Total solar eclipses are rare and powerful events.

Join us for a day-long multi-disciplinary Eclipse celebration at The Plant at Kyle!

On April 8, 2024, a lively group of art and nature enthusiasts will gather at the edge of the Texas Hill Country for a rare convergence of the sun and the moon with contemporary art, modern architecture, nature walks, science talks, music and dancing, and tasty local cuisine. Tiny World Tours is curating a day-long, multi-disciplinary celebration of the total solar eclipse at The Plant at Kyle utilizing the dramatic spaces within around the innovative, iconic 1989 building designed by acclaimed San Antonio-based architects Lake|Flato, as well the varied areas of the grounds.

Come early, stay for the day. Doors open at 9:30 am, with activities including self-guided tours of The Plant at Kyle and its grounds, yard games, and a pop-up cafe to enjoy conversation, coffee and light snacks. Traffic in the area is expected to be severe at the time of the eclipse, so we recommend coming early. Over the course of the morning and afternoon, guests can join an unfolding schedule of engaging and exciting activities on the property.

The Eclipse! The centerpiece experience of the day will be the transformations that happens over the course of two and a half hours, including the total eclipse at 1:37 pm, when the moon crosses over the sun for several eerie, magical minutes of “darkness in the daytime.” Some see a “ring of fire” in the solar corona, as the surrounding sky shifts through a spectrum of purple, pink, and orange shades, which has been described as “a strange, beautiful twilight,” with a hint of “sunset” on the horizon. Meanwhile, shadows on the ground appear more sharper, darker, and create thin, wavy lines, distorted by the earth’s atmosphere. Many of those who have experienced a total eclipse respond with a heightened emotions, including a sense of awe and wonder; a stronger connection to nature and the cosmos, and a sense of transcendence. 

Before, during and after the point of totality, we’ve curated a range of eclipse-focused activities engage and inspire, including:

·      WELCOMING you to get comfortable and go behind the scenes at this unique architectural landmark set on a rustic natural landscape

·      ACTIVATING spaces across The Plant at Kyle property with hands-on activities, fun games, pop-up lounges, and surprise experiences

·      EXPLORING the nature of the Texas Hill Country—flora, fauna, and natural history will be illuminated through a self-guided nature walk

·      UNVEILING a new Kcymaerxthaere artwork by renowned artist Eames Demetrius conceived and created to view and commemorate this eclipse

·      LEARNING about the cultural and scientific significance of eclipses across time inside The Chautauqua Tent

·      DANCING AND MAKING MUSIC with the joyous energy of Polynesian Dancing by Hula Halau Kae’epa, performance by Deborah Hay, revelry of Victor and Charley and floating puppets created by Doug Fitch and Tommy Nguyen

·      BLESSING this cosmic meeting through an Indigenous Land, Sun, and Moon Ceremony by Kimboli Talking Medicine

·      COLLABORATING with fascinating creative people who will share their talents, expertise, and energy in dazzling ways

·      FEASTING on delicious local-focused foods created by Chef Steve Couch, “Mr. Eat Right” based on his recent global foodways expeditions

·      CLOSING this important event with a grand finale, a participatory interpretation of the idea, “everything, everywhere, all at once.”

The Chautaqua Tent. Conceived to echo the popular Chautauqua outdoor events of a century ago, (and much like short variety TED talks of today) will be the site of short performances and presentations about local and global art, dance, architecture, astronomy, nature, history, and food related to the eclipse, time, and the cosmos.

Sculpture Unveling. The first components of a new long-term site-specific artwork by Eames Demetrios, the creator of Kcymaerxthaere will be unveiled and the artist will present a short talk. The Shadow Caster and Image Caster are key parts of an installation conceived and created to view and commemorate this eclipse. Kcymaerxthaere is "a global work of three-dimensional fiction" that overlays alternative stories onto the physical world. In 2017, Demetrios created a similar site-specific public art work in Shoshoni, Wyoming, More than One Moon in the Sky to celebrate a total solar eclipse. Tiny World Tours lead a group of enthusiasts there for the unveiling. A new interactive, light-responsive stainless-steel sculpture has been created especailly for this eclipse, as well as to experience future solar and lunar effects. Scroll down for more information.

DANCING AND MAKING MUSIC with the joyous energy of Polynesian Dancing by Hula Halau Kae’epa, postmodern performance of Deborah Hay, revelry of Victor and Charley and floating puppets created by Doug Fitch and Tommy Nguyen

Celebratory Dining  Before and after eclipse we will enjoy delicious food and beverages designed around local ingredients by artists, chefs, and repeat co-creators of Tiny World Tours experiences, Steve Couch (Mr. Eat Right), Doug Fitch, and Tommy Nguyen,  Meat and vegetarian dishes will be served  with array of side dishes, complemented by beer, wine, and soft drinks.

above: “new gods, old America!” artwork by Tommy Nguyen

Ticket Policy. Please note that tickets are non-refundable, due to the commitment we are making to artists, entertainers, caterers, vendors, and staff far in advance of the event. We are fully committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience, even if the eclipse happens above the clouds, out of view.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to witness the 2024 total solar eclipse in stylE at The Plant at Kyle.

Secure your spot today and prepare for a day filled with wonder, entertainment, and the celestial magic of a lifetime. See you on April 8, 2024! 🌑🌓🌒

NOTE: Details including driving and parking directions will be sent out to participants on 1 April (one week before the event).

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!

Images from the 2017 Eclipse Event, Shoshoni, Wyoming

Kcymaerxthaere Parallelasol Demo (Tiny World images)

Click here to buy your own Parallelasol online for $130 (shipping included)