Megan Navarro
DRIPPING SPRINGS— Art enthusiasts and members of the community are invited to attend Night to Inspire: Color Our World next month.
The not-so-typical gala is designed to be a fully immersive community art experience inside of Dripping Springs Ranch Park, where hundreds of original pieces created by local artists surround the space.
The event will be hosted by the Dripping Springs Art League (DSAL), founded in 2023 by Steve Friedman, Jennifer Friedman and Alison Cairns, along with members of galleries and community members who were interested in bringing more art to the area.
“We wanted to bring something that would be available to all. So, it's not just an art league for established artists; it's an art league for everybody that's just got an interest in art. There's something for everyone in our art league,” said Cairns. “If you're an artist who lives here, or maybe you're just new to here and you have interest in art, we want to have a place for you where you can come along and interact with other artists.”
Since its founding, the league has grown to more than 200 members and volunteers and has expanded art throughout the Dripping Springs community through workshops, clubs, markets, art calls for different exhibits and public exhibits — like Night to Inspire.
Event attendees can expect to see various types of art, including oil and acrylic paintings, fiber arts, woodworking, writing, stained glass, metal sculptures, jewelry, photography and more on display.
Additionally, they will be able to watch the magic happen with live painters turning canvases into masterpieces and artists sharing their creative process at demonstration booths — something that was previously done at the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, Cairns said.
“They're painting as the whole evening goes along and then, I think, at the end, if they want, they can try and auction off [their work],” she noted. “People love that. People like to watch them and see what it looks like at the end.”
A large component of the DSAL is involving the community, thus leading it to partner with Appamada School, Ledgestone Senior Living, the Marbridge Foundation, Dripping Springs Friendship Club and Sanctuary for the Night to Inspire event. Each organization will be showcasing their artists and creativity, as the league has worked with them through different programs and classes.
“We want to be part of the community. Let's face it; it's just like anything else. It doesn't work unless we're part of the community,” Cairns said. “I think that, at the end of the day, we're all living here, we love to be here, we want to enjoy it and we think that it's got great art here and we want to grow that.”
A five course tapas dinner presented by Chef Keii, as seen on the Food Network, drink tickets, photo booth and live DJ setting will be available with the purchase of tickets.
Cairns shared that they have a goal of 200 attendees, with ticket sales already reaching more than 100. Proceeds from tickets will go toward building a creative community in Dripping Springs.
Night to Inspire will be held at 6-9 p.m. Thursday, April 16, in the DSRP Main Event Room, located at 1042 Event Center Drive.
Learn more about the event and purchase tickets before the March 31 deadline at www.artindripping.com/nighttoinspire2026.
