Shawn Gillespie completed the city's newest, and perhaps longest, mural, called "The Austinites" on September 16th. As Gillespie was dabbing on the last bits of purple paint, Leslie Cochran dropped by to inspect his portrait. Leslie, best known for his minimalist approach to cross-dressing, then said, “I really like your art, but could you give me a little more hair?” The artist obliged, but drew the line at larger breasts. Now you will always know where to find a formally attired version of Austin's best known street person: the south wall of the Hickory Street Bar and Grill. more ›

Remember the wall painting along the north side of 8th Street just west of Congress? It was covered up a few years ago, and now the new owner of the Hickory Street Bar and Grill, Colin McClelland, has decided that Austin needs something fresh, something singular, and something, for the moment at least, mysterious. McClelland promised that it will not become a billboard. "I want a mural that represents Austin," he said. An artist, Shawn Gillespie, will soon apply his paintbrush to that pea-green, stair-step wall and bring some privately sponsored art to a public space. Feel free to drop by watch or, to use Thoreau's words, "represent spectatordom" - a time-honored, summertime goof-off activity. more ›