A kind of supernatural beauty will be finding its way around the water and along the trails of downtown Austin’s Waller Creek November 9-17.

Combining unique storytelling through artful displays of illumination, the Waller Creek Conservancy (WCC) is bringing Austin’s spirit back to Waller Creek by restoring a gem of a natural habitat and creating a unique recreation destination.

To give Austinites a taste of what is in store along the revitalized creek, WCC is again hosting Creek Show, a free, family-friendly art experience with six site-specific art installations from local artists and designers that transform Waller Creek into a majestic escape.

First Light is the November 8th ticketed preview of Creek Show giving a sneak peek at the 2018 art installations of Creek Show before it opens to the public. First Light guests will enjoy live music and tasty delights from local favorites while strolling along the creek and admiring the luminescent art. This event raises important funds that help Waller Creek Conservancy provide free programming for the entire community.

Ahead of the festivities, we spoke with the WCC’s CEO, Peter Mullan, about the importance of revitalizing Waller Creek and how Creek Show helps with that effort.

Why have Creek Show?

Waller Creek is undergoing a major transformation that includes significant capital improvements to parks in the area as well as a major environmental restoration of the creek. This is a long-term project and we didn’t want to wait until completion before building community around the project. By showcasing local design talent during Creek Show, we create a vibrant destination at Waller Creek for nine nights that is symbolic of what’s to come.

What are your three favorite things about Creek Show?

Firstly, seeing thousands of people of all ages and from all over the city enjoying Waller Creek with their loved ones! It is an exciting preview of what the parks will be like in the future on a daily basis.

I also enjoy witnessing the ingenuity of the art installations. It’s truly inspiring to see the ways that the designers solve for the challenges associated with this unique site.

Then there’s the Creek Monster! The Creek Show logo was designed by Pentagram and includes an illustration by Marc Burckhardt. That illustration has taken on a life of its own and has become a sort of mascot for the event. We even have Creek Monster plushies!

What one other thing would you like our readers to know about Waller Creek?

Everyone is invited to be a part of the transformation of Waller Creek. The project is a true public-private partnership between us, (we’re a 501(c)3 nonprofit), and the City of Austin. It also requires the support of the community so please engage with us by attending events, volunteering, spreading the word in your neighborhood and sharing your feedback.

Creek Show runs November 9-17, 2018, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly. Admission is free.

Cover photo Leonid Furmansky