Schreiner University, along with Community Arts Program staff, invites the public to the unveiling of a new art installation on the pedestrian ramp behind the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library playground on Thursday, August 29, at 4:00 p.m.
Schreiner University played a significant role in completing the project. Chris Distel, professor of biology, Ryan Caesar, former assistant professor of biology, and Clay McClure, assistant professor of communication design, collaborated with the Citizen Art Panel that created the Guadalupe River tribute.
The illustrations were created by Mackenzie Partida, a graduate of Schreiner University and graphic designer.
When the city decided to build a public art installation between the library and Louise Hayes Park honoring the natural history of the Guadalupe River, it turned to his department, according to Distel.
“They were looking for natural images that were realistic and unique to the area,” said Distel, who helped put together a seven-layer cross-section of the river from the sky down to the sediment that corresponded to the seven layers of the ramp.
In the end, over 80 artistic representations of native species were created.
“It’s an elegant concept and it incorporates many of our unique species in the urban area, like the Guadalupe bass, along with insects and creatures that people may not know about,” said Distel, who would like to see more such installations in the city. “It’s a great opportunity for people to engage with, enjoy and learn from nature and strengthen the connection with our amazing Guadalupe River.”
In addition to Schreiner University, the Citizen Art Panel also included the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, Riverside Nature Center, Heart of the Hills Heritage Center and the City of Kerrville. Blazing Lazer Engravers of San Antonio engraved the etchings into the concrete and artist Christian Powers hand-painted the shadow details of the backfill.
