Austin Weirdness #4~ The Graffiti Wall at Castle Hill
You have to love our slogan “Keep Austin Weird”. We have so many Austin traditions that bring a smile to your face. There is one place that every resident and visitor alike needs to experience and that is the Graffiti Wall at Castle Hill. You’ll find it embodies the true spirit and weirdness of our city! Castle Hill offers a great source of inspiration where artists come together and share their affirmative messages with the world.
As always there is a story which is the fun part of learning about our Austin weirdisms! The story begins with a half developed space initially slated for housing (boy could we use that now). As usual the property owners ran into zoning issues (surprise surprise). They owners had no choice but to let the property sit and the white concrete walls surrounding the space begged to be painted on! Instead of looking at the artist’s work being painted as vandalism they happily allowed the art work even encouraging their multi-million dollar property to become a wall of art thus dubbed “graffiti wall!”
For many years the stories in picture form were painted on the walls but in 2011 it was named “HOPE Outdoor Gallery,” now one of the largest outdoor galleries in Texas. HOPE stands for Helping Other People Everywhere. It is a movement created in 2006 by Shepard Fairey to help awareness around Darfur, Sudan.
Artists do need permission to paint. It would be considered trespassing if you paint without approval. For those interested in participating email murals@hopecampaign.org.
Another Austin weirdism was born because some Austin property owners saw it as an opportunity to “Keep Austin Weird” and support the local community by allowing the space to be used as a sort of inspirational board. Make time to wander over to Baylor and 11th street in downtown Austin to enjoy the walls and snap a photo or two. I’ve even heard a young man commissioned an artist to paint a message and brought his girl friend to see her very own “promposal” (an invite to a prom). Love it!!
As always, Austin news, events and flavors of our city are brought to you as a courtesy by Dorie Dillard of Coldwell Banker United, your NW Austin Real Estate Consultant.
I am a recognized professional in NW Austin real estate. I’m a good listener and act, not react to your needs. I have systems in place, references at hand. Reach out to me at 512-346-1799 or email at dillard@reloaustin.com for an insightful conversation about our real estate market. I offer hands-on Professional guidance for all your real estate needs. I’m your local expert with national connections.
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