When I first wrote about murals around Austin, we were in the early days of the pandemic. I’d written how – as lock-down restrictions were being lifted – touring the city’s street art was the perfect escape from the walls of our homes.
My absolute favorite mural of all time AND my favorite photo from that post was this one of my youngest – was he really that little just three years ago??
Writing about Austin’s newest murals is one of my favorite topics to write about. Not only are they fun to visit for those Instagrammable moments we all love, but over time, these pieces of art can become landmarks with cultural significance worth preserving even more than the buildings they’re painted on.
An example of this lies in the preservation of the “Hi, How Are You?” mural on 21st at Guadalupe (artist: Daniel Johnston). Earlier this year, the Goodall Wooten building on which it was painted was demolished, after a team of consultants and architects ensured the mural could be preserved. It is now a freestanding wall that authorities have said “will be incorporated into whatever comes next.”
Murals in Austin’s Suburbs
You don’t have to drive into the city to see fun works of street art, though. As Austin’s suburbs continue to surge in population growth, they’re seeing revitalization efforts that include murals of their own, giving locals a way to reconnect with their town.
Liberty Hill
Liberty Hill gets the first mention here because it’s my town and I just love seeing how this once sleepy little pass-through along Highway 29 is incorporating arts and culture into its personality as it grows into a lively city worth stopping and staying for a while.
This classic postcard-style mural installation sits at the intersection of just-renamed Main Street and FM 1869 (artist: Helena Martin and our local Liberty Hill Girl Scouts troop).
On the east wall of Fletcher’s Flowers on Hwy 29 (artist: Crystal McCandless).
At Main Street Social, on Main Street just south of Highway 29 (artist:Sarah Blankenship).
Georgetown
“Preserving History“ is behind City Hall adjacent to the African American Shotgun House (artists: Norma Clark and Devon Clarkson).
My personal favorite: These gorgeous poppies next to the “Greetings from Georgetown“ mural on the side of Gus’s Drug on University (artist: Sarah Blankenship).
I just love this little guy in his smoking jacket and his crown. The Barking Armadillo is located on Williams Drive (artist: Sarah Blankenship).
Pflugerville
Late Nights is near Hanover’s Draught House (artist: Joe Drill).
Pflugerville paint by number is on the side of City Hall (designer: Danae Klingspor)
“Unity” is located at the Best Little Plaza in Texas, 100 E. Main Street (artist: Gabriel Portillo “Paste”)
Where my suburban moms at? What are your favorite can’t-miss murals in your town?
