Case Study

Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden

Lampasas, Texas

Transforming a Community Park into a Cultural Destination

In 2005, a simple idea emerged: what if public art could become a catalyst for community pride, cultural identity, and economic vitality?

Inspired by artist and arts advocate Nancy Gray, the Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden was established in Campbell Park in Lampasas, Texas. Working with community leaders, artists, donors, and volunteers, Nancy helped guide the vision and implementation of a project that would become one of the region’s most recognized public art destinations.

The project was officially dedicated on July 8, 2005. Later that year, three sculptors were invited to create monumental limestone works on-site, establishing the foundation of what would become a growing public collection. Under Nancy’s direction, artists David Hickman, Carolann Haggard, and T.J. Mabrey created the inaugural sculptures that remain part of the collection today. (lampasas.org)

The Vision

The goal was never simply to place sculptures in a park.

The vision was to create a place where art, landscape, and community could intersect—a destination that would encourage visitors to stop, explore, and experience Lampasas in a new way. The project sought to:

• Enhance community identity
• Create a unique cultural attraction
• Support tourism and local business activity
• Increase public access to the arts
• Foster civic pride and community engagement
• Establish a sustainable model for public art acquisition

The Process

Nancy led a collaborative effort that brought together:

• Local government
• Community volunteers
• Private donors
• Regional and national artists
• Arts advocates and business leaders

The project combined strategic planning, fundraising, artist recruitment, public engagement, and long-term stewardship planning. A rotating exhibition model was developed, allowing new sculptures to be displayed annually while providing opportunities for permanent acquisitions through community support.

Results

More than two decades later, the Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden continues to thrive.

What began with three sculptures has evolved into a substantial public collection featuring permanent and rotating works by nationally recognized artists. The garden remains a popular destination for residents and visitors, and the annual sculpture program continues to bring new artwork to the community. (lampasas.org)

The project demonstrates how a thoughtful public art initiative can:

• Activate public space
• Build community ownership
• Encourage cultural tourism
• Create long-term economic and civic value
• Establish a lasting cultural legacy

Consulting Expertise Demonstrated

• Public Art Master Planning
• Community Engagement
• Artist Recruitment and Selection
• Public Art Program Development
• Fundraising and Partnership Building
• Cultural Tourism Development
• Creative Placemaking
• Long-Term Collection Stewardship

Lasting Legacy

The most successful public art projects become woven into the identity of a community.

More than twenty years after its founding, the Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden continues to grow, inspire visitors, and serve as a gathering place for residents. It stands as an example of how a community-driven vision, combined with thoughtful planning and leadership, can transform a public space into a lasting cultural asset.