San Antonio's Historic Market Square has just been dolled up with a splash of color and culture, courtesy of a new mural series titled 'The Echoes of Market Square.' Local artists Eva Marengo Sanchez and Mike Arguello have put brush to column, producing a vibrant ode to the Square's storied history and pulsating future, according to a release from the City of San Antonio's Department of Arts & Culture. This artistic endeavor has transformed The Pass, the breezy urban recreation space nestled under the I-35 between Dolorosa and Commerce streets, into an art gallery without walls, adorn with lively images on its eight hefty columns.

With Friday's public art dedication right around the corner, Sanchez couldn't contain her pride. "It's by far the largest project I’ve ever undertaken, and I feel incredibly grateful for the experience and proud to help represent my city’s culture through public art," Sanchez told the City of San Antonio's news team. Come April 19, at 11 a.m., the dedication will share the limelight with the kick-off of the 10-day Fiesta de Los Reyes, as reported by the City of San Antonio.

Krystal Jones, the Director of the Department of Arts & Culture, described the murals as a visual dialogue of Market Square's narrative. "The mural covers over 30 sides of the columns, with each artwork speaking directly to the history and stories of Historic Market Square," Jones said, citing the depth of research and community engagement that went into the project's execution.

The Market Square — a treasured stomping ground that has been a staple for locals and tourists since 1730 thanks to the benevolence of the Spanish monarchy — continues to thrive with its 100-odd locally-owned enterprises. Taking a personal angle in this monumental artwork, Arguello, a descendant of the Canary Islanders who were among San Antonio's early settlers, expressed his deep connection to the project. "Knowing that I’m connected to the original families from that area to settle in San Antonio makes this project an immense honor," he shared with the city's news team.

Sanchez and Arguello's murals serve as a vibrant lexicon of Market Square's traditions and community spirit. Visitors will find food-related images, like gorditas, tortillas, and aguas frescas, which are a testament to the Square's culinary heartbeat. The artwork also winks at cherished childhood recollections with depictions of toys such as marionettes, and resonates with cultural echoes through visuals of mariachi bands and nods to Fiesta and Día de los Muertos festivities. For more details about The Echoes of Market Square and the city's arts initiatives, drop by SanAntonio.gov/Arts and keep tabs on events via @getcreativesa.