Public Art Initiative

What first started as an inquiry from City Council regarding the creation of murals on City traffic signal boxes, turned into a much more involved endeavor. In February 2021, a study and survey revealed a strong desire from residents for public art and identified specific locations and ideas.

Two months later, a partnership with Up Art Studio—a civic art group based in Houston—was formed to help staff develop a Public Art Initiative, which was officially launched in May 2021 at League Park with the unveiling of a public mural. This beautiful mural—painted on a utility cabinet—tells the story of our community’s early history, including cattle ranching, the railroad, and the oak trees that line Main Street.

The Public Art Initiative is being guided by City staff, consultants with expertise in the field, and with local volunteers who serve on the Keep League City Beautiful Committee. The overall goal is to bring more public art, art-related events, and art programming to League City.

By the end of 2021, six mini murals were painted on traffic signal boxes throughout the City, a free public art gallery was created inside the lobby of the Civic Center, and an interactive mural was added to the side of the caboose in League Park.

More traffic box murals were painted by artists in 2022, and in the summer of 2022, artworks created by Clear Creek ISD students were graphically printed and wrapped on utility boxes across League City. More large-scale and interactive murals are planned, as are several sculptures at City parks and facilities.

As a result of overwhelming interest and support for League City’s Public Art Initiative, a new non-profit group called the Patrons of the Parks and Arts Foundation was created to assist City staff’s efforts to facilitate the presence of public art and the availability of art and cultural services, programs, and events in League City.

League City’s Public Art Initiative is expanding to include different types of visual arts—including sculptures and photography—as well as different materials including wood, bronze, and even yarn. Stay tuned in the coming months for various new projects and exhibits at City facilities, parks, and events. If interested in becoming involved in League City’s Public Art Initiative, email sarah.osborne@leaguecitytx.gov.