SAN ANGELO, Texas — The International Waterlily Collection, Angelo State University and Fort Concho National Historic Landmark are just some of San Angelo's many iconic locations, not only for tourists, but for everyday residents, as well.
Back in February 2023, a San Angelo artist was chosen to highlight the city's intricacies by creating a West Texas-inspired mural at the San Angelo Visitor Center, 418 W. Ave. B.
Sharon Flippin, who has a background in graphic design, submitted her design proposal, which was ultimately declared the winner of the artist search competition.
Inspired by the city and its rich history, she blended a mixture of past and present to create her ultimate work.
"It's just a little bit of everything that San Angelo has to offer," Flippin said.
Since September, the designer had been working to fill the Visitor Center's back wall and after 156 hours and plenty of paint layers, her creation was finally unveiled to the public Nov. 15.
"I was excited, it was an honor," Flippin said. "This town is very artistic, we have so many good artists and so to be selected out of everybody who applied to do this, I felt honored."
Flippin drew inspiration from the Visitor Center volunteers, as well, who typically start a conversation by asking newcomers, "Where are you from?"
She also scattered five hidden hearts, or "Easter Eggs," as she put it, throughout the design for viewers to discover.
Although she is not one to put focus on herself, Flippin is proud to have her work be part of San Angelo's history for years to come.
"This has been, like I said in my little speech, it's more than just paint on the wall, it's bringing everybody together," she said. "This is our community, you know, everybody needs to support each other and encourage each other just to inspire people to be part of San Angelo, you know."
With highlights of blue, yellow and red hues, Flippin pays homage to the Concho Valley in a whole new light.