Austin Artbox Program

Airport Boulevard at Goodwin Avenue

Artist: Chroma Collective |  @chromaatx 

Airport Boulevard at Oak Springs Drive

Artist: Chroma Collective |  @chromaatx 

"This piece was designed to represent the current student body of Blackshear Elementary," said Mars Lee of Chroma Collective. "Each portrait is based on current students and their backdrops are direct references to the library, the art room and the cafeteria. It is important to review the past, but while doing so we can’t forget to highlight the present and what Blackshear Elementary has become."

Brodie Lane at Ernest Robles Way

Artist: Avery Orendorf Houser |  @averyodesign 

Avery Orendorf Houser is an Austin-based muralist, illustrator and “dabbler in the Fine Arts.” Her hand-painted and hand-drawn graphics utilize clean line work, strong color combos and repeating patterns to create intricate but simple art pieces with deep story potential.

Brodie Lane at Home Depot Boulevard

Artist: Avery Orendorf Houser |  @averyodesign 

Avery Orendorf Houser is an Austin-based muralist, illustrator and “dabbler in the Fine Arts.” Her hand-painted and hand-drawn graphics utilize clean line work, strong color combos and repeating patterns to create intricate but simple art pieces with deep story potential.

Brodie Lane at Oakdale Drive

Artist: Avery Orendorf Houser |  @averyodesign 

Avery Orendorf Houser is an Austin-based muralist, illustrator and “dabbler in the Fine Arts.” Her hand-painted and hand-drawn graphics utilize clean line work, strong color combos and repeating patterns to create intricate but simple art pieces with deep story potential.

Brodie Lane at US-290

Artist: Avery Orendorf Houser |  @averyodesign 

Avery Orendorf Houser is an Austin-based muralist, illustrator and “dabbler in the Fine Arts.” Her hand-painted and hand-drawn graphics utilize clean line work, strong color combos and repeating patterns to create intricate but simple art pieces with deep story potential.

Cesar Chavez Street at Pedernales Street

Artist: Chrome Collective| @ChromeATX 

Memorias

This mural focused on the memories of longtime East Austin resident Lupe Garcia. She shared her memories of a community that has always come together to share food and music and include youth for as long as she can remember. Two panels capture Rue, a medicinal plant often used for limpias or energetic cleansing, inspired by her stories of creating plant-based remedies growing up. Other panels feature musicians, cooking tortillas, and other representations of community gathering and support. She believes that when people come together to share their compassion and strength, you can empower a community.   

 Learn more about Lupe Garcia and the inspiration for this mural. 

 Learn more about Creative Action's Chrome Collective. 

Colorado Street at 11th Street

Artist: Gelson Lemus |  @w3r3on3 

Lemus states “The repetitious symbolism in my work serves as the framework for embedding pieces of myself into each project. I mirror myself in my pieces through two characters, reflecting the wisdom gained from life experiences and constantly striving for better. This symbolism helps to remind me that the lessons I have learned in life require more than understanding, they need application. In this piece, I made the water gold to represent how valuable this resource is as it is the elixir that allows life to endure. Just as one protects their wealth, we have to protect the Earth's liquid gold that is essential to all living being's survival.”

The challenges of water scarcity and loss of biodiversity amidst development pose a major threat to the state and are often viewed as the defining challenge of future generations. Water also plays a massive role in fueling development and leisure activities in Texas, and Austin is also home to numerous endangered species, most notably the Barton Springs salamander, a small species of salamander found in the popular Barton Springs pool, a segment of the Edwards Aquifer. This art honors the efforts to preserve this species while highlighting the importance of preserving water and promoting environmentalism in the state.

Congress Avenue at Annie Street

Artist: Niz |  @elenizzle 

Niz is a stencil artist who lives in Austin, Texas, and is originally from Lima, Peru. Her artistry began by hand-painting and stenciling iconic figures onto skateboards and grip tape. Today, Niz uses multi-layered stencil art and diluted house paint to create ethereal portraits, aimed at connecting viewers with nature and everyday life.

“I want my viewers to be reminded of their connection to primal human emotions as well as the magic and wonder of our collective unconscious,” she said. “I want them to feel nostalgia for the places reflected in my backgrounds. It is less important to me that they identify form so much as it is that they connect emotionally and spiritually to the colors and imagery.”

Congress Avenue at Gibson Street

Artist: Stella Roz |  @stellar_roz 

A native Texan, Stella Roz calls Austin home. She has created for as long as she can remember, experimenting with different media along the way.

