The San Marcos Exchange: Spring 2019

Residents are encouraged to go hunting for the mini murals, take photos, post selfies with them, and fully interact with this unique art. “Rene’s mini murals can be delightful surprises for people walking downtown or in our parks,” said Arts Coordinator Trey Hatt. “They add a whimsical element to otherwise drab walls and bring a spirit of playfulness to our public spaces.” So what’s next for Perez? “I’m still actively painting throughout the city on my own or on private commissions,” said Perez. “I paint to mainly surprise the passersby, hopefully to make them laugh, smile or shake their heads.” Property owners interested in having a mural placed on their walls should fill out the form at www.sanmarcostx.gov/ murals and email it to Recreation Programs Manager Lisa Morris at lmorris@sanmarcostx.gov or Arts Coordinator Trey Hatt at ghatt@sanmarcostx.gov. For more information about the San Marcos Mural Arts Program, please contact Lisa Morris at 512.393.8400 or by email at lmorris@sanmarcostx.gov. Artists who are interested in applying for one of our current mural projects are invited to visit www.sanmarcostx.gov/callsforartists. Cover: “Squirrel with Trumpet” at Plaza Park Top Left: Rene Perez poses with “Cupig” in Kissing Alley. Photo by Don Anders Photography Bottom Right: “Heron with Butts”

Pint-sized portraits san marcos finds art in the most unexpected places.

• “Cat Pie” at 119 E. Hopkins • “Cupig” at Kissing Alley • “Rats” at Kissing Alley • “Birdhouse” at Dunbar Park • “Heron/Bottle” at Rio Vista Park near the Lions Club tube pickup • “Squirrel with Trumpet” at the stage in Plaza Park • “Goats on Wall” at 302 W. Hopkins • “Heron with Butts” at 345 N. LBJ • “Rattlesnake/Bobcat” at 120 E. San Antonio Street • “Trash Fish” at Rio Vista Park near the Ranger Station

If you weren’t looking, you might not see these small gems of art scattered around San Marcos. Playful renditions of woodland creatures exhibiting some surprisingly human behaviors can be found tucked away in alleys, on the sides of buildings, or on lampposts. Finding them all can be a treasure hunt, one that’s sure to make you smile and appreciate the unique culture that exists in our town. These snapshots are the brainchild of Rene Perez, a San Marcos resident and local artist. Perez specializes in richly colorful paintings, usually depicting animals in unusual or humorous situations. He is entirely self-taught and has a deep passion for his art and San Marcos. This quirky and vibrant style caught the eye of the San Marcos Mural Arts Program, an initiative that commissions murals and provides grants and design assistance to artists wishing to place murals on public and private property throughout the city. This program began in 2014, modeled after a successful program in Philadelphia addressing graffiti vandalism with mural art. Perez was approached by the Mural Arts Program after a committee member saw his series of mini murals at downtown eatery, Blue Dahlia Bistro. He began composing miniature art for the City beginning in April 2017. Now there are ten City-official mini murals:

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