As the Institute of Texan Cultures staff began preparing for the museum’s reopening in early 2026 at Frost Tower, they knew they wanted visitors to feel an instant sense of connection the moment they stepped through the doors. The new lobby offered the perfect opportunity—a spacious wall that seemed to call out for something bold, beautiful, and meaningful.
After thoughtful discussion about how best to make that first impression, the team decided a mural would embody everything the ITC stands for: creativity, cultural richness, and shared heritage. The mural for ITC will be a vivid visual introduction to the museum’s new exhibit floor, which centers on the themes of Home and Family Life, Honoring Heritage and Traditions, Arts and Culture, and Celebrating Community.
To bring that vision to life, ITC reached out to local artists known for transforming public spaces into vibrant reflections of community. A panel of representatives from UT San Antonio departments, including Libraries and Museums leadership and Art and Art History faculty, reviewed numerous design proposals. Out of the many talented proposals, the work of local artist duo Sandra Gonzalez and Malachy McKinney rose to the top.
Gonzalez and McKinney are no strangers to celebrating culture through art. Their signature style is recognizable, making their murals beloved landmarks across Texas, from Corpus Christi and Laredo to San Antonio—any beyond. Now, their artistry will welcome a new wave of visitors eager to explore the stories of Texas and Texans.
Their mural will not only anchor the Frost Tower lobby but is also built to move with the institute when it transitions to its permanent home—a fitting reflection of the ITC’s ongoing journey and the evolving story of Texas itself.
This project carries special meaning for the creative partners as a married couple with a newborn. They see the mural as a reflection of growth—personal, cultural, and communal. Through texture, color, and symbolism, their work captures the spirit of connection across generations and geographies, honoring the diverse roots that continue to shape Texas.
Drawing inspiration from fabrics, native plants, and traditional patterns, the mural will weave together motifs from the various cultures that have shaped the state, including Indigenous American, Mexican American, African American, Asian American, Middle Eastern, Western, Creole, and European communities.
When complete, the mural will serve as both a visual centerpiece and a heartfelt welcome—a place where school groups, families, and visitors from around the world can pause, reflect, and feel part of the story. It’s more than a work of art; it’s a celebration of belonging, marking a new chapter for the Institute of Texan Cultures and the people who call Texas home.