Austin Public Health Partners With Local Artist to Spread Message of Solidarity and Hygiene

Austin, Texas — A new mural at the St. John’s Community Center, 7500 Blessing Ave., is the newest of countless efforts to share a message of hope and a reminder that personal behavior can make a difference.

This mural was commissioned by Austin Public Health (APH) with a design that depicts handwashing and includes this text:

Manos limpias, ¡Austin saludable!
Clean hands, healthy Austin!
¡La lucha es de todos!
It’s everyone’s fight!

The mural focuses on a message that is critical now, with the COVID-19 pandemic surging across the nation, and will also remain relevant for years to come. The longevity of a mural is typically 3-5 years. 

The muralist Claudia Berenice Garza began painting the mural on Dec. 26, 2020, and completed the work on Jan. 13, 2021. 

“Handwashing will ALWAYS be essential for good health and hygiene and I wanted to focus on that. In terms of the phrasing, the one that fit best, was that of this being everyone’s fight,” said Garza about her design proposal.

APH’s mission is to prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of everyone in Austin-Travis County. Art can bring public health messages directly to the people in a way that inspires behavioral change.

“We are excited to share this mural with the community and we hope that it brings a message of positivity and individuals actions having a ripple effect on the health of our community,” said APH Director Stephanie Hayden-Howard. “We sought out a positive message with a reminder of community and togetherness, even when we cannot be together in person.”

The mural is open to the public to take photos. Individuals wishing to take photos at the mural should adhere to gathering restrictions, social distance, wear their masks and, of course, wash their hands frequently.