Pflugerville’s Art in Public Places program continues to grow, adding color, curiosity and connection to parks, trails and shared spaces across the city.

The goal is simple: make art accessible, meaningful and reflective of the community.

“[We want] to ensure that the public art collection represents the city’s multifaceted identity,” innovation strategist Erin Sellers said.

Here’s a look at four projects shaping Pflugerville’s creative landscape and the ways residents can stay involved.

1. The Nessie sculpture: a playful landmark at Lake Pflugerville.

When the beloved Nessie sculpture at Lake Pflugerville debuted this fall, it instantly struck a chord with residents.

The piece, designed by artist Jeffie Brewer, reflects local folklore while giving lakegoers something fun and unexpected to discover.

Sellers said the city has already seen excitement build.

“Sometimes the best kind of feedback that we get is when we actually observe [interactions] in real time, those genuine moments when people stop and smile,” Sellers said. “The art becomes a landmark and a place for people to visit.”

Brewer said pieces such as this one are built to create a sense of positivity.

“Artists show the world how to be,” Brewer said. “I think it’s important to help people see things they might not be able to engage with every day.”

2. Flight of the Pollinator Planes: Trail Mix Art Gallery’s first mural.

Located on Gilleland Creek Trail at Grand Avenue Pkwy., Flight of the Pollinator Planes by Liza Fishbone anchors the growing Trail Mix Art Gallery.

“It is a wonderful, whimsical sort of imaginative mural that takes you into this fantasy type of state where you’re imagining what the pollinator life is like,” Sellers said.

With a second mural being created, the area is being transformed into a creative corridor, offering a reason for residents and visitors to return again and again.

3. Daydreams in Bloom: a mural that invites visitors to pause.

Also along the Gilleland Creek Trail, the new mural Daydreams in Bloom will bring warmth, imagination and movement to a once-blank wall before the Flight of the Pollinator Planes mural was created.

The mural, currently being created by Ernesto Hernandez and Cindy Tobar of Ernesto Cindy Design, will extend the city’s pollinator- and nature-inspired Trail Mix Art Gallery. It is expected to be completed in early December.

Sellers said the location makes the murals feel like a surprise beyond the tree line.

“Imagine for a moment you are strolling along a trail with open fields and beautiful greenery around you, and then just around the corner ... you encounter these playful murals,” Sellers said.

In their artist statement, Tobar and Hernandez described Daydreams in Bloom as a visual moment of reflection.

“Daydreams in Bloom captures the bright, boundless spirit of imagination,” they said. “This mural is an invitation to pause, look closer and remember that within each of us lives a garden of ideas waiting to bloom.”

4. Painted rocks and water meter lids: small art, big impact.

Partnerships with Pflugerville ISD art students bring younger voices into the city’s art program. Students are currently creating hand-painted rocks for the Art Rocks Garden and transforming water meter lids, which are displayed downtown and at the library.

Sellers said these projects spark visibility and excitement. These student art efforts are ongoing and woven into places residents already explore.

How does public art happen? A quick look at the process

The Art in Public Places Program is funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax, or HOT, revenue, which is collected from visitors staying in Pflugerville hotels. By state law, the use of HOT funds is limited to tourism-related initiatives, which includes public art.

Pflugerville evaluates locations and artists through a structured review managed by multiple boards and commissions.

Here’s a high-level look:

• Library board: reviews art proposed for library spaces that are not intended to be displayed on a temporary basis
• Parks & Recreation Commission: reviews art for parks, trails and the recreation center
• Planning & Zoning Commission: reviews public art for other city facilities and within the public right-of-way
• City Council: reviews any piece costing $50,000 or more

How can residents get involved?

Sellers emphasized that the heartbeat of the program is community feedback.

Residents can:

• Complete the Public Art Questionnaire on the city’s website, or email [email protected]
• Explore installations at pflugervilletx.gov/arts
• Participate in community paint days and citywide events, such as ARTbor Day
• Join a relevant board or commission
• Artists can sign up for notifications of Calls for Art through the city's artist registry
• Share the art on social media

Public art in Pflugerville isn’t just decoration; it’s an open invitation to slow down, look closer and feel connected.

To explore more or share your input, visit pflugervilletx.gov/arts, or email [email protected].

The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.