Welcome to Waco’s Creative Story
You’re standing in front of one piece of a much bigger creative landscape. This photo is part of a collection by Elvia Leyva capturing the murals, sculptures, and public art that shape downtown Waco. Many of these works, including the mural you’re viewing, were created through Creative Waco’s ARTPrenticeship program, where talented high school artists work alongside professional mentors to bring new color and meaning to the city. Keep exploring to learn the story behind this artwork, discover more pieces nearby, and dive deeper into the creative energy that makes Waco one of Texas’s most vibrant arts communities.
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Wildflowers I
A mural by lead designers and artist‑mentors Bradley Settles, Naomi Canale and Rianna Alvarado, Wildflowers I merges native grasses and mallow poppies to honor Waco’s indigenous roots and the Blackland Prairie. It invites viewers to reflect on the city’s layered history, symbolizing endurance and renewal through its vibrant depiction of Texas wildflowers.
Wildflowers II
Designed by guest artist Kamea Hadar with artist mentors Bradley Settles, Naomi Canale and Rianna Alvarado, Wildflowers II repurposes steel cargo containers and features portraits of Waco residents to embody hope and possibility. The mural celebrates the city’s evolving identity and the diverse faces that shape its future.
Tree Of Life
Co‑designed by Vincent Thomas and Cade Kegerreis with support from artist mentors Kristen Thompson and Tashita Bibles, this 2020 mural uses seven panels to represent days of the week and facets of community life. It honors East Waco’s heritage and unites themes of faith, family, education and hope in a flourishing Tree of Life.
The Color of Health
Lead designer Will Suarez and mentors Julie Milstead, Susan Sistrunk and Bethany Franzen created this mural for the Waco Family Medicine clinic, using colorless fruit that comes alive through human interaction to honor generations of caregivers. The artwork celebrates renewal and community wellness, highlighting stories of midwives and nurses who nurtured East Waco.
Taking Flight
Sculptor Douwe Blumberg cast stylized birds in a lightweight aluminum‑magnesium alloy to depict a flock of geese rising together, echoing Waco’s origami‑crane mural. The sweeping upward motion of Taking Flight symbolizes hope, unity and the shared leadership that propels a community forward.
Whitetail
Bob Guelich’s bronze sculpture of a white‑tailed deer draws on ancient depictions of deer as mystical, shape‑shifting beings and sacred messengers across cultures. Its quiet pose invites contemplation of humanity’s long relationship with these animals and the spiritual significance they carry.
Sumatran Tiger
Wildlife sculptor Tom Tischler created this bronze tiger after years of studying animals in the wild, aiming to raise awareness for the endangered subspecies and the conservation work of Cameron Park Zoo. The lifelike stance and intense gaze reflect his obsession with portraying animal behavior and inspiring empathy.
Box Turtle II
David Turner cast this turtle in silicon bronze in his own foundry, drawing on myths in which turtles carry the Earth on their backs and shells serve as decorated bowls. The detailed shell and expressive head encourage viewers to ponder the turtle’s ancient symbolism and patient endurance.
Wise Elephant
Trevor O’Tool sculpted this cast‑bronze elephant seated on a park bench as a humorous homage to Rodin’s Thinker, giving the animal human-like contemplation. By inviting visitors to sit beside it, the work blends scale, whimsy and reflection to make art interactive.
Spilling the Wind
Another bronze work by David Turner, this eagle is captured in a near‑vertical soar with one wing reaching upward and the other pointing downward, its sharp eyes looking ahead. A special patina highlights the feathers and the piece’s dynamic composition evokes strength, vision and the promise of flight.
Ely Playing with a Stick
Meg White’s bronze replicates her limestone original inspired by the book Echo of the Elephants, portraying Ely, an elephant calf born with bowed legs who overcame his disability through perseverance and maternal care. The sculpture captures a joyful moment as Ely stretches out to play, celebrating resilience and the transformative power of nurture.
Gift Shop
Purchase your souvenirs here and show your receipt(s) to the staff to take it home.