“I see every new piece I create as a chance to try something different, and thus grow as an artist,” she said.

Austin's street art culture influences much of her recent work, she said. You’ll find many of her creations using aerosol paint.

Congress Avenue at James Street

Artist: Candy Kuo |  @itscandykuo 

Candy Kuo often blends references to her cultural roots into her work. She’s an Austin-based visual artist who was born in Taipei and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. Kuo has a background in fashion and illustration; her portraits often portray female characters set against nature with all her creatures.

Kuo’s color palettes are bright and colorful. She works with oils, watercolors, acrylic, spray paint and textiles.

Congress Avenue at Milton Street

Artist: Zuzu |  @zuzubee 

Zuzu is a contemporary mixed-media artist and muralist recognized for vibrant color design and positive messaging. She found herself painting her first piece in the streets in 2008, stemming from her fascination with graffiti culture in the early 2000s. A few years later, Zuzu completed her studies at the creative advertising program at the University of Texas at Austin in 2010. She continued spray painting after she graduated, and further explored her passion for digital art and creative direction.

Zuzu lives in Austin and is focused on creating large-scale murals and commissioned canvas work.

Congress Avenue at Monroe Street

Artist: Sadé Lawson |  @coslawson 

Sadé Lawson is a native Texan who currently lives in Austin.

“I’m inspired a lot by color but then there are things that I’m naturally drawn to like beautiful women or plants, places—even food lol," she said. "Everything is inspiration in a way."

Recent works are designed to bring joy to Sadé herself and those who take in her artwork. Many of her designs incorporate strong colors. Oftentimes, her final work is the result of many iterations.

“I always start with a sketch, which then evolves after erasing and redrawing until I’m satisfied,” she said. “I try to not get too attached to something or take it too seriously because that will lead to frustration in me. If I don’t like it I’ll just paint over and try again.”

Convict Hill Road at Brush Country Road

Artist: Anna Ganina |  @annaganinaart 

Anna Ganina says painting is a form of communication for her.

“The choice of color, the use of lines, the texture of paint are all tools I use to tell a story, to express my ideas,” she said. “For better understanding and deeper examination, I like to focus and analyze an idea over several paintings in a series.”

Ganina said her artwork is also often created with different mediums and materials. Her designs, she said, are influenced by her life experiences and study of architecture and nature.

East Seventh Street at Chicon Street

Artist: Chrome Collective |  @ChromeATX 

Roots Remembered

Roots Remembered was inspired by the life and stories of longtime East Austin resident Betty Ussery, an 89-year-old pillar of the community. Ms. Betty grew up in the neighborhood called Masontown and had her first baby at age 14. While parenting 7 children, she worked as a nurse’s aide and later, a supervisor for The Austin State School, caring for mentally and physically disabled young people for 20 years. Following an injury, she worked for Goodwill Industries while running her own bar/music venue in East Austin. She continues to work as a regular volunteer and leader for East Austin’s Blacklands Neighborhood Association, and uses her home as a donation site for community outreach. 

 Learn more about Betty Ussery and the inspiration for the mural. 

 Learn more about Chroma Collective. 

Far West Boulevard at Wood Hollow Drive

Artist: Elizabeth Sullivan |  @ecsullivanart 

Elizabeth Sullivan is a watercolorist, muralist and teacher who’s made art her profession since 2000. Her work has been accepted at more than 500 juried art fairs and gallery shows.

Sullivan teaches art to adults and children, as well as children with autism. In addition to the artbox she created at Far West Blvd. and Wood Hollow Dr. in Northwest Austin, you can find her work on area rugs, cards and coasters worldwide.

Fourth Street at Colorado Street

Artist: City of Austin

Original Pride Flag Designed by artist Gilbert Baker at the request of San Francisco City Supervisor and first openly gay elected official in the history of California, Harvey Milk, the original rainbow flag made its debut at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade celebration on June 25, 1978. After the assassination of Harvey Milk in November 1978, demand for the flag greatly increased. Baker dropped the hot pink strip from the flag as that particular color was not readily available. In 1979, he modified it again to become the 6-stripe rainbow flag that is still used today in addition to many other renditions.

More Colors More Pride Flag In June 2017, under the leadership of Amber Hikes, the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs unveiled the “More Colors More Pride” flag. This version of the Pride flag includes a black stripe and a brown stripe to draw attention to underrepresented people of color within the community. Hikes states that the flag was designed to “reinforce our strides towards combatting discrimination within our community, honor the lives of our black and brown LGBTQ siblings, and uplift our shared commitment to diversity and inclusion within our community.”

