About
The Rhapsody Mural is a large piece of street art on East 11th Street in Austin, Texas, where bold color and a sense of creative energy define the streetscape. It makes a rewarding stop for anyone interested in the city's artistic character.
What you will see
The mural is a 50-foot-long mosaic made of ceramic tile, completed in 2003. Its surface is built from many small pieces of tile, giving the work texture and sparkle up close and a strong, colorful presence from across the plaza.
The story behind it
The mural was created by John Yancey, a studio art professor at the University of Texas, together with Luis Alicea and Steven B. Jones. It was commissioned in 2003 as part of the Eleven East project, funded by the Austin Revitalization Authority. Its theme celebrates the Black blues and jazz music scene that once thrived in East Austin, so the artwork is also a tribute to a community's musical history.
The mural sits in Charles E. Urdy Plaza, at the corner of East 11th and Waller Streets. The plaza also has a clocktower and green space, making it a pleasant place to pause.
Making a visit
A visit here is best kept short and easy: stop by for a photo, take a few minutes to look closely at the tilework, and enjoy the plaza around it. Because the area is close to other murals, cafés, and music venues, the mural also works well as one stop on a stroll through this part of town.