What's the story behind the mural on the downtown Georgetown parking garage?

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Driving through downtown Georgetown, you may spot a vibrant, huge new mural on the side of the new Austin Avenue Parking Garage.

That mural tells part of Georgetown’s history. According to the city’s website, street artist and muralist Arcy designed the mural artwork to honor the legacy of the Chisholm Trail, a historic route cattle drivers took during the 1860s, which is along what is now Austin Avenue.

“Georgetown’s vibrant history and culture has a story to tell, and it has been my honor to contribute to its growing legacy,” Arcy told the city. “Reflecting on Georgetown’s past, celebrating its community, and embracing its future were the key components that inspired me to design my newest work in this celebrated city.”

According to the city, Arcy has created hundreds of live murals and permanent large-scale works throughout North America, Australia and Europe. He has worked for The Smithsonian Institute, Major League Baseball, America’s National Parks Service, and is currently developing a collaborative body of work for The Walt Disney Company as a Disney Fine Artist, according to the city.

Georgetown Art and Culture Program Manager Amanda Still said the city commissioned Arcy because staff thought he’d be a good fit for the project.

The mural will be the biggest in the city once completed, and it features red poppies, which the city is known for, and cacti.

“The mural reflects Georgetown’s journey from cattle drive to car rides,” Still said. “With such a large building, it demands a large piece of art.”

The mural will later be accompanied by a sculpture of a Corten steel longhorn and a vibrant stained-glass prickly pear cactus made by sculptor Pascale Pryor. The sculpture is planned to be installed on the corner of Austin Avenue in early November.

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