Client: University of Texas, Austin

Location: Austin, TX, United States

Completion date: 2011

Artwork budget: $330,000

Project Team

Artist

Gordon Huether

Gordon Huether Studio

Other

LBJ Presidential Library

Overview

Lady Bird Johnson’s work as a tireless campaigner for her husband, children, civil rights, social justice and the beautification of our country is well-known and admired.
The images are arranged in chronological order, from her childhood in the piney woods of East Texas through her work for the nation. A border of Lady Bird’s beloved Texas wildflowers interpreted in fused glass completes the mural.

Goals

The goal of this project was to commemorate an important, influential and admirable public figure of American history. In contrast to most of Huether’s work, this mural is a representational, very literal installation. However, the piece does not compromise and abandon Huether’s affinity for contemporary work, but combines both elements in seemingly perfect unison.

Process

Artist Gordon Huether designed this mural with help from his studio's digital design experts. Working with Lady Bird’s daughters, the project architects and the library, Huether selected and enhanced the imagery that resulted in this art glass mural. This art glass mural is intended to convey her nature through images that evoke her dynamic personality.