Art on the Bayou! Downtown’s Fly New Mural

Anthony Rathbun
Art on the Bayou! Downtown’s Fly New Mural

THERE'S NO SHORTAGE of wildlife along the ample trails that line the city's bayous, but soon cyclists, joggers and walkers alike will be able to take in wildlife in another dimension — 2D, that is. Coming soon to the Bayou Greenway trail, at the confluence of White Oak and Buffalo Bayous, right next to the University of Houston-Downtown's One Main Building, is a wildlife-themed mural by Ink Dwell studio co-founder and artist Jane Kim that will showcase some of the birds that make their home in our city's bayous. San Francisco-based Kim is responsible for dozens of public installations across the country highlighting the migration patterns of wildlife.


The Downtown project, announced recently by the Houston Parks Board and Buffalo Bayou Partnership, will be titled Confluence. The behemoth mural, which clocks in at 223 feet in length, will be divided up into three different sections that each feature a variety of birds that rest their tailfeathers along the city's bayous during different seasons of the year. Houston is geographically in the center of North America's largest migratory flyway.

"Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States," says Kim, "and that's not just limited to its people. The region's wetlands attract a spectacular array of bird life, and Confluence is a monument to that beauty and diversity."

Behind the birds will be painted a map of Houston's bayous, which will bring movement and energy to the piece.

"The bayous define our city, bringing wildlife and nature to our own backyards," said Beth White, President and CEO of Houston Parks Board in a statement. "We hope that this mural will be a focal point for trail users and encourage Houstonians to learn more about the waterways that make Houston unique."

Installation of the mural began in early March of this year and is expected to be finished in another couple of weeks.

Art + Entertainment
Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala

CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool

WHETHER YOU PREFER Alice, the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts, Communities In Schools of Houston’s A Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary GalaA Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary Gala is not to be missed! Join in the celebration for a whimsical good time on Thursday, April 4th, at the luxurious Post Oak Hotel.

Keep Reading Show less

BY NOW, MOST of us are bracing for whatever Mother Nature decides to bring next week, be it snow, ice, or just a lot of bad traffic.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

JUST IN TIME for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, Jinya Ramen is opening its 70th (!) location in Pearland. Known for its thick, rich broth and flavorful noodles — thanks to the specialized water used to prepare its broth and the aging process its noodles undergo — Jinya also touts a wide array of authentic toppings, from tender pork chashu to shrimp wonton.

Keep Reading Show less