The mural, created by Patrick Messersmith, came about with the advancement of the Cypress Street Project construction. Messersmith said he hopes to bring a splash of color to the dull spot.
“As they do construction on Cypress Street, some visitors to the Center for Contemporary Arts will be diverted to this back entrance. The alley before was just wires and red bricks,” Messersmith explained. “It kind of feels like, with the really narrow passage and the tall walls, that you’re sort of entering another universe. We’re leaning into that with the bright colors and there will be some surprise elements that have to do with space and stars.”
Messersmith engaged the community, encouraging everyone to participate. One volunteer, Daisy Arvizu, said it helps inspire imagination.
“It helps inspire imagination. You don’t want to lose imagination and creativity. It gives the opportunity to give back. I might be somebody who’s probably struggling with something or might see something, and they might bring an idea to their imaginations,” Arvizu said.
The mural’s materials and labor were funded by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts as part of Abilene’s recognition as a cultural district in the state.
Rebecca Bridges, Executive Director of the Center for Contemporary Arts, said she is happy to be a part of the growing downtown scene.
“Downtown has always been an important part of our lives. We had kind of phase one when I was a kid and all of the things that they did now and then. Now my generation is putting all of our time, effort, and energy into making it an even better place to be,” Bridges said.
The artist plans to extend the mural to reach the ground. The whole project is anticipated to be completed by January.
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