Local artist Karen Maness has designed and will soon debut her “Austin Bound,” mural in the very heart of Austin, at the new Starbucks in the expanded and remodeled lobby of the Radisson Hotel and Suites Austin, located downtown on Town Lake. Maness’ work can be found in private collections in the United States and Europe. The eight-by-twelve-foot eclectic Austin mural will be debuted August 12, at the Grand Opening of the new full-service Starbucks store in the remodeled lobby of the Radisson Hotel. The new Starbucks will serve hotel guests and the surrounding downtown business community and tourists.
“I’ve been wanting to do a permanent work in Austin because I’m eager to give back to the city,” says Maness, resident scenic artist for the University of Texas Performing Arts Center. “Austin has been an incredible home for me the past 6 years and has given me the opportunity to create the life that I want—as it has for so many people.”
The mural includes favorite Austin scenes, most of which are within walking distance to the Radisson Hotel, including the State Capitol, the flight of bats from the Congress Avenue Bridge, Town Lake, Lance Armstrong speeding by in his yellow jersey, local music, and the University of Texas Tower.
“Our hotel has been central to Downtown Austin and its growing attractions for almost 40 years, says Radisson GM Tom Schurr. “When people come to Austin, they look for a location that allows them to experience the true heart of the city. We’re proud to be that hotel, and this mural represents our connection to Austin.”
Maness says the design was a very conscious decision to connect all the elements of this active community. Her home and studio are downtown, just blocks from the Radisson Hotel and Suites Austin. So just as Town Lake weaves through the neighborhood; it unites the elements of the mural together.
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