By Edmond Ortiz
A local grassroots arts organization has unveiled its efforts to make an east San Antonio public park more art friendly.
What is happening
Members of the San Antonio Street Art Initiative, a nonprofit, and special guests gathered Nov. 18 at Healy Murphy Park for a ceremony to commemorate the park’s new features, which include a street art-painted basketball court, a lawn gallery and a mosaic breakdance area.
Healy Murphy Park also now has 10 rotating mural walls, which will refresh yearly with original works from local artists. The park is located at 210 Nolan St.
The artistic features, according to SASAI members, make the East Side park a creative hub in what the organization calls the Dream Mural Arts District.
The organization worked with the San Antonio Arts and Culture Department, San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, San Antonio District 2 City Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and Community First Health Plans to develop the new art amenities at Healy Murphy Park.
What is next
Art initiative members said they will be seeking to partner with civic organizations and other interested collaborators to program various artistic activities at Healy Murphy Park, which they said is designed to foster cooperation and action among area artists, and activate the community at large.
According to SASAI, aside from the park, the Dream Mural Arts District on the East Side now includes an art walk held every third Friday, and a 7,000-square-foot warehouse, which is home to a variety of local artists and activities, such as open practice sessions for breakdancers.
