I have documented several of these public art pieces. One peeling image adorns a panel on the side of the El Milagro tortillaria. The other is a painted over and significantly altered version of a folk mural on a trendy restaurant wall. Here on East 7th Street, the latest image of the Virgin Mother is visible from the busy thoroughfare, but she really welcomes diners as they approach the window to order. The stenciled artwork shows the hand of sophisticated contemporary street artist.
Asking about the mural, as I placed my order, I learned that Our Lady is actually a warm-up for a larger mural. “They’re going to do a bigger one on the Manor Road place.” It wasn’t clear if that mural will also reference a religious icon. But I’m sure I’ll find out when I do my next taco run.
El Chilito Tacos Y Café, 1623 East 7th @ Chalmers, Austin, Texas