Stars of Dripping Springs

• Jessie Bostad - The Sacred Waters of Hamilton Pool: This star is inspired by the natural beauty and iconic landscape of Hamilton Pool, reflecting its emerald water, dramatic limestone formations, and significance as one of Dripping Springs’ most treasured natural landmarks.

• Joe Christenson - Day & Nigh in the Hill Country: The star represents the beauty and rhythm of the Hill Country through two contrasting yet complementary perspectives: the vivid energy of daytime and the calm, atmospheric qualities of night. Together, they celebrate the natural landscapes and daily transitions that define life in the region.

• Renèe D’Arienzo – Everlasting: Inspired by the quiet beauty of the Hill Country, this piece features a road runner, cactus, and monarch butterflies. D'Arienzo wanted to capture how these fleeting elements symbolize the enduring spirit of life under the region’s dark skies.

• London Farris – A Gathering Place: Paying homage to Dripping Springs’ early history, Farris’ design honors the Tonkawa Indians and their gathering place near the Milk House Branch. The artwork reflects the deep-rooted history and contributions of the Tonkawa to the city’s foundation.

• Michael Greenwald – Heart of the Hill Country: A newcomer to the area, Greenwald’s design includes a heart symbolizing the region and a landscape with the night sky and prickly pear cacti. He aimed to capture the beauty of his new surroundings and the connection he feels to the Hill Country.

• Erin Hounsel – 1.Preserving the Stars: Hounsel’s design highlights the importance of preserving the dark skies for future generations, symbolized by children running on a trail with stars rising from their feet. The piece represents her hope for a brighter, more sustainable future for her children. 2.Roping the Stars : Hounsel's second star is a celebration of the area's rich history of ranchers and cattle farming. From the founding of Dripping Springs to today, Cattle ranching is still alive and well within our beautiful hill country community.

• Cathy Richardson – 1. Twinkle Bright My Texas Light: This piece reflects Richardson’s nightly walks with her dog, where the sky, wildlife, and the calming experience inspire creativity. She hopes the star sparks curiosity and connection with the hidden stories of the wildlife and landscape. 2. Walk Among the Stars: This hand-painted Star was created for the City of Dripping Springs as a daily welcome to everyone who visits City Hall and our beloved Welcome Center. Each side of the Star celebrates something we share as a community—our parks and trails, local events, the natural environment and wildlife, and the people and stories that make Dripping Springs feel like home. The design connects visual symbols that represent our city with the interior welcome wall.

• Melissa Richardson – 1. Magic Melody: Blending her love for family and music, Richardson’s design features a guitar and the words “down in Dripping Springs,” inspired by a Johnny Cash song. On the back, musical elements like a piano surround a record, celebrating how music unites the community. 2. Here Everything's Better:

• Rozy Seastrom - Crafted in Community : This star is inspired by the spirit of Dripping Springs—a community rooted in connection, celebration, and a deep appreciation for nature. Its design transitions from the bright colors of daytime, highlighting local icons like the water tower, bluebonnets, and the area’s wineries and breweries, into the calming tones of night that honor our dark-sky heritage. Diverse skin tones, collage elements, and a multicolored rope symbolize the many people, stories, and shared experiences that come together to define Dripping Springs.

• Tiffany Sierras - Stacks of Belonging: This star is inspired by the Dripping Springs Community Library and the memories built there with Sierra's children. Years ago, they visited the library every week—gathering books, connecting with the librarians, and creating a cherished family ritual. Those moments of discovery, storytelling, and community are what inspired this design and the sense of warmth, growth, and belonging it represents.

• Jenny Swannack - Willies First Picnic: Swannack drew inspiration for her star from Willie Nelson's first Fourth of July Picnic hosted in Dripping Springs in 1973, a little known but significant piece of music history in Dripping Springs

• Kyndall Womack - The In-Between: This star design captures the magic of Dripping Springs through sunrise and sunset scenes filled with native wildflowers, local wildlife, and small fairies meant to spark childlike wonder. A mare with her foal and a doe with her fawn symbolize the community’s connection to nature and the families who call this place home. Featuring only native blooms, the piece celebrates the natural beauty and Hill Country heritage that define Dripping Springs.

• Jessie Woodhead - Pollinator's Dream: The “Pollinators’ Dream” star symbolizes an invitation to pause and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds Dripping Springs. Its composition features an intricate display of native plants and pollinator species, drawing viewers into a vivid story where the sun dips beyond the Hill Country horizon and the sky shifts from soft pink to deep, inky blue.

For questions regarding the project and sponsorship opportunities please contact pam@destinationdrippingsprings.com