May 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM

Abilene Heritage Square
1699 South First Street
Abilene, TX 79602

Carlyn Ray Designs is honored to unveil Gathered Radiance, a new large-scale glass installation created for the Grand Opening of the Abilene Heritage Square Library. The celebration will begin with remarks and a ribbon cutting on the Lincoln Lawn, followed by the opening of the new Main Library and campus experiences throughout Abilene Heritage Square.

Suspended within the library’s three-story atrium, Gathered Radiance features more than 400 hand-crafted glass elements inspired by the expansive skies of West Texas and the spirit of community that defines Abilene. The installation includes cloud forms, sculptural plates, and flowing ribbons that move through the central atrium with light and color.

As part of Carlyn Ray’s ongoing commitment to community-driven public art, 100 elements within the installation were decorated by Abilene community members during workshops held at The Grace Museum and Carlyn Ray’s Dallas glassblowing studio. Through Art Reaching Out (ARO), local students also participated in hands-on glassblowing and STEAM-based learning experiences connected to the project.

Guests attending the Grand Opening will also have the opportunity to explore the newly opened library spaces, visit Owen Hall and the Heritage Event Center, and experience preview tours of the new Spark Science Center.

We invite you to join us in celebrating this extraordinary new public space and the unveiling of Gathered Radiance.

For more information, visit Abilene Heritage Square or follow @AbileneHeritageSquare on social media.

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