One of the largest civic art projects in Austin history was unveiled on Sep. 29. “Thirst,” presented by Women & Their Work, features a 35-foot dead cedar elm that appears to be floating above the water of Lady Bird Lake.
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The public art project “Thirst” memorializes the 300 million trees that died in Texas during the drought of 2011. Prayer flags that bear an image of a dead tree are a key element of the project. -
14,000 prayer flags bearing the image of a dead tree have been strung around the area of Lady Bird Lake between the Drake Bridge (South First) and the Lamar Bridge. -
14,000 prayer flags bearing the image of a dead tree have been strung around the area of Lady Bird Lake between the Drake Bridge (South First) and the Lamar Bridge. -
14,000 prayer flags bearing the image of a dead tree have been strung around the area of Lady Bird Lake between the Drake Bridge (South First) and the Lamar Bridge. -
The centerpiece of “Thirst” is a 35-foot dead cedar elm which was removed from private property and transported to Lady Bird Lake, where it will be suspended just above the water for the duration of the project. -
On Sunday, Sep. 29, “Thirst” had its official unveiling with a celebration and ceremony on the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge. -
Present at the “Thirst” unveiling were (l-r) City Council member Kathie Tovo; State Sen. Kirk Watson; Laura Esparza of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department; and Chris Cowden, executive director of Women & Their Work. -
Viewers crowd the railing of the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge to get a good look at the “Thirst” tree positioned between them and the Lamar Bridge. -
Chris Cowden, executive director of Women & Their Work, which sponsored “Thirst,” addresses attendees at the unveiling. -
Viewers crowd the railing of the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge to get a good look at the “Thirst” tree positioned between them and the Lamar Bridge. -
Viewers crowd the railing of the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge to get a good look at the “Thirst” tree positioned between them and the Lamar Bridge. -
Runners on the Pfluger Circle pass “Thirst” prayer flags strung across its center. -
Runners on the Pfluger Circle pass “Thirst” prayer flags strung across its center. -
“Thirst” prayer flags crisscross the center of the Pfluger Circle. -
A handbill for “Thirst” by the Pfluger Circle. -
Texas State Senator Kirk Watson addresses attendees at the unveiling. -
Kathie Tovo, Austin City Council Member Place 3, addresses attendees at the unveiling. -
The creative team behind “Thirst” was made up of artist Beili Liu, associate professor at the University of Texas; Emily Little and Norma Yancey of Clayton & Little Architects; and Cassie Bergstrom of dwg. landscape architecture. -
Every night for the duration of the project, the “Thirst” tree will be illuminated between sunset and 11pm. The tree was painted white by Funk Paint Contractors. Lighting was designed by Connie Arismendi and Laura Garanzuay, and installed by Lloyd Bluhm of ELK Electric. -
“Thirst” will continue through Dec. 20. For more information, visit www.thirstart.org.