New mural representative of Mower County’s welcoming nature
Published 4:46 pm Thursday, September 19, 2024
Artist Flor Soto along with Miguel Garate has their picture taken with Soto’s newest public piece of art “Bienvenidos a Mower” (Welcome to Mower) prior to a dedication ceremony Thursday morning. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Flor Soto’s “Bienvendios a Mower” (Welcome to Mower) was dedicated Thursday morning during a ceremony at the Government Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
As part of Thursday morning’s ceremony to dedicate Flor Soto’s new mural “Bienvenidos a Mower” step up and read off “Welcome to Mower” in different languages. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Artist Flor Soto speaks Thursday morning during the dedication for her new mural Bienvendios a Mower at the Government Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Flor Soto cuts the ribbon on her new mural, officially unveiled Thursday morning at the Government Center. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
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On Thursday morning, county and city officials joined in celebrating a new mural by Austin artist Flor Soto inside the Mower County Government Center.
The mural, titled “Bienvenidos a Mower” (Welcome to Mower) is a colorful visualization of the welcoming nature of the county.
“I just want to say thank you. Thank you for this support,” Soto said through the interpreter Miguel Garate, adding that she came to Austin in 2010 and said, “I don’t want to leave.”
“I’m very appreciative of Austin for this opportunity. I am very happy … that you like it.”
The mural itself was introduced through a number of people, including Mower County Board of Commissioners Chair John Mueller, reciting “Welcome to Mower” in multiple languages, and is split into three frames so a portion of the mural can eventually be split up and shared at county facilities.
Part of the mural will stay hanging in the Government Center, while another will be placed into the Jail and Justice Center. The last frame of the piece will be placed in Public Works.
This is only the most recent of Soto’s works to be featured in Austin. Just over a year ago, another piece was officially presented to the community, having been painted across the east side of the Austin Municipal Pool.
That piece represents various elements of Latino culture and Austin’s diverse background and was completed with the help of public artist Aaron Johnson Ortiz.
“(This) helps you see that no matter who you are, you are welcome and you belong here,” said Mower County Director of Human Resources Kris Kohn. “We are grateful for Flor Soto.”
That sentiment was carried from the start of the ceremony, which included a ribbon-cutting, and Mueller’s introduction which highlighted the welcoming nature of the county since its inception in 1856.
“One hundred and 68 years later, Mower County residents continue to welcome new residents to Mower County,” Mueller said.
Laura Helle, representing the City of Austin Culture and Arts Commission, said that by hanging this piece of art in the Government Center is another representation of a united community.
“Having this mural here in our county building is an example of our community working very well,” she said. “We wanted this building to be visibly more welcoming.”
