19. “A” Street Art Corridor Artworks. The Downtown District envisions an art corridor with an array of original pieces along “A” Street, from Jackson north to Madison. Among the artworks created so far are:

Vanessa Blue by Leo Rivera, 2009

Day In and Day Outby Alexander Comminos, 2015

Birds by Chris Valdez, 2009

Getting to Downtown Harlingen is easy.

It’s just minutes from the I-69E / I-2 interchange or Valley International Airport and approximately 40 miles from South Padre Island, 35 miles from

McAllen, and 25 miles from Brownsville.

Bring some friends and enjoy seeing the murals of Downtown Harlingen!

For more information: (956) 216-4910

downtownharlingen.com

In addition to murals, there are several locally-owned restaurants,

great shops, galleries, and many helpful services in Downtown Harlingen. Parking is free, both on the street

and in public lots.

Images are by John Scheiber Photography and Downtown Harlingen

unless otherwise credited.

Harlingen h as a long Mural traditionWorks from the 1940s and 50s are still on public display. Come see the many larger-than-life-size artworks

that brighten the streets of historic Downtown Harlingen and decorate walls inside businesses*. Most portray aspects of Harlingen and Valley history and culture.Downtown

20. Live to Inspireby Tam Lopez, 2018 305 W. Van Buren Photo credit: Ekfraztik

21. Rio Grande Grillby Chris Demise, 2007417 W. Van BurenMexican Señor and Señorita and Longhorn SkullPhoto credit: Stefania Trimboli

*Murals inside buildings can be seen

during business hours.

Jelly Beansby Rachel & Alexander Comminos, 2015

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MuralLocationsin DowntownHarlingen

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1. The History of Mexico and Mankind by Raúl Esparza Sanchez, 1975 Centennial Park, 101 S. West StreetThis spectacular artwork, with rich imagery from Mexican history and legend, is comprised of 905 handcrafted ceramic tiles. The artist’s description of his work appears in granite in front of each section.

2. The Early Days by Jermain Steed, 2001 West wall of 120 S. CommerceKey to Harlingen’s early development were Hispanic pioneers, water, and the railroad, which arrived in 1904. City founder Lon C. Hill watches over Harlingen’s development. The city’s tallest building is shown under construction in 1927.

3. From Farm to Market through Harlingen by Brett Oberthaler, 2015 West wall of 201 W. Van BurenHistoric images of Valley agriculture processing, from crops in the field to icing of produce in railroad cars in Downtown Harlingen. Produce labels are from companies that once operated in Harlingen.

4. Welcome to Harlingen’s Downtown by Chris Valdez, 2005 Rear wall of 207 W. JacksonCreated to greet visitors to the city center.

5. The Story of Bread by Normah Knight, 1948 Inside 218 W. JacksonHistorical survey of breadmaking, from the field to the bakery to the finished loaf. Commissioned by the Holsum Baking Company for the lobby of its facility at 1500 W. Harrison and displayed there until the bakery closed in 1996.

6. Tropical Birds of the Border by Tony Muñoz, 2012 North wall of 213 N. CommerceArtwork celebrates the beauty and diversity of the region’s birds, with Black-bellied Whistling Ducks and other species in flight or hidden in the habitat. 7. Historic Route 77 by John Aretakis, 2005 208 N. Commerce This mural captures the thrill of the American road trip, and nostalgic images of Harlingen motor courts and diners that lured travelers off the road in post-WW II America.

8. Dia de los Muertos by eRic Luplow, 2008 208 N. Commerce This homage to local Day of the Dead ceremonies shows Katrina, the popular female skeleton figure, leading a parade of musicians and farmers through the city cemetery.

9. A Tribute to Bill Haley and His Comets by John Aretakis, 2003 South wall of 202 W. MonroeIn July 1955 “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley and his Comets was the first rock ‘n’ roll record to reach #1 on the pop charts and become an international hit. Haley (1925-1981) lived in Harlingen at the end of his career.

10. Tropical Rio Grande Valley by Benjamin P. Varela and Celeste De Luna, 2007 East wall surrounding the property at 213 W. MonroeThe mural features unique aspects of the border region, including an accordionist, the powerful Texas sun, Red-crowned Parrots, and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles.

11. Building a Community of Learners by Phil Yeh and community volunteers, 1997 East wall of 101 E. MonroeFrom 1985-2000, Yeh toured the U.S. painting murals to call attention to illiteracy. Look for his trademark dinosaurs and the slogan, Read: Avoid Extinction.

12. Oaxacan Dragon by Chris Valdez, 2005 North wall of 123 E. Jackson

Many shops on the border sell wooden sculptures of fantastical dragons and brightly colored flying serpents made by woodcarvers in the Oaxaca Valley of Mexico. Valdez also painted the frogs, dragonflies, and flowers on adjacent walls.

13. Mid-Century Modern Mosaic by Shirley Voekrodt, 1958 219 E. JacksonCommissioned by architect John G. York when the building was remodeled for Harlingen National Bank. The mural’s geometric overlay of tiles in different colors complemented York’s organization of the façade as a composition of planes.

14. From Here to Harlingen by Tony Schaub, 2008 East wall of 209 E. JacksonA landscape portrayal of local wildlife with a touch of imagination. Painted in recessed window openings, the images alter perception, making viewers look outside instead of in.

15. Tropical Playground of Texas by John Aretakis, 2004 East wall of 123 E. JacksonThis colorful mural depicts Harlingen activities and attractions, including birding, fishing, golfing, and antiquing.

16. The Golden Age of Hollywood & Mexican Cinema in Harlingen by Angel Hernandez, 2004 East wall of 103 W. JacksonThis mural, on the side of one of Harlingen’s first movie theatres, features images of mid-century Harlingen theatres, movie stars, and promotional posters.

17. Downtown Harlingen: Where the Past is Present by Brett Oberthaler, 2013 West wall of 116 W. Van Buren

Each of the seven sections show a historic Downtown Harlingen building that has been repurposed to meet the needs of today’s marketplace. Painted in full color from historic black-and-white photographs.

18. Portofino by Reynaldo Alvardo, Jr., 2015 Inside 204 W. JacksonDesigned to create an attractive backdrop for musicians and other performers.

You haven’t experienced Harlingen until you see our murals!