A glance at “Seasons & Rhythm / Estaciones y Ritmo,” a new mural in the Sylvan 30 underpass | Photo credit: Raul Rodriguez
In the midst of a pandemic and political unrest, local artists are working to bring joy to the community. Ash Studios’ founder Fred Villanueva and artist JM Rizzi have teamed up to create a mural under the Interstate 30 and Sylvan underpass.
Neighborhood organizer Kate Bouchillon first approached Villanueva last November. Her idea was to have something that represents the diversity in West Dallas and Oak Cliff. The result was “Seasons & Rhythm / Estaciones y Ritmo,” a mural designed to represent all four seasons, allowing drivers to experience the seasons via one car ride.
Fred Villanueva is the founder of Ash Studios, who largely contributed to the “Seasons & Rhythm / Estaciones y Ritmo” project | Photo credit: Raul Rodriguez
“This dynamic urban beautification project has spoken to thousands of Dallasites by bringing art and color into a non-traditional space,” said Villanueva in a press release. “It is a perfect example of what we are capable of when residents and local government team with public artists to engage our city’s people by putting art into action. The art will contribute to Dallas culture, and Oak Cliff specifically, for years to come.”
The mural is supported by fundraising efforts and a community march. The completion of “Seasons & Rhythm / Estaciones y Ritmo” has led to a new project called Texas Mural, in which Ash Studios will continue seeking out new mural concepts rooted in cultural equity and community building.
JM Rizzi contributed to “Seasons & Rhythm / Estaciones y Ritmo” | Photo credit: Raul Rodriguez
“Seasons & Rhythm / Estaciones y Ritmo” will be unveiled on Aug. 1 at 9 a.m. in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mask orders and social distance guidelines will be in place. A list of donors and supporters will also be shared at the ceremony.
“Numerous community stakeholders, both public and private, contributed to realizing this vision,” Bouchillon said in a press release. “It’s my belief that this combined effort highlights one of the many things that makes the West Dallas and Oak Cliff neighborhoods unique- the ability to unite as a community and deliver something positive.”
