COLORFUL CREATION

During the construction of the San Marcos Shared-Use Path Trail Project, a significant amount of graffiti was discovered underneath the Cheatham Street bridge. In order to remedy this issue, Community Enhancement Initiatives Manager Amy Thomaides and Innovation Manager Charlotte Wattigny designed the Kaleidoscope No. 19 mural to be painted on the underside of the bridge. The name is a nod to the 19 separate colors used within the mural.

Keep San Marcos Beautiful’s Community Enhancement Techs prepped the site and the painting was completed by KSMB staff, volunteers and members of the San Marcos Mural Arts Program Committee. KSMB purchased the supplies used for the mural through the graffiti abatement program.

“Keep San Marcos Beautiful’s mission is to make San Marcos a more beautiful and visually pleasing community,” Thomaides said. “Kaleidoscope No. 19 accomplishes two goals by not only deterring graffiti but also creating a beautiful space for the community to enjoy. We couldn’t do projects like this without our amazing volunteers.”

Above, city Community Enhancement Initiatives Manager Amy Thomaides marks paint cans for the new Kaleidoscope No. 19 mural. Photo courtesy of the City of San Marcos

Wattigny added, “Along with beautifying the community, Kaleidoscope No. 19 and other area mural projects support our efforts for San Marcos to be recognized as an arts destination within the state and across the country.”

People interested in volunteering with Keep San Marcos Beautiful may contact Thomaides, athomaides@sanmarcostx.gov or follow KSMB at www. facebook.com/keepsanmarcosbeautiful.

•Submitted by the City of San Marcos