Image: Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Sherman/Lake Texoma
Sherman Bird Festival & Sculptures
MAY 16, 2026: CELEBRATING BIRDS!
​The Sherman Cultural District joined with Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge for a spectacular day of bird-themed events, avian art, and activities in tribute to Sherman's unique bird connections. ​
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ABOUT
Our Bird Festival was a multi-location, multi-event celebration of our feathered friends! Attractions were spread throughout the Downtown Sherman Cultural District and at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge to create a one-day immersive art and nature experience. ​
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
This project is funded in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. Additional funding comes from the City of Sherman. Special thanks to Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge for programmatic support and birding expertise.
We also thank:
Mueller Pro Solutions | Plyler Construction | H&R Construction| Knight Furniture & Mattress | Two anonymous donors
SCULPTURE DEDICATION
​A star attraction of the weekend was unveiling of five beautiful bird sculptures that have been commissioned by Sherman Cultural District. ​
The birds will be placed in 5 locations: two at the Sherman Public Library, one on Laurel Street at the back entrance to the Farmers' Market parking lot, one at Honey McGee Playhouse, and one in the triangle median on Travis Street next to CJ's Coffee.
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THE BIRD ARTISTS
​The artists behind the new bird sculptures were selected in a competition in late 2025. Their works will become part of the permanent collection of public art in the Cultural District, adding to the visual richness of our historic downtown area. ​
SCULPTURES
ART WALK CURATED SHOW
All Week - The Birds of a Feather Art Show will showcased the work of various artists depicting any theme that honors birds, 2-D art to 3-D birdhouses.
Show locations:
-The Impeccable Poppy
-The Milieu Wine Bar
-Proper Gifts & Decor
-Knight Furniture & Mattress
-Sparrows Gallery
-Cranky's Ice Cream
-Pop Pop Popcorn
2026 ART DASH
The biennial Sherman Art Dash was back! What is the DASH? It’s an artist reception with a twist - 40 unique 5x5 works by various artists are literally up for grabs! Ticket-holding DASHERS lined up, after the countdown dashed to the art wall to take the work they want. More details and the participating artist list is on our DASH page.
PEEK-A-BOO BIRD MURALS
Sherman artist Stephenie Anderson has created 6 miniature murals to honor birds. Each tiny creation is themed to match its location. Can you find the murals? They are high, low, and in-between on the 6 storefronts.
Hints:
-Paint some pottery
-Slip into a new shoe
-Try out a comfy sofa
-Find your inner artist
-Try a locally-brewed beer
-Pop an afternoon snack
PINER MIDDLE SCHOOL SHOW
11-12 noon reception- Piner's 7th and 8th grade art students created beautiful bird drawings, guided by teacher Bill Raschendorfer. Over 100 pieces of students' work was displayed in Downtown Sherman from May 2-16, with a closing reception on Bird Festival Day at Knight Furniture's annex storefront, 112 W. Lamar. Many thanks to Knight Furniture for hosting the work of these talented young artists.
DOWNTOWN GALLERY SHOWS
All week - The Cultural District's art galleries showcased various artists' work, including pieces created especially for Sherman Bird Festival. Art enthusiasts were "Birding" at ARTrageous Art Hub's Feathered Friends Art Show featuring a juried show of avian-themed art from May 2-16. Across the street, inside Knight Furniture, Sparrows Gallery featured bird art and other works by artists they represent.
ART SHOWS
Downtown was filled with avian art for the day
BITES & FLIGHTS
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Our downtown restaurants offered hearty fare and drink flights for the weekend.
BIRD-Y SHOPPING
Thanks to our downtown shop owners for adding more avian fun with special merchandise and even some fun activities!
LIBRARY BIRD WEEK
We had sidewalk chalking, making bird treats at The Impeccable Poppy, Face Painting at ARTrageous Art Hub, and more. The Roots & Shoots garden group presented bird garden information at the Library. And of course, learning more about wildlife in Grayson County with the Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge at their same-day Bird Festival.
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Sherman Public Library celebrated the inaugural Bird Festival with fun Bird Week activities! On Monday, May 11, kids ages 8-12played play real-life Angry Birds at the Angry Birds Challenge from 4:30-5:30 pm - can they knock down all the pigs with one slingshot shot? On May 13, kids ages 7 and under and their caregivers came for bird-themed stories and fun at the Feathered Friends Bird Week Storytime. And on May 16, the crowds flocked in for Build-a-Birdhouse activity at the library - a come-and-go craft for all ages, while supplies last.
BIRDING ACTIVITIES
Hagerman Bird Festival provided awesome birding opportunities throughout the day, along with expert talks and a book signing! For the curious, learn more about backyard birds and Global Big Day at Cornell Lab of Ornithology's website. You can also check out Cornell's apps for your mobile device: eBird to report birds you see, and Merlin Bird ID to help identify birds you hear or see. Both are free downloads in your App store.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
HAGERMAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Around 230,000 visitors annually come to the Refuge for wildlife observation, photography, hiking, fishing, hunting, and interpretive and educational programs. The Refuge is well-known for for the diversity of migratory birds that can be found - in all, 338 species have been spotted so far!
Hagerman Bird Festival provides a day to collaborate with Sherman around nature and art. The Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge have put together a day to celebrate birds and birding. Full schedule is available here, and more information about the Refuge and Friends organization is linked below.
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