Iconic East Austin Mural Restored To Original Glory

EAST AUSTIN, TX — Community leaders on Tuesday announced the restoration of the iconic East Austin mural titled For La Raza that memorializes the Chicano heritage of the Holly Shores neighborhood.

Originally created in 1992 by community muralists Robert Herrera and Oscar Cortez, the mural was recently restored as part of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Holly Shores Master Plan.

“The restoration of this beloved artwork simultaneously honors the history of the Holly Shores neighborhood while also looking towards its future,” Sue Lambe, Manager of the Art in Public Places Program, said in a prepared statement. “Representing multiple generations and artistic styles, the new mural celebrates the distinguished heritage of the community and reflects its values and character.”

For La Raza is one of several murals sited on the exterior wall of the decommissioned Holly Street Power Plant near the Holly Shores and Festival Beach area in East Austin. Over the years, the mural fell into disrepair, with much of its vibrant imagery—including Aztec gods and symbols of Mexican history and identity— having faded or been painted over or “tagged” by other artists, city officials explained on the municipal website.

As part of the Phase 1 implementation of the Holly Shores Master Plan, the Parks and Recreation Department worked with Art in Public Places and the community to identify historic murals at the Power Plant in need of restoration. For La Raza was selected as the first mural to be retouched, officials said.

Arte Texas —a community organization working to save historic murals in East Austin and execute new ones, which includes Herrera and Cortez — was commissioned to develop a restoration plan that would once again make the mural a point of pride for the neighborhood, according to information found on the city website. As part of that process, the artists introduced a new generation to the mural painting tradition, officials noted.

In addition to meeting with neighborhood groups and associations, Arte Texas worked with students from the East Austin community during the restoration's planning phases. Under Herrera’s leadership, the youth were instructed on the process of mural painting and its history and significance in the Mexican-American tradition, officials noted. They were also given an opportunity to paint sections of the wall, resulting in a unique artistic collaboration blending generations from across the community, officials said.
“This mural represents the strength of our people and serves as a cherished cultural expression of our survival as Mexican Americans and Chicanos,” said Bertha Delgado, Founder and Executive Director of Arte Texas.

An official celebration of the restoration is scheduled during a planned public event on July 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2215 Riverview St. The event will be free and open to the public.

>>> Courtesy images of For La Raza mural by Philip Rogers via Economic Development Department, Cultural Arts Division, City of Austin