Discovering Bryan’s Newest Art Piece: A Colorful Cowgirl Mural Unveiled in Downtown Bryan

Discovering Bryan’s Newest Art Piece: A Colorful Cowgirl Mural

In the heart of Downtown Bryan, a vibrant new mural has just added a pop of color and creativity to the local landscape. Artist Phoebe Joynt, also known as FeeBee in her artistic endeavors, has brought life to the side of The Attic Antiques with her latest creation. Picture this: a painted cowgirl, joyfully picking wildflowers, all while sporting the iconic LaSalle hotel as her hat. It’s not just a mural; it’s a vision brought to life that speaks to the history and culture of Bryan.

The First Major Project of Its Kind

This mural is especially significant as it marks the first major public art project funded by Bryan’s newly established Arts & Culture Development Grant. These grants are supported by revenue from the city’s hotel occupancy tax and are designed to provide financial backing for various programs and projects, with amounts ranging from $2,500 to $25,000. While applications for the fiscal year 2024-25 have already closed, everyone is eager for the next round in June or July 2025.

Meet the Artist: FeeBee

Phoebe Joynt, who hails from the bustling streets of New York City but now calls Austin home, is no stranger to street art. With a deep-rooted passion for creativity nurtured by her family from a young age, she has cultivated a varied portfolio that encompasses vibrant street art, stunning paintings, and unique murals.

“Street art is like mural work that turns public spaces into vibrant canvases,” Phoebe shared. “It has a fun vibe, even if it sometimes isn’t sanctioned by the city.” Through her art, she aspires to inspire others, especially young girls, to chase their creative dreams just as she was encouraged to do. “Being a female in the street art world, I feel it’s important to motivate the next generation,” she added with a smile.

A Journey of Creation

Creating this captivating mural was no small feat. Joynt devoted nine consecutive days, working from dawn until dusk, to ensure her vision came together beautifully. As she painted, it was heartwarming to see the joy her work sparked in passersby. “I saw so many smiles as people walked by and watched the mural unfold,” Joynt recalled. “Every moment was a delight, and I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve created.”

Community Impact and Future Prospects

This mural doesn’t just beautify the area; it’s part of a bigger movement led by Destination Bryan. Executive Director John Friebele sees Downtown Bryan as a vibrant arts and culture hub, and this mural enhances that vision. “Art revitalizes an area and adds color,” he explained. “It attracts foot traffic, encouraging people to explore our delightful downtown and discover all it has to offer.”

Looking ahead, Friebele eagerly anticipates the growth of the Arts & Culture Development Grant, aiming to attract more artists and community engagement. “We’re excited about making Downtown Bryan a go-to place for art,” he said. Another mural is already in the works, promising even more creativity in the future!

The Mural’s Unique Features

Art lovers will appreciate a unique design element in the mural: the cowgirl’s hat is intentionally cut off at the top. This clever artistic choice creates an optical illusion that makes it appear as if she’s wearing the LaSalle hotel on her head from the right angle, creating a seamless connection with Downtown Bryan’s cultural narrative. “We want to showcase how integral the arts are to Bryan’s identity,” Friebele emphasized.

Future of the Art Path

Additionally, this mural is the inaugural piece of the Bryan Art Path initiative, which aims to transform the area with more murals and creative installations. Its founder, Jeremy Thompson, is thrilled with the progress made thus far. He envisions a future where attractions like the Frontier building or the Palace Theatre become central parts of an outdoor art gallery, inviting visitors from all over to experience the rich artistic tapestry of Bryan.

In this initial step, Joynt’s mural symbolizes the shift in Bryan’s artistic landscape. “Where there was once nothing, now there’s something astonishing,” Thompson noted with pride. “We can’t wait to see what’s next!”

As Bryan continues to embrace art, we keep our eyes and hearts open to the brilliance that awaits around every corner.