I was selected as one of several artists to paint an outdoor star sculpture for the city of Dripping Springs. I grew up with Willie Nelson’s music — his songs have always been part of my life. When I started thinking about how to honor him on a star, I wanted to find a meaningful connection between Willie and Dripping Springs. After just a bit of research, I discovered that Dripping Springs was the site of the very first Fourth of July Picnic back in 1973. When I mentioned it to folks around town, most of them didn’t know it either! That bit of history became the basis for my concept.

I designed the star to look like worn leather. The front features lyrics from Whiskey River, the song he usually opens his shows with, and would have sung at that concert. And the back includes Stay a Little Longer, which he often uses to close his concerts. Draped across the star is his iconic guitar strap — a powerful symbol of the man and the music.

On the side, you’ll see a recreated concert ticket from that very first picnic, complete with the date, location, and price. And on the back, a version of the original concert poster — I added an old water tower to tie in Dripping Springs.

Willie’s First Picnic can be found at its permanent home in Veteran’s Park, at the intersection of Highway 290 and RR 12 in Dripping Springs.