Common Waters Installation Decorates Lady Bird Lake with Floating Works of Art

Austinites are invited to participate in the community project and celebratory opening bash on May 14

By Meher Qazilbash
Photos by Emma Rogers

An art installation titled Common Waters will decorate Lady Bird Lake this month. Designed by local artists, Rejina Thomas, Ruben Esquivel and Taylor Davis, the floating wetland project honors nature, creativity, community and collaboration.

Common Waters is part of The Trail Foundation’s Arts + Culture plan, an effort to enrich the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. After receiving 37 submissions, these three artists were chosen to spearhead the development of the installation. For weeks these creators have worked to design, test and perfect their models of the floating work of art. Their efforts have been supported by The Trail Foundation, environmental artist Stacy Levy and Austin-based curators Public City.

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On May 14, a three-part celebration and official public unveiling of Common Waters will take place, celebrating the process just as much as the final product. Attendees are invited to participate in installing the project on the water and then spend the day watching the creation make its way down Lady Bird Lake while enjoying other activities in the area. After reaching its final destination, the artwork will be placed right off the shores of Lakeshore Park, where live music, refreshments and mingling.

Join in on this eventful day showcasing the talent, teamwork and environmental appreciation of Austin’s citizens.