Global Tapestry
8ft x 48ft, 2025
Glass, ceramic, and mixed media mosaic, acrylic paint on wall
Highland Park Elementary, Austin, TX
Six portraits of iconic historical figures decorate the wall, providing a three-dimensional element and unmatched artistic intricacy. The legends pictured include Ruby Bridges, Jackie Robinson, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Martin Luther King Jr., Frida Kahlo, and Albert Einstein, depicted by six female and gender expansive artists in Austin, Texas. Alongside the portraits, a mirror at the same scale will allow students to see themselves reflected as one of the legends in the making. This interactive element encourages self-recognition, reinforcing the idea that greatness is not confined to history but is something each student can strive for.
By depicting cultural references instead of humans, every student can see themselves reflected through the mural’s rich cultural and symbolic representations. The combination of architectural landmarks, indigenous patterns, and iconic figures highlights how cultures have influenced and inspired one another throughout history. Emphasizing this interconnectedness reinforces a message of unity in shared human heritage.
The design begins with Réplica del Peñol, a recreation of the historic town square of El Peñol, Colombia. To the right, a pattern depicting Comanche rock art from the 1700s honors the First Nation tribe that inhabited Central Texas throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Vibrant inverted stripes form an African Litema pattern, a traditional Sesotho mural art style used to adorn homes in paint or mosaic. The mural continues with architectural landmarks: the Pagoda of Seiganto-ji, a Japanese Buddhist temple; the Mayan temple Chichén Itzá; and the Texas State Capitol.
On the right wall, the Pyramids of Giza stand beside a traditional Grass House built by the Caddo First Nation tribe of Central Texas. Behind them, the Japanese Fletching arrow pattern symbolizes determination and steadfastness, encouraging students to persist in upholding truth and justice. A Mexican serape blanket follows, embodying Latin heritage, while the Sydney Opera House rises over waters inscribed with text from the Rosetta Stone. To the far right, the Washington Monument stands tall, representing resilience and the enduring pursuit of democracy and knowledge.
Albert Einstein by Dianne Sonnenberg
Martin Luther King, Jr. by Carmen Rangel
Jackie Robinson by Veronica Ceci
Frida Kahlo by Ambar Collective
Ruby Bridges by Litzy Rea Valdez
Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Heather Kruger
LOCATED AT
Highland Park Elementary
4900 Fairview Dr, Austin, TX 78731
