Texas State University’s Honors College received the statewide Texas Downtown Association President’s Award for Best Downtown Partner for their Paint the Path project. This initiative has brought color and safety to Downtown San Marcos by painting wildlife-themed murals on crosswalks and curb extensions. The award was presented during the Texas Downtown annual conference in Waco in November. Stelos Scholars students and faculty from the Honors College as well as City of San Marcos officials attended a celebration dinner together to recognize their work with Paint the Path on Dec. 2. The City wrote and submitted the application, led by Josie Falletta, downtown manager. This year, all four of their applications received a finalist nod and were awarded in two categories.
“We are excited to see the TXST Honors College receive recognition for their partnership with our program,” Falletta said. “Not only has the project added permanent vibrancy to downtown, it has also showcased how towngown initiatives can drive community and civic pride.”
Over four days in the spring, TXST students, local artists, and community members completed the collaborative project after years of planning between TXST, the City of San Marcos and the community.
Michelle Wilson, a San Marcos artist and TXST alum, designed the murals and led day-of activities.
“I loved it so much,” said Wilson. “It was a great thing to be a part of and see everybody come together, which is what San Marcos is all about.”
The idea for Paint the Path originated two years ago when students in TXST’s Stelos Scholars program approached the City of San Marcos with a proposal for creating a downtown “active space” to encourage social interaction and physical activity. Their discussion led to the idea of painting murals on crosswalks and curb extensions along San Antonio Street.
“The idea was to take those curb extensions, which are functional spaces meant to improve pedestrian visibility, and make them a point of interest as opposed to unused space in downtown,” said Peter Tschirhart, Ph.D., a Stelos Scholars program director. “By painting them, we hope that people will go downtown, see the murals, and visit the businesses that are nearby.”
Texas Downtown saw 144 entries across 11 categories with award finalists from 32 different Texas communities for the 2025 President’s Awards.
The organization connects and serves communities dedicated to downtown vitality. Through advocacy, education, resources, and connection, Texas Downtown supports the creation of vibrant districts that honor local character, foster community, and build strong, resilient places to live, work, and visit.
