The 5th annual Llano Earth Art Fest (LEAF) is being held at Grenwelge Park in Llano, Texas, on the banks of the Llano River, March 15 – 18, 2019. If you’re a professional rock stacker, you’re going to want to build up your physical and mental strength in the days and weeks ahead. What’s rock stacking? An ancient art of gathering and arranging rocks into awe-inspiring structures, some which seem to defy the law of gravity, rock stacking has been brought back to life in the Texas Hill Country in an annual competition held at LEAF. You’re going to want to see this!
Those participating in the craft often spend hours searching for the perfect rocks to make their design. They haul them to their site and attentively work to balance them upon each other, creating impressive works of art. The World Rock Stacking Championship is an integral component of the Llano Earth Art Fest, drawing participants from throughout the state and beyond to compete for top honors. Located one block from Llano’s historic downtown, LEAF was designed as an interactive experience for all ages, featuring wonderfully expressive pieces from artists who are known internationally for their ability to engage with nature in their medium. The largest event of its kind, visitors are welcomed to view these works of art in a setting that allows for that same engagement to take place, all in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Photo: Facebook/Llano Earth Art Fest
The rock stacking component features skill competitions including the tallest stack, most artistic, best balance, and best arches. And you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy it or join in the fun! The competition is open to professionals as well as amateurs alike, in ages ranging from 8 years and up. The finished products appear to have been placed as if by magic. The creativity and freestyling which can be employed is a wonder to behold. LEAF also holds design and skill workshops for those who have yet to try their hand at it!
In addition to the competition, guests of the event are treated to daily live music and nightly dancing to specially featured artists. There are also lots of great activities for kids, including rock wall climbing, face painters, displays by magicians and jugglers – it’s a lively affair, to say the least! Llano also has loads of lodging options available in the immediate vicinity, including motels, bed & breakfasts, RV parks, and campgrounds. For accommodation links, visit the official LEAF website link available here. The festival and town of Llano want its visitors to make themselves at home and welcome others in the same vein by creating a friendly atmosphere fellow festival-goers will want to enjoy and maintain. With a variety of workshops by international artists, 50 juried crafters and vendors featuring unique, handmade art, information booths, as well as science, nature, and art demonstrations, there’s absolutely something for everyone!
Photo: Facebook/Llano Earth Art Fest
Food and drink vendors (including craft beer and wine) will be available on site and tickets can be purchased now. Good for the entire weekend, admission for adults is $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. This includes all art and music features, workshops, a VW Show, and watching the rock stacking championship. Daily hours of the festival are as follows: Friday, 12 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. –11 p.m., Sunday, 1o a.m. – 11 p.m., and Monday (a free day) 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Children ages 15 and under are admitted free of charge, when they are accompanied by a parent. Some events at LEAF will require additional fees, however, and additional information can be found online. Tickets can be purchased at www.llanoearthartfest.org.