Progress: A Pride Flag Reboot In June 2018, designer Daniel Quasar released a new design aiming to incorporate elements from both the Philadelphia flag and trans pride flag to place a greater emphasis on inclusion and progression. The Progress flag adds a chevron pattern to the original 6-stripe rainbow representing marginalized people of color, trans individuals, and those living with HIV/AIDS (and those who have been lost). Quasar hopes that his design will place greater emphasis on inclusion and progression and said “We need to always keep progress moving forward in all aspects of our community.”

Intersex Inclusive Pride Progress Flag Designed by Valentino Vecchietti of Intersex Equality rights UK, this design builds on Daniel Quasar’s 2018 Progress Pride flag by adding a yellow triangle and purple circle as a tribute to the 2013 intersex flag designed by Morgan Carpenter, an Australian bioethicist and researcher. The updated design reflects the need to include underrepresented intersex people in the broader Pride imagery. The Pride flag has been a working document since the beginning. Vecchietti’s design marks a return—and then some—to the splendor of Gilbert Baker’s original design, featuring 11 distinct colors and a visually-arresting layout.

Fourth Street at Congress Avenue

Artist: City of Austin

Pansexual Pride Flag The Pansexual flag has three horizontal stripes: pink, yellow, and blue. According to most definitions, the pink represents people who are female-identified, the blue represents people who are male-identified, while the yellow represents nonbinary attraction. The Pansexual flag was first introduced in 2010.

Nonbinary Pride Flag In 2014, Kye Rowan created the nonbinary pride flag, not to replace the genderqueer flag, but to be flown alongside it. 17-year-old Kyle Rowan created the binary flag for existing outside binary which is symbolized by the yellow. The white represents all genders, black is no gender, and purple is a mix of genders.

Bisexual Pride Flag In 1998, the bisexual pride flag was created by Michael Page. The flag is pink on the top and royal blue on the bottom, with an overlapping purple stripe in the middle. The pink stripe represents homosexual attraction, the blue stripe represents attraction to different genders, and the resultant overlap color, purple, represents attraction regardless of one’s gender identification.

Intersex Pride Flag Created by Morgan Carpenter of Intersex Human Rights Australia in 2013, Intersex International Australia designed this flag with non-gendered colors that celebrate living outside the binary. Yellow has long been seen as an intersex color or to represent those who do not fit the binary and the flag is a way for the community to unite and unify under a symbol devoid of gender stereotypes.

Fourth Street at Guadalupe Street

Artist: Niz |  @elenizzle  

Niz is a stencil artist who lives in Austin, Texas, and is originally from Lima, Peru. Her artistry began by hand-painting and stenciling iconic figures onto skateboards and grip tape. Today, Niz uses multi-layered stencil art and diluted house paint to create ethereal portraits, aimed at connecting viewers with nature and everyday life.

“I want my viewers to be reminded of their connection to primal human emotions as well as the magic and wonder of our collective unconscious,” she said. “I want them to feel a nostalgia for the places reflected in my backgrounds. It is less important to me that they identify form so much as it is that they connect emotionally and spiritually to the colors and imagery.”

Fourth Street at Lavaca Street

Artist: City of Austin

Transgender Pride Flag With its palindromic design, the Transgender flag represents the transgender community and consists of five horizontal stripes. Two light blue stripes for boys, two pink stripes for girls, with a white stripe in the center for those who are transitioning, who feel they have a neutral gender or no gender, and those who are intersex. In 1999, Monica Helms created the transgender flag after she was encouraged by Michael Page, the creator of the bisexual flag, to design a flag to represent her community.

Queer People of Color Pride Flag The Queer People of Color Flag origins of the original creator are unknown, but it represents the Black Lives Matter movement and the intersection of the queer and black communities. The flag has become more popular over the years. The raised fist sign represents unity and support as well as defiance and resistance, and various colors of the fist represent diversity.

Lesbian Pride Flag Created by Emily Gwen in 2018, this modern version adds more colors to celebrate gender non-conformity, independence, community, unique relationships to womanhood, peace, serenity, love, sex and femininity.

Ally Pride Flag Although we are not sure who created the straight ally flag, we do know it was first used in the early 2000s. This specific flag for heterosexual allies was made by combining the straight flag and the LGBTQ pride flag. The straight ally flag doesn’t have the original LGBTQ pride flag colors. The flag only uses the more modern six-colored flag without pink and turquoise. The straight ally flag represents unity and support towards the LGBTQ community. The letter ‘A’ means Ally, black and white stripes represent the straight flag and the rainbow colors in the letter ‘A’ are for the LGBT community.

