A new mural that interweaves imagery from different time periods in what is now downtown Austin is headed to the corner of Congress Avenue andWest 10th Street.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department, the Downtown Austin Alliance, and the Austin Parks Foundation partnered to commission the mural, which will be on the south-facing wall of the Old Bakery and Artisan Emporium at 1006 Congress Avenue.
Named "Generational Ties," the mural was created by Austin artist Ruben Esquivel, recently voted the Austin Chronicle’s Best Muralist 2024. The artwork intertwines the indigenous heritage of Austin with the Swedish roots of the Old Bakery and Emporium, according to a city press release:
The mural's design features two native women whose braids intertwine, symbolizing the transmission of wisdom and beauty across generations. Adorned with flora, fauna, and the Swedish national flower, the giktgräs, along with hummingbirds – a symbol of love, joy, and rebirth – the artwork blends these diverse cultural elements seamlessly. A protective swallow and a background featuring traditional Swedish textile patterns further enrich the symbolism, celebrating the cultural fusion.
, the Old Bakery and Artisan Emporium offers a unique experience. Additionally, the Visitor Center, housing the Lundberg-Maerki Historical Collection, narrates Austin's Swedish immigrant history.
