Five canvases are making their way across the Austin Community College District in the coming months, showcasing an integral part of Austin’s past – and providing a window to the future.
The canvases are part of a mural that traces the role and history of education for the Mexican-American community in East Austin, including the Montopolis, Riverside, Govalle, and Del Valle areas. Renowned artist Fidencio Durán painted the mural, commissioned by ACC’s Latino/Latin American Studies Center (El Centro).
“This mural is a wonderful way to recognize this community’s challenges, accomplishments, and aspirations for the future,” says Dr. Mariano Díaz-Miranda, director of El Centro. “Each panel of the mural takes you into another point in time in a powerful way.”
El Centro dedicated the mural in September at Riverside Campus. The mural will go on display at many of ACC’s campuses throughout the fall and spring; it will then be permanently exhibited at Riverside.
“It was amazing to see ACC, El Centro, and the community celebrate my work,” says Durán. “I feel honored to have a major work in the stewardship of this appreciative and talented community.”
The mural shows more than 100 years of history, beginning with the opening of the first public schools for Mexican-American students in the late 1800s. The mural concludes with recent growth and development as well as depictions of educational opportunities to come. | Read more about the panels and the artist.
“I would like for people to take away from the mural a passion for the power 
of art and its ability to celebrate life in its struggles and achievements, give life to our hopes, and help remedy our misgivings,” notes Durán.
Durán’s artwork appears in public and private collections in the United States and around the world. One of his best-known works, “The Visit,” appears above the check-in counter at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
“My art is really about the idea that you can find beauty everywhere, that everybody’s life is significant in one form or another,” says Durán.
For El Centro, that’s exactly what the mural embodies.
“I encourage the entire community to take time to visit the mural,” says Dr. Díaz-Miranda. “It’s both educational and inspirational.”
Mural exhibit schedule
September 15-October 7: Riverside Campus (1020 Grove Blvd.)
October 14-November 14: Cypress Creek Campus (1555 Cypress Creek Rd., Cedar Park)
November 21-December 31: Highland Business Center (5930 Middle Fiskville Rd.)
January 10-February 1: Rio Grande Campus (1212 Rio Grande St.)
February 6-27: Pinnacle Campus (7748 Hwy. 290 West)
March 1-23: Northridge Campus (11928 Stonehollow Dr.)
April 2-30: South Austin Campus (1820 W. Stassney Ln.)
El Centro is an inter-disciplinary, college-wide center supporting Latino and Mexican-American studies. It strives to increase understanding in the ACC and Central Texas communities of the culture, history, and contributions of Latinos.
For more information on the mural exhibit, contact El Centro at [email protected] or 223.6360.
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By Fidencio Duran October 1, 2011 - 2:27 pm
Thank you ACC, Dr. Miranda-Diaz, and El Centro! Everything looks fabulous! The booklet is very impressive. Fidencio Duran
By Darwin Thomas October 5, 2011 - 12:15 pm
I reviewed the mural booklet online; the mural along with its related descriptive information carries a powerful message, with a local history review relevant to the Austin community and beyond.
Is the booklet available in a paper copy? I think the widest distribution of this information is essential.
Many thanks to everyone involved in this effort.
By Fidel Omar Rodriguez October 5, 2011 - 4:07 pm
Loved the slideshow and wish I could have been there. I’m definitely planning on going to see the mural very soon!
By Fidencio Duran October 7, 2011 - 1:43 pm
Mr. Thomas: A printed copy of the booklet is available. The department of Student Success and Recruitment at ACC Highland Business Center should have more copies. If they can not help, please send me:[email protected] your mailing address and I will send you a copy. Thank you for your appreciation and support.
Fidencio