After a hiatus in 2024 and then a cancellation announcement in November of that year, the Llano Earth Art Fest (LEAF) is making a triumphant return on March 28-30, 2025, at Grenwelge Park. Thanks to overwhelming community support, this year's festival - marking LEAF’s 10-year anniversary - will focus on a breathtaking international Nature Art Exhibition and the World Rock Stacking Championships.
In 2024, LEAF organizers made the strategic decision to pause the festival due to the anticipated influx of visitors for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Llano was directly in the path of totality, leading officials to prepare for significant crowds. Mayor Marion Bishop advised residents to "hunker down and stock up on food and supplies" in anticipation of heavy traffic and potential shortages.
Despite these preparations, partial cloud cover on the day of the eclipse led to fewer tourists than expected. While some areas experienced clear views, other parts of Central Texas faced weather challenges that impacted visibility.
Following the eclipse, LEAF organizers announced in November 2024 that the festival would not continue due to a lack of funding, declining volunteer participation, and resistance from some local officials. The original committee had stepped down in 2023, hoping new leadership could sustain the event.
Festival organizers applied for but were denied Llano County Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Grant funding in November 2024, when they asked for $40,000 to help cover artists, bands and advertising. Only $500,000 in funding was available, and over $960,000 in total was requested from various county entities. Without county funding, securing financial and logistical support for 2025 proved challenging, leading to its official cancellation.
Despite this setback, artists, past attendees, and the global land art community rallied together to reignite LEAF. By January 2025, a grassroots movement gained momentum, driven by crowdfunding efforts and passionate LEAF loyalists. Donations were collected to support artists’ meals, accommodations, and event logistics, allowing the festival to be reborn as LEAF Reunion 2025—a free, community-driven celebration of nature-based art.
LEAF founder Binky la Faye shared, "The most important thing about this year is that the artists didn't want to let it go, so they resurrected it. Without Joaquin Cortez, it wouldn't have happened. He is an earth artist from Stephenville and has been at every single LEAF. He does the big dirt sculptures near the entrance, and he started the GoFundMe. He called me and said, 'This is too important, we can't let this thing die. I'm going to do something.' Other artists have stepped up and helped, but it was really him."
Past LEAF festivals were large-scale productions featuring 3 days of live music, workshops, and a bustling vendor village. For this reunion, organizers initially planned a more intimate event, shifting the focus entirely to the art and describing it as a “laid-back, family reunion-style gathering.” It was meant to resemble last year’s “Rogue LEAF,” when artists and spectators came together to create and appreciate land art despite the absence of an official festival.
However, as word of LEAF’s return spread, excitement grew, allowing organizers to bring in vendors and secure live music. While it may not be as expansive as in years past, it has evolved into a celebration that captures the spirit of the beloved festival—welcoming a diverse crowd and bringing business to Llano.
The GoFundMe campaign has raised $17,000 of its $20,000 goal, with additional cash and checks received, likely pushing the total to its target. Many artists have covered their own expenses, paying for airfare, gas, and hotels out of their own pockets because they love LEAF enough to make it happen. The community as a whole has shown strong support, with the City of Llano playing a crucial role. While the festival did not apply for City Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds this year after not receiving county funding, the city has stepped up in other ways. Alderwoman Laura Almond assisted with permits and served as a liaison between LEAF and the city, while city workers helped clean up the park, repair trails, and improve infrastructure in preparation for visitors. City Manager Marty Mangum has remained open to communication and has been highly supportive of the event.
A recent independent survey, costing $5,000, confirmed that LEAF brings in hundreds of thousands of dollars to the local economy, reinforcing its value to the community.
This year, LEAF will welcome land artists from England, Scotland, Portugal, Wales, Australia, and across the U.S., all converging on the banks of the Llano River to create stunning, ephemeral earth art installations. There will be no bridges over the river, making the art installations more accessible without requiring visitors to enter the riverbed.
Notable returning artists include Julia Brooklyn (England) – Known for her breathtaking natural art scenes, Ana Castilho (Portugal) – A world-renowned mandala artist, Sue Beatrice (USA) – A multi-disciplinary artist specializing in sand sculptures and detailed works using antique timepieces, Cheve Ria (California) – A master in the art of stone balancing, and Ray Villifane (USA) – A celebrated sculptor recognized for his innovative earth art.
The internationally renowned World Rock Stacking Championships will also return, featuring multiple competitions on Saturday including the highly anticipated balance and height categories, where talented artists and enthusiasts compete to create gravity-defying stone sculptures. The competition showcases the delicate balance between skill, patience, and the natural beauty of Llano’s riverbed rocks.
Rock Stacking Championships Schedule for Saturday March 29th:
- Artistic & Jr. Artistic: Begins at 8:00 AM (Sign-up open until 3:00 PM, Judging at 5:00 PM)
- Arches Competition: 11:00 AM
- Quantity Competition: 12:00 PM
- Jr. Height Competition: 1:00 PM
- Adult Height Competition: 2:00 PM
- Balance Competition: 4:00 PM
- Awards Ceremony: 6:00 PM at the Main Stage
LEAF 2025 offers a plethora of activities designed to engage attendees of all ages:
- World Rock Stacking Championships: Witness competitors test their balancing skills in various categories, with events scheduled throughout the day on Saturday, March 29. Participants must pre-register, with a $5 entry fee per competition.
- Live Music and Vendors: Enjoy performances from local musicians and explore a variety of vendor offerings, including food, crafts, and art.
- Fashion Circus Parade: Experience a whimsical procession featuring eclectic costumes and performances, adding a festive flair to the weekend's events.
- Interactive Art Opportunities: Festival attendees are encouraged to contribute to the outdoor earth art gallery by creating their own pieces using natural materials found along the Llano River. Workshops and demonstrations by featured artists will provide guidance and inspiration.
The success of LEAF relies heavily on the dedication of volunteers. Organizers are seeking donations of grab-and-go snacks to keep these invaluable contributors energized throughout the event. Items such as bottled water, fresh fruit, pre-packaged snacks, and pastries are greatly appreciated. Those interested in donating can fill out a form available on the festival's social media pages.
Financial contributions are welcomed to ensure the continuation of this unique gathering. Donation boxes will be placed around the festival, and the GoFundMe campaign will remain open until after the event to continue supporting the artists and festival operations.