Guadalupe Street at Third Street

Artist: Hailey Gearo |  @hailey_gearo 

Hailey Gearo describes herself as a multi-medium abstract expressionist.

"Ever since I was a little kid, I enjoyed creating and expressing myself through drawing, painting and sculpture," she said.

Gearo received a Bachelor's degree in Art with a Painting Concentration from Truman State University. Originally from Omaha, Gearo moved to Austin after college to expand her art career.

Koenig Lane at Arroyo Seco

Artist: Helena Martin |  @helena_paints 

Helena Martin is based in Austin, Texas, and her art can be found worldwide. Martin’s designs often infuse vivid colors, portraiture, flora and fauna.

In addition to providing art for clients, Martin teaches urban art to adults and children through various workshops.

Lamar Boulevard at Riverside Drive

Chroma Collective, lead artist Dayann Pazmino |  @chromaatx 

“The blossoms of the flowers came to remind us we are never alone in our existence. We are always recognized by our offerings and taken care of by Mother Earth. It is simply up to us to recognize her great gifts."

This art piece was inspired by the legends of how native Texas flowers appeared to local indigenous communities. Collectively in the legends of the bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrush and Indian Blanket, fields of blossoms appeared after challenging periods or times when individuals needed support. After an offering was made to Mother Nature, the blossoms would appear in great fields. This art piece is a reminder of the blessings we have received and will continue to receive only if we can recognize nature's value and inherent beauty.

The spiral in the background of the piece is an indigenous symbol that represents the never-ending cycles of growth, change and eternal life as well as the cycles of the seasons. By being seated in the back of this painting, it creates harmony and balance in the piece. It is a reminder that we will always experience dark times, but the light will always return, just as the blossoms do.

Lamar Boulevard at Rundberg Lane

Artist: Brian “BYDEE” Joseph |  @brianalexisjoseph 

Brian “BYDEE” Joseph leaned into his love for creating art at the age of 33. His art centers around the fictitious Bydee People, an acronym for Bringing You Delightful Entertaining Experiences. His art focuses on education and promotes diversity and positivity.

Some of Joseph’s mural commissions are featured at Austin area schools, as well as the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. Joseph has also been featured in two documentaries that have aired on Austin’s PBS station.

Joseph received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from Tougaloo College, as well as a Master of Arts in Urban Studies from Trinity University.

Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at Alexander Avenue

Artist: Creative Action’s Color Squad |  @ColorSquadCollective 

Roots and Bridges

Based on sentiments expressed through engagement with community elders, this design is meant to emphasize the role of children in building and growing the future of this city. The design also highlights the hope that East and West Austin will unite through the power of community and connectivity. Future generations have the power to shape our world and ignite change in our communities. 

 Learn more about this mural. 

 Learn more about Color Squad. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at Chestnut Avenue

Artist: Creative Action’s Color Squad |  @ColorSquadCollective 

Threads of Time

This design depicts a family bonding across generations through the craft of quilting. Each generation builds on the work of the last, preserving family history as a base for the future. The patterns of this quilt represent memories that community members shared with us regarding their past, present, and future living in East Austin.

 Learn more about this mural. 

 Learn more about Color Squad Collective. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at Chicon Street

Artist: Kimie Flores |  @kimieflores 

Kimberly “Kimie” Flores is a native of Uvalde, Texas. She received a bachelor’s degree in Communication Design with a minor in Studio Arts.

“I utilize these skills in my work with my mix of design elements and street art,” Flores said. “I like to use high-key colors collaged with realism playing with the push and pull of the space. I am heavily influenced by European art. After taking classical oil painting seminars, I shifted my focus to street art. My goal was to merge the two worlds in a harmonious way.”

Flores lives in Austin, where she is a tattoo artist and graphic designer.

Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at Comal Street

Artist: Creative Action’s Color Squad |  @ColorSquadCollective 

Ecosystem

While engaging with members of the East Austin community, it became apparent that there is a strong desire for a future that embraces diversity and inclusivity. One community member said that “true diversity is like a strong ecosystem.” This design seeks to honor the histories and stories of this area’s past, while also looking toward hope for maintaining the diverse ecosystem that is Austin. 

 Learn more about this mural. 

 Learn more about ColorSquad. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at Guadalupe Street

Artist: Emily Ding |  @_emilyding 

Emily Ding is a muralist from Texas. She most often has animals as her focus and uses a spectrum of colorful spray paint to create her large-scale artwork. Ding explores human emotions and experiences through expressive animals. She often uses fur, feathers and scales to tell a story.

