Longhorn Mural Brightens Up West Campus In Austin

AUSTIN, TX — West Campus has been artfully brightened up with a new colorful longhorn mural depicting the iconic University of Texas at Austin mascot in colorfully abstract form.

Situated on the well known residence tower on 24th Street, officials said the mural on the Castilian is the creation of Austin-based artist and first year muralist, Micheline Halloul. She began collaborating with American Campus Communities on the mural design last fall and decided that the final concept would be based on a photograph she took of a longhorn at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. She transformed the original photograph into a digital drawing using Adobe Illustrator by adding more colors to the design.

American Campus Communities, which owns and manages the Castilian. "This new mural is sure to be a popular destination for a backdrop for a photo opportunity for students and visitors alike," officials wrote in a press advisory.

Halloul suggested her collaboration with American Campus was a smooth one: “I presented American Campus with the final image and they were totally on board," she said. "It was like we all connected. We placed the mural about the doorway so that people could stand toward the edge of the sidewalk and take a picture.”

Added Gina Cowart, vice president of branding for American Campus Communities: “American Campus Communities believes in contributing to the communities where we have a presence, and that includes working with local artists to showcase their work at our residential communities.” -