This weekend, Austin’s Seaholm Intake Facility will be transformed into a vibrant outdoor gallery as the WaterWork art show showcases the works of 22 artists. The event will take place on Friday and Saturday, with videos and visual art projected onto the historic mid-century concrete structure situated by Lady Bird Lake.
Once a functional site for pumping water to the downtown power plant, the facility will now serve as a canvas for local creativity. The initiative is organized by Design Austin, a cultural nonprofit, inspired by founding board member Emily Eisenhart’s vision during a boat tour of the lake three years ago. “I was admiring the freshly cleaned facility, and in the glorious springtime sun, it was a beacon that was waiting for art,” Eisenhart remarked. She proposed a temporary projection art show, mindful of the facility’s historic significance.
In collaboration with the Trail Conservancy, which oversees the scenic 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Trail surrounding the lake, the show aims to elevate awareness of both the building’s legacy and the artistic opportunities within the city. Julie Fisher, the Conservancy’s CEO, emphasized the event’s role in celebrating Austin’s vibrant arts scene amidst its natural surroundings.
Artists were invited to submit two-minute videos reflecting this year’s theme of transformation. From a pool of applicants hailing from Texas and beyond, 22 artists were selected, including notable figures such as Austin-based Afro-Latino artist Chris “Tobar” Rodriguez, internationally recognized visual artist Beili Liu, and the collaborative group Essentials Creative. Eisenhart noted, “This year we have quite a few pieces with animators. They are really focusing on the infrastructure and architectural elements of the building and highlighting the windows and edges of the space.”
Attendees are encouraged to enjoy the show from various vantage points, including paddleboards and kayaks on the lake, as well as spots on the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge and at Auditorium Shores. Fisher pointed out the unique experience of witnessing the art reflected on the water, enhancing the narrative of transformation that the event seeks to convey.
WaterWork is a free event commencing at 8:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday evenings, inviting the community to engage with art and nature in a harmonious setting.
