The Heartbeat of Austin
7ft 8in x 81ft, 2024
Glass tile mosaic
McKalla Station at Q2 Stadium, Austin, TX
200+
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS
100,000+
TILES
600+
SQUARE FEET
In just under six weeks, over 200 volunteers from Austin FC supporter groups and more helped place the tiles that would create this monumental 80-foot-long mosaic mural. Their electrifying and collaborative spirit is both the inspiration behind this mosaic and what made it possible in record time.
The inspiration for this project lies in the intense energy and enthusiasm I experienced upon going to my first-ever Austin FC game. Standing and cheering with the supporter groups for the entire 90 minutes, I immediately felt the strength and the devotion these groups hold for each other and the team. It was enlivening, and I wanted to carry that mood through to the design for the new McKalla Station being right next to Q2 stadium.
Engineering News-Record recognized this project, granting it an Award of Merit in the Airport/Transit category. Huge thanks to Stacy Witbeck and the whole construction team who provided such a beautiful setting for this mosaic mural!
Learn about the people depicted, see our community engagement process, and listen to La Murga!
Video by Lynae Carroll
Process
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & INSTALLATION
Lively community workdays brought in hundreds of dedicated community members and Austin FC supporter group participants to our studio to help lay 3/4in vitreous glass tiles in small sections, similar to a color by numbers, referring to our prepared design templates. These square foot sections were held together using strong mosaic tape and later brought to McKalla Station for installation.