Pleasant Valley Road at Lakeshore Boulevard

Artist: Mila Sketch |  @mila_sketch 

Mila Sketch is an artist basted in Austin, Texas, who specializes in large-scale murals, fine art and digital design.

“There is always a hidden story, a profound message captured in a labyrinth of fine lines and intricate shapes,” she said.

You can find Sketch’s work on the artbox located at Lakeshore Blvd. and Pleasant Valley Rd., as well in businesses, at special events across Austin and the Barbara Jordan Terminal of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Rosewood Ave at Navasota Street

Artist: Chroma Collective |  @ChromaATX 

Quilted Legacies

Quilted Legacies was inspired by the stories of members of the Conley Guerro’s Senior Activity Center’s creative writing class, and their time growing up in East Austin. This mural represents a map of the Rosewood neighborhood of Austin, with each city block being represented by a square of fabric in a quilt.  

Within the quilt, the vignettes represent people and places that used to make up the neighborhood, such as the Rosewood neighborhood pool, where kids used to swim until their fingers were pruney. Or a scene from the Harlem Theatre, which was “the place to be” on the weekend, with everyone in the neighborhood waiting in line to get their popcorn or a famous Harlem Theatre chili burger.  

“Those are the things that made us who we are now, they are the fabric and the quilt of our lives.” -Ms. Bunny

 Learn more about this mural. 

 Learn more about Chroma Collective. 

South First Street at West Mary Street

Artist: Chrome Collective |  @ChromeATX 

Together Through Time - Becker Elementary

This piece is a tribute to Becker Elementary, the oldest elementary school in South Austin, which opened its doors in 1936. The mural shows some of the colorful history of Becker’s unique programming and the educators who worked to build a thriving community over the decades. The garden that wraps around the box references the “Green Classroom” created in 1989 by Carla Marshall which remains an important part of Becker’s outdoor education today. She wanted her students to learn where their food came from and taught them the process of planting to harvesting using renewable resources. Velia Sanchez-Ruiz is also pictured in this mural due to her contributions as a long-time educator and advocate for Becker. She was the second Latina to teach at Becker and joined the South Austin Neighborhood Council that advised the programming of Becker’s Community School during the 1970s and 80s. The teachers playing guitar were part of the Community School that held after-school programming for youth and adults in the neighborhood that included roller skating, guitar, sign language, dance, and many other classes chosen by popular interest. Inspired by yearbook photos from the 1960s-1990s, students from different generations walk through time throughout the campus, celebrating the enduring legacy of creativity, community, and connection that defines Becker Elementary. 

Spicewood Springs Road at Four Iron Drive

Artist: Christy Stallop |  @cstallop 

Christy Stallop was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. In addition to art, her artistic pursuits include ballet and piano. Stallop was president of her high school art club and named “Most Artistic Student” her senior year.

Stallop attended St. Edward’s University, where she received a degree in Art Education. After college, she taught for 11 years at a Tier I charter school in East Austin. Stallop immersed herself in children’s illustration; she served as Illustration Chair for the local chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for 10 years. During that time, she published several children’s books and posters.

Stallop shifted her professional focus toward painting in May 2016, which she continues to make her primary pursuit today.

Stassney Lane at Jacaranda Drive

Artist: Niz |  @elenizzle 

Niz is a stencil artist who lives in Austin, Texas, and is originally from Lima, Peru. Her artistry began by hand-painting and stenciling iconic figures onto skateboards and grip tape. Today, Niz uses multi-layered stencil art and diluted house paint to create ethereal portraits, aimed atconnecting viewers with nature and everyday life.

“I want my viewers to be reminded of their connection to primal human emotions as well as the magic and wonder of our collective unconscious,” she said. “I want them to feel a nostalgia for the places reflected in my backgrounds. It is less important to me that they identify form so much as it is that they connect emotionally and spiritually to the colors and imagery.”

Stassney Lane and Menchaca Road

Artist: Cody Schibi |  @codyschibi 

Cody Schibi is a freelance illustrator in Austin, Texas. In addition to this artbox at the intersection of Stassney Ln. and Menchaca Rd., you’ll find his work at area cinemas, coffee shops, breweries, music festivals and a host of other venues.

Schibi teaches fourth and fifth grade in Austin; he previously taught art at the same elementary school. Schibi said his art has been labeled “gracefully grotesque,” referencing his monster and horror-genre inspiration.

“My main goal is to bring joy to those who look at my art and, hopefully, inspire those minds,” he said.