night Water, was inspired by kayaking Lady Bird Lake at dusk as the bats take flight. Milk chocolate. Blackberry. Salt smoked in a barbecue pit. That’s right, barbecue chocolate. Only in Austin, folks.

Grateful to Be Part of It

I spend most of my days on Texas backroads, chasing the stories that make Texas towns special. WaterWork reminded me that some of the best stories are about the things we all share. A lake. A trail. A stretch of river that belongs to all of us.

Big thanks to This Is Texas Water for the invite, and to Design Austin, The Trail Conservancy and every artist who lit up Lady Bird Lake. When WaterWork comes back next fall, do yourself a favor. Grab a kayak, find a spot on the water and watch the city glow. I’ll see you on the lake.