Public Art in Kerrville, TX

What’s not to love about public art? It’s inspiring and uplifting, it often times tells the stories of a community’s history and culture, expressing visually where a place and its people came from and where they are going. It takes all the things we love about galleries, studios and museums with the added twist of an accessible and free choose your own adventure scavenger hunt. And if you find yourself in Kerrville, you’re in luck, because art is waiting around almost every corner. Often touted as a Hill Country arts destination thanks to a plethora of theaters, art galleries, and creative studios, Kerrville is also blessed with over thirty (and growing) public art displays

"Welcome to Kerrville" Mural - Photo Credit: Brandon Robinson

We know, we know with so much public art to see, it’s hard to know just where to start. There is no wrong answer, of course, but in our opinion the best place to start with anything is always a good introduction. And that place would naturally be the Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau and their aptly named piece “Welcome to Kerrville”. Started and completed in 2021 this bright colorful mural was created by local artist and Kerrville native, Aurora Joleen. It can be found on the north side of the Visitor Center building ‘greeting’ people as they drive into town just as the Visitor Center staff greet the travelers and tourists that walk in their doors looking for information about the area. This mural is the perfect backdrop for a bright and vibrant selfie for your social feeds, and will have your friends and family asking “Wow! Where is that?”. Stickers and postcards of the “Welcome to Kerrville” mural can also be found in the Visitor Center and are available for purchase, as well as a number of other must have Kerrville souvenirs.

"Lupe" the Guadalupe Bass Mosaic Sculpture - Photo Credit: Brandon Robinson

Another must see piece of art with a great community story is the “Lupe” the Guadalupe Bass mosaic sculpture that you can find at the splashpad in Louise Hays Park right in downtown Kerrville. Finished in 2017 by sculpture artist Gigi Miller, this ode to the Texas state fish is made up of thousands of tiles intricately placed for detailed effect on our beloved fish friend, Lupe. Many of these tiles were created by the citizens of Kerrville meaning this piece of public art is made up of many smaller pieces of art crafted by the people that live and use our area parks and facilities. Who knew a fish could weave the lines of nature, community, and artistic expression so effortlessly and whimsically?

"Mother's Love" James Avery Memorial Bronze - Photo Credit: KCVB

If you’re a Texas native, you are sure to have heard the name, James Avery. You might even have a piece or two of the famed Kerrville local's jewelry. You can also visit a larger-than-life-sized bronze statue of one of his most famous pieces, the “Mother’s Love” heart. Located visibly at the intersection of Main Street and Earl Garrett on the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center grounds, the statue was originally erected in 2012 and later dedicated in 2018 to the James Avery Memorial after Mr. Avery’s passing. James Avery started his jewelry making, and later his company, over 60 years ago in Kerrville crafting and selling charms to campers attending the many legacy summer camps in the area. His name soon became a beloved Texas institution and he committed himself to being a great supporter to the Kerrville community.

Overall, the public art in Kerrville is a testament to the continued commitment to creativity and culture. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, the art that can be found throughout the town is sure to inspire and delight you. So, the next time you find yourself in the Hill Country, be sure to have your Public Art Trail Guide on hand, and take some time to explore the art in Kerrville and discover the beauty that lives throughout the whole area naturally and artistically.

Get to Know the Public Art in Kerrville, TX

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