Client: City of San Antonio, Department of Arts & Culture

Overview

Orgullo Tejano (Tejano Pride) honors San Antonio’s music. Created by San Antonio artist Luis Lopez, this sculpture honors the musical legacy of the historic corridor in which it is located. The towering mosaic figure becomes a lively jewel along Historic Old Highway 90. This stretch of road has a long history of music and dance venues and remains home to numerous legacy businesses including a prominent record shop. The piece references Tejano and Conjunto music and culture, which are important to South Texas and beyond. These popular genres take influence from a fusion of different cultures. The symbolism of the piece showcases connections, traditions, and cultural roots between Texas, Europe, and Mexico. The figure, an accordion player, features an instrument that becomes an extension of his body. From his mouth flows the image of a scroll, a symbol often used in Mesoamerican cultures to identify speech and sound. His melody and songs attract a group of indigenous figures responding to his call as they appear on his accordion. The colors used in the piece recall the era in which Tejano began. This piece aims to create a landmark that will inspire generations of music and art lovers worldwide.

Goals

Public art projects managed by the City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture go through an official Public Art Process which includes extensive community engagement. The engagement process guides the project based on what the impacted community wishes to see. This feedback is structured so the artist can still create work within their own unique style and utilize influences and inspiration meaningful to them. The results of the community engagement for Orgullo Tejano (Tejano Pride) expressed the artwork should focus on music traditions and celebrations—specifically the historical and cultural importance of music to the area. Respondents also suggested the piece be realistic, symbolic, timeless, utilize a bright color palette, and be made of stone or metal. Artist Luis Lopez created Orgullo Tejano (Tejano Pride) keeping the community’s input at the forefront of his design. The sculpture has become a cherished artwork to residents with many sharing praise of how much this piece means to the local community.

Process

Orgullo Tejano (Tejano Pride) is in a vibrant and lively neighborhood on the Westside of San Antonio, Texas. The stretch of road has been identified by the City of San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation as a Legacy Corridor as businesses have operated for over twenty years, contributing to the historic, culture, and authentic identity of San Antonio. Because of these businesses and the long musical history of the area, the artwork was intended to be a sight specific sculpture that directly spoke to and inspired current and future residents. The artist and staff worked with local business owners who represented this community throughout the project. Staff held in person and virtual review meetings to keep stakeholders engaged. The artist worked with several other artists to fabricate and install the piece. Staff monitored the project to ensure quality was being met. The project ended in a dedication with all collaborators involved to celebrate the project’s completion. As a final token of celebration, the project was featured as the official 2024 City of San Antonio Fiesta medal—as give away item part of a large Citywide celebration that occurs every spring.

Additional Information

This project was Luis Lopez’s first commissioned public art project with the City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture. Lopez had previously received commissions from private entities and has projects throughout the city. Lopez is originally from Tamaulipas, Mexico. He noted that this project was meaningful to him in how it showcased historical and cultural exchange between Mexico and Texas. A sentiment he hoped would resonate with many San Antonians. The project is one of the largest works of mosaic on the City’s collection. The mosaic pieces that make up the sculpture were made entirely by hand including the forming, glazing, firing, cutting, and placement. Orgullo Tejano (Tejano Pride) also has a connectivity piece, or a smaller scale sculpture that is a single component of this larger artwork. The connectivity piece is an outstretched accordion located at the River Walk Public Art Garden. This outdoor museum is located on the famed San Antonio River Walk. Created with a goal of inspiring residents and visitors alike to see more of the city. These smaller pieces act as glimpse into the treasures San Antonio has to offer outside of the Downtown corridor.