New Nolan Street Mural Celebrates Eastside History and Pride
San Antonio’s Eastside is now home to a powerful new public art installation honoring culture, resilience, and community pride. The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture, in partnership with City Council District 2 and with support from the Inner City Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ), has announced the completion of “Heirlooms: Eastside Pride,” a striking mural by San Antonio artist Kaldric Dow. The Nolan Street mural San Antonio project stands as a testament to the area’s vibrant cultural legacy.
Spanning more than 600 feet, the mural is located along the Nolan Street underpass between Cherry and Chestnut streets. The large-scale work serves as a vivid tribute to the cultural vibrancy, bold self-expression, and enduring spirit of the Eastside during the Civil Rights era. Anyone passing through will quickly notice how the Nolan Street mural San Antonio has become a local landmark.
A Visual Tribute to Eastside Legacy
“Heirlooms: Eastside Pride” features layered, collaged imagery inspired by the 1960s and 1970s—an era defined by cultural pride, activism, and transformation within Black communities. The mural highlights fashion trends that shaped identity, references to historically significant street names, and expressive natural elements woven throughout vibrant patterns. Additionally, the Nolan Street mural San Antonio brings this period of activism to life with its powerful depictions.
Together, these elements create a dynamic composition that reflects both the history and the ongoing evolution of the Eastside. The mural invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the stories that have shaped the neighborhood for generations.
Honoring Community Resilience and Creativity
“This artwork is more than a beautiful addition to the Eastside — it’s a powerful tribute to a transformative era in Black history and a reflection of the enduring spirit of this community,” said District 2 Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez. “Kaldric’s work captures the pride, creativity, and resilience that continue to define the Eastside, and we are honored to help bring this meaningful piece to the public.” In summary, the Nolan Street mural San Antonio is a significant artistic achievement for the area.
Artist Vision Comes to Life
Dow, who is nationally recognized for his portraiture exploring identity, heritage, and contemporary Black experiences, describes the mural as deeply rooted in empowerment and connection. Although well known for his studio and portrait work, this project marks his first large-scale mural installation.
“This mural brings together colorful patterns and imagery inspired by the revolutionary spirit of the 60s and 70s,” Dow shared. “My hope is that it fills people with a sense of empowerment and a deeper connection to the community. I wanted to create something that feels both familiar and uplifting, while still sparking a sense of wonder through the pattern work.”
Public Art That Reflects San Antonio’s Story
“Heirlooms: Eastside Pride” is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to investing in public art that reflects the voices, histories, and identities of local communities. Projects like the Nolan Street mural San Antonio not only beautify shared spaces but also preserve cultural narratives and foster neighborhood pride.
To learn more about the Department of Arts & Culture and explore San Antonio’s public art inventory, visit SA.gov/Arts and follow @getcreativesa for updates on local arts initiatives.
