"San Angelo's Mural Revolution."
"San Angelo's Mural Revolution."
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I remember my first interaction with murals in San Angelo. It wasn't the historic ones either. I know, (gasp). It was the mural across the street from Central Freshman campus on Oakes St. They have been painted over since then, but the memory obviously left a lasting impression on me as a teen. I was overwhelmed by the sheer size of it, I couldn't imagine the amount of creativity and work it must have taken to paint it. I imagine that's what many people think when they come across one of the many murals that are now popping up all over town. So why now? Why after more than a decade after the last historic mural was completed are commercially commissioned murals appearing all over the city? That's what this blog is about. Let's start with Art in Uncommon Places.
I remember my first interaction with murals in San Angelo. It wasn't the historic ones either. I know, (gasp).
I remember my first interaction with murals in San Angelo. It wasn't the historic ones either. I know, (gasp).
Julie Raymond, Sue Rainey, Joy Butler, and many others that have contributed to the efforts of Art in Uncommon Places led the charge that ignited the love for murals again in San Angelo, TX. Which also led to helping designate San Angelo as the Visual Arts Capitol of Texas. It began with the revitalization of Paintbrush Alley, a State wide recognized public art project which has had hundreds if not thousands of visitors posting their pictures there since it was completed in 2019. Since then their efforts have pushed the community to accept murals as a vibrant way of expressing the uniqueness of our art community and the artists that live and create in it. That spark has led to the increase in demand for more commercially supported mural projects such as Lowe's who ordered an installation for their centennial celebration in 2021. As well as Reyna's Tacos and De Nada Art Gallery which both commissioned murals by Inx Davila, one of the top mural artists in San Angelo. You can see his Selena mural on the outside of De Nada located at 3038 Beauregard Ave.
It began with the revitalization of Paintbrush Alley, a State wide recognized public art project which has had hundreds if not thousands of visitors posting their pictures there since it was completed in 2019.
It began with the revitalization of Paintbrush Alley, a State wide recognized public art project which has had hundreds if not thousands of visitors posting their pictures there since it was completed in 2019.
Yet the increasing demand for murals in our community far out paces the amount of artists capable of meeting that demand. I can count on one hand the artists actively painting murals in our city. I have run out of fingers I can use to count the amount of businesses that are currently looking at commissioning a mural by local talent. Sounds like a good position to be in if your'e a well known mural artist but that isn't where the problem lies. The problem is that many businesses are not familiar with the process for advertising a call for artist or setting up an RFQ that provides information about their proposed project. I know what you are thinking, so what? So what if they don't know how, it's a mural not a construction project. Well that's exactly the problem. Murals are much more complicated in their scope than a painting on canvas. It requires weeks of planning, from design to logistics. Especially if the mural is located outside. Weather can make a mural project much more complicated; outdoor paints are more expensive and require a sealant to be applied to ensure the longevity of the art is preserved. Not to mention the owner of the mural is responsible for the maintenance unless it's laid out in the contract. As you can tell it's not a simple process. Many business owners are unfamiliar with how to begin that process. Below are some simple questions you as a business owner can ask before you pursue a mural for your building or business.
Where do you start?
Where do you start?
- Ask yourself "What is my budget?" A reasonable expectation for any mural is that the artist deserves to get paid for their hard-work. Most mural artists charge by the square foot. Many artists however under charge for their services, keep that in mind. Don't take advantage of an artist that clearly has the skill but isn't familiar with pricing. A fair amount is anywhere from 15-30 dollars per sq ft. depending on the artists portfolio and skill level.
- Ask yourself "What is the size and scope of the project?" Measure the size of the wall (in feet) or area that is intended for the mural. Take photos for reference so the artist can come up with an accurate quote and design. Is it located inside or outside? Are there any obstructions or limitations that will make the project more challenging for the artist to complete? In some case a lift might be required, that is an added cost!
- Is there a timeline? Often muralists get asked to complete a mural by some sort of deadline. It's important to understand that all artists have their own process for completing a mural. Many have day jobs, kids, and other projects. A reasonable time frame to begin the process for finding an artist to completing the project is around three months. In some case it takes much longer due to unforeseen circumstance, so be ready for it to take longer that expected.
- What is the theme? There is a fine line between nitpicking and being vague. Some where in between is reasonable and allows the artist to have enough creative freedom to come up with a great mural design, that is unless you simply want a logo painted, in which case that's more of a sign than a mural. Yes there is a difference. Almost anyone can paint a sign. Heck you could do it with a projector.
This is not comprehensive, it's just a place to begin if you're a business or organization is looking to commission a mural by an artist. Artists as well should have a firm process that includes a contract for interacting with a business.
What is the future of murals in San Angelo?
What is the future of murals in San Angelo?
As momentum builds we are likely to see a lot more murals both indoors and outdoors in San Angelo. You've probably already seen murals by familiar artists such as Toonz, INX, Che, Alejandro, and Crystal Goodman. Many more are coming! Remember that each mural is hours upon hours of labor and planning.
Here at the Art Alliance we are working towards building a better platform for teaching these lessons to both the business owner and the artist. If you are an artist or business owner please reach out if there are any questions regarding the mural project process.
Here at the Art Alliance we are working towards building a better platform for teaching these lessons to both the business owner and the artist. If you are an artist or business owner please reach out if there are any questions regarding the mural project process.
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