Introduction
Willie Nelson Mural in Downtown Austin Nears Completion
A new mural of country music legend Willie Nelson is nearing completion in downtown Austin. Located on East 7th Street, this vibrant artwork is the latest creation by local artist Wy Ross. The project comes after the original mural of Willie Nelson and Janis Joplin, which had adorned the same area since 2016, was lost when the building it was painted on was demolished last month.
A Second Chance for Art
Despite the disappointment of losing his previous work, Ross saw this as an opportunity for something even greater. “When I heard that this was being torn down, I was like, oh man, that sucks,” Ross said. “But then I think it’s a blessing in disguise.”
This time around, Ross had some unexpected but invaluable assistance. Eddie, a man experiencing homelessness in the area, approached him one day, asking if he could help with the project. Seeing an opportunity to collaborate, Ross welcomed Eddie’s support, especially when it came to priming the wall.
Community Collaboration
Eddie, along with other unhoused individuals in the neighborhood, played a crucial role in helping Ross bring the mural to life. Their contributions included cleaning the workspace and assisting with various tasks. Eddie even took it upon himself to sleep on the lift at night to protect both the equipment and the artwork.
“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met in my life,” Ross said about Eddie. Through this shared experience, the two formed a friendship, and the project became more than just a mural—it became a symbol of community and resilience.
More Than Just a Mural
Ross has built relationships with many people living on the streets near the mural site. The space has evolved into a welcoming area where people gather, relax, and support each other. One of Eddie’s friends described it as a “chill spot” where everyone can come together and find a sense of belonging.
“We just really want to get the community around it and have this be a beacon of togetherness,” Ross explained. Looking ahead, he hopes to help Eddie and others find stable housing, furthering the impact of this mural beyond just its artistic presence.
For now, the Willie Nelson mural stands as a testament to Austin’s creative spirit and the power of art to bring people together.