Mirabella Apts.
1955 Bandera Rd. 78228
Commissioned by the NRP Group
Dedication: June 24, 2013
MOSAIC Lead Artists: Zoe Palacios, Christian Murillo, Keith Limon, Erica Guillen

MOSAIC Student Artist Program was commissioned by the NRP Group to offer a joint educational mosaic art experience to residents of Mirabella and MOSAIC middle and high school students.

Sponsored by NRP Group
MOSAIC Student Art Program / Bihl Haus Arts, Collaborative Bench Project
2803 Fredricksburg Rd. 78201
2008

MOSAIC Student Artist Program is collaborating with Bihl Haus Arts, a multi-use community arts space located in a historic building on the premises of Primrose Senior Apartments, to offer a joint educational mosaic art experience to senior residents of Primrose and MOSAIC middle and high school students. The impetus for the proposed project grew out of our very successful collaboration, as evidenced by exceptionally favorable press coverage and high attendance at the various events, in January 2007.

This public mural, commissioned by The Historic Outdoor Art Museum in New Braunfels, is a timeline of Hispanic heritage dating from the 1680’s to 1845. Designed by MOSAIC Artist-in-Residence Alex Rubio, the 12 ft. by 60 ft. mural was completed by lead  MOSAIC Student Artists Laura Gonzalez, Rachel Kamata, Zöe Reyes, and Elizabeth Samuel.

The mural is a timeline depiction of Hispanic Heritage dating from the 1680’s to 1845. The legacy begins with the Spanish Expeditions along the Camino Real (King’s Highway) and the various Spanish explorers like General Alonso de Leon, the Conquistador of Texas, who named the Guadalupe River in his “entrada” into Texas. For more than 100 years before the founding of New Braunfels, the Camino Real, present-day Nacogdoches Road, served as a major artery for trade, commerce, and settlement. The Comal Springs’ first recorded name was Las Fontanas, meaning The Fountains, which also served as a campsite to the Tonkawa and Lipan Indians. In 1756 – 1759, Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Mission was established nearby and was inspired by the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe… La Patrona de las Americas. After the Spanish introduced cattle and horses to the New World, the Mexican vaqueros’ (cowboys) ranch culture was brought to South Texas with chaperras (chaps), rodear (rodeo), silver mounted spade bits, spurs, and branding. In 1825, Juan Martin Del Carmen Veramendi was awarded five leagues of land by Commissioner Jose Antonio Navarro. Two leagues of the grant contained the land on which New Braunfels was founded. In 1845, Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels purchased 1,265 acres from Juan Veramendi’s heirs, Rafael Garza and Mario Antonio de Veramendi Garza. This passionate beginning set the stage for the Hispanic people to enter into the founding years of New Braunfels from 1845 to present day – forever preserving and honoring Hispanic Heritage in this community.

Unveiled in July of 2014, Compass Rose is a 4 ft by 3 ft. glazed ceramic mosaic situated in the geographic center of San Antonio. Located on the eastern side of the River Walk across from Main Plaza and San Fernando Cathedral, the artwork serves as the starting point in a system of mile markers extending south along the Mission Reach part of the river. Zoe Palacios, a MOSAIC student, drew the original design for the Compass Rose and also served as the lead artist.

Completed in August of 2013, Vortex, is a vibrant abstract mural that measures 218 feet in length. Located along the Nolan street underpass, in the city’s East side, the public artwork is meant to bridge communities and symbolize friendship.

Vortex is made of colorful swirls and triggers feelings of movement. In collaboration with San Anto Cultural Arts, lead artist Alex Rubio completed the mural alongside Mosaic Students (and other youth groups).

In June of 2012, Neighborhood Landmarks was unveiled at the HEB located at 415 New Braunfels Avenue. The tile mural is 40 feet wide and 11 feet high, making it the largest completely handmade tile mural in San Antonio. Designed by Alex Rubio and created alongside a team of MOSAIC students the artwork features images of the city’s well-known East Side landmarks, including the Cameo Theater, Carver Community Cultural Center, Watson Fine Arts Center, Carver Academy and the Ella Austin Community Center. Titles were created onsite and shoppers were invited to help cut tiles.

In August of 2009 three medallions and one large mosaic panel were unveiled at San Juan Square Apartments. With the artwork lead artist, Alex Rubio, and a team of MOSAIC students sought to recapture the spirit of a legendary mural that was once located at the Cassiano Homes on Salsemore st. The four mosaics are made from thousands of individual clay ceramic tiles, each painstakingly designed, cut, glazed, constructed and grouted by hand.

Designed for the south-facing wall of the public facilities at the new HemisFair Play, YANAGUANA, a colorful abstract painted mural, will engage viewers of all ages at the interactive park.

Featuring fluid bands of color echoing the palette of the new HemisFair Park logo. This large-scale artwork draws a connection with the vivid hues symbolizing the exciting future of HemisFair Park. YANAGUANA reflects the energy and playful spirit demonstrated by the young visitors to Play—and the dynamism of the larger vision of the HemisFair Park as well.

Located on the east facing walls of the Coleman Bridge underpass, Dream Peace, was designed and executed by high school students enrolled in Blue Star Contemporary’s MOSAIC Student Artist program. The theme of this years MLK march, Uniting Communities to Advance Humanity, inspired MOSAIC Student Artist Elizabeth Samuel, designer of Dream Peace. A 15-year old sophomore at Reagan High School, Samuel was the lead artist for this project and designed the large-scale artwork in the MOSAIC Studio at Blue Star Contemporary along with Tanya Helbig, a 16-year-old junior at Earl Warren High School. The mural will remain on view for three years.