Field of Light Shows Austin a New Perspective of Nature

By Ethan Ferguson

Reporting Texas TV

AUSTIN – The Field of Light display made its debut Sept 9. at the Lady Bird Johnson (LBJ) Wildflower Center, after a two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Catenya McHenry, the LBJ Wildflower Center’s Director of Marketing Communications, said the Field of Light is made up of 28,000 fiber optic, solar paneled light stems. The display covers 16 acres and immerses visitors into art and nature.  

“It’s beautiful during the day. It’s spectacular at night. When you come see it, you’ll understand what it is,” McHenry said.

Bruce Munro, the artist behind the installation, is from London and began his career lighting homes. When he realized light had the ability to change people’s moods, Munro began to create art and has since produced numerous installations around the world. 

“I describe it as a very emotional experience. I think when people see light, they already have a positive response to light,” McHenry said.

The exhibit provides visitors an opportunity for a new sense of appreciation. McHenry described the Field of Light as waves in the ocean with subtle color changes, a feature she said can provide healing properties.

“We don’t just allow any installations here. We really think about how the installation is beneficial to the community at large, and how it helps support our mission,” McHenry said.

For the LBJ Wildflower Center, conservation and sustainability are at the heart of its mission. 

“One of the things that I hope the Field of Light does is bring people together. Make them aware of each other and also the environment,” Munro said in an interview with C3 Presents, a production company based in Austin, Texas.

University of Texas at Austin students, staff and faculty members have free access to the LBJ Wildflower Center. The Field of Light exhibit will be open through the end of December. Make reservations and buy tickets and reservations at fieldoflightaustin.com.