Downtown Mural Moves Forward With More Funding

A downtown mural at 213 E. Rusk St. moved forward Tuesday after the Rockwall City Council approved $35,000 in funding for the project, raising the cap from the original request of $28,800. The mural will go on the side of Charlie’s Burgers and street tacos in historic downtown Rockwall.

The project is being led by the Rockwall Art Commission and artist Emily Jacks Holdsworth, who told council she has several murals around town and was especially excited about this one. She said the wall is about 80 feet long and 12 feet high, and the plan is to keep the brick surface visible while adding a large public artwork that reflects Rockwall’s history, culture, and landscape.

Holdsworth said the concept is nearly complete and includes Texas flowers, wildlife and sunset imagery, plus a butterfly element tied to the downtown butterfly garden. The only remaining design choice she mentioned was whether the music notes across the top would reference the Yellow Rose of Texas or the Rockwall High School fight song. She also said the project could involve students from Rockwall ISD.

Council members said the Art Commission had gone through several revisions on the design before bringing it forward. They also discussed possible solar lighting for the mural, with city staff saying the final cost could rise above the original amount to cover that work. The project is expected to include exterior preparation, protective sealant and a finish designed to last about 10 years.