Van Alstyne's Vibrant New Mural
Van Alstyne was horrified when they learned that a beloved mural of downtown life was painted over. While faded from years of sun, it had a special place for area residents, many that have grown up seeing the mural from the adjacent Van Alstyne Post Office.
What they didn’t know at the time was that Muralist, Calina Mishay Johnson from Abilene, TX. was going to take what was old and make it new again and in the process change a lot of minds.
Very few people could see how anything good was going to come of this. Some demanded the old mural be restored to the original scene while others insisted that any replacement mural had to have the Interurban Train, the boy scout or the three legged dog.
Others were worried that the abstract style of some of her other cities murals wouldn’t do proper justice to the rural history of the City Of Van Alstyne or the original murals theme and style. It’s one thing to be welcomed to paint an artistic scene on a city wall with open arms.
It’s another when the town is disappointed over something being painted over that you had no part in and being asked to replace it. The pressure was on to change the minds of those that complained nothing could replace the original.
Before Calina was finished, she won the hearts of the residents by painting an awesome bright and historic downtown scene with vibrant colors in a style of her own but paying homage to the original.
In the process they saw someone working for hours but always having a few minutes to chat with people dropping by to admire her progress. I think you will agree that she did an excellent job!
Wildflowers Come to Life
She topped it off by doing an original wildflower scene on one business wall and repainting a large faded American Flag on another with a little flair of her own.
All three murals draw people to downtown and they have become destinations to take selfie pictures or used as a backdrop for whatever comes to mind.
US Flag - Van Alstyne,TX
She succeeded in making what was old, new again and gave people a renewed pride in the downtown area. Hopefully she will return and do more.
Come to Van Alstyne to check out her work and enjoy the other old Dr. Pepper and Coke wall advertisements to take you back to another time.
While you are downtown, check out the Van Alstyne Museum, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 1-3 P.M., the Railcar Farmers Market on Tuesdays 4-7 P.M. or enjoy music in the park at the Dorothy Fielder Park.
If you enjoy what you see and would like to make this your home, call local Van Alstyne Realtor, Keith Laursen with Fathom Realty. There are many types of homes from historic to new construction and acreage properties for sale and an excellent school system in the Van Alstyne ISD.
About Calina Mishay Johnson
If you want to know about Calina, watch this video interview with the Texas Country Reporter. t will give you an insight into a very talented muralist that is painting up small towns all over Texas.
You can also see her other work on her Facebook Page.
