Mural Series Adds to Vibrancy of The Pass at Historic Market Square
Published on April 18, 2024
Large new painted artworks chronicle the area’s history, culinary heritage, cultural celebrations, and musical performances.
SAN ANTONIO (April 18, 2024) — The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture has announced the completion of The Echoes of Market Square mural series by San Antonio artists Eva Marengo Sanchez and Mike Arguello. The artwork tells the stories of Historic Market Square’s rich history and vibrant future and can be found on eight large columns under I-35 between Dolorosa and Commerce streets in the new urban recreation area called The Pass.
“It’s by far the largest project I’ve ever undertaken, and I feel incredibly grateful for the experience and proud to help represent my city’s culture through public art,” Sanchez said.
A public art dedication will take place on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11 a.m. at The Pass at Historic Market Square (612 W. Commerce St.) in collaboration with the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation as they kick off the 2024 Fiesta de Los Reyes celebrations (April 19 – 28, 2024 at Historic Market Square).
“The mural covers over 30 sides of the columns, with each artwork speaking directly to the history and stories of Historic Market Square,” Department of Arts & Culture Director Krystal Jones said. “Eva and Mike’s extensive research and engagement with tenants, visitors, nearby businesses and residents resulted in this fantastic final product that will greet visitors for years to come.”
Historic Market Square thrives today on a plaza that was gifted to the original settlers “for their use and entertainment” by the King of Spain in 1730. It has been a favorite of locals and tourists for generations with over 100 locally owned businesses that provide a unique marketplace experience.
“My grandmother was a member of the Canary Islands Descendants Association,” Mike Arguello said. “Knowing that I’m connected to the original families from that area to settle San Antonio makes this project an immense honor.”
Through symbolism the murals illuminate the traditions of this landmark with a focus on how food has always been at the heart of Historic Market Square, which is represented as gorditas, tortillas and aguas frescas. Also depicted is a series of toys, including marionettes, which pay homage to childhood memories of visiting the area. You can also see a mariachi trio as well as nods to cultural celebrations like Fiesta and Día de los Muertos.
For more information about The Echoes of Market Squareand the Department of Arts & Culture, visit SanAntonio.gov/Arts and follow @getcreativesa.