Posts Tagged ‘Deep Eddy Mural’

Deep Eddy Mural, Family and Final Push

Posted on: July 11th, 2011

Hi Friends,
As many of you know I have been working on the Deep Eddy Mural, funded in part by Austin’s Art in Public Places. When my fellow art therapist, Wanda Montemayor, asked me to help out on this project I did not realize my ancestor would be part of the mural and the history of Deep Eddy that the wall tells.

Here is a photo of the original home of Charles Johnson, my great great Grandfather, who owned the land where Deep Eddy now stands.

Here is a picture, although not great of the Charles Johnson house on the tile mural. It serves as the American Legion overlooking the banks of Lady Bird Lake near the hike and bike trail.

And here is one of the Charles Johnson Family

My great grandfather, Henry Johnson, is the oldest son on the front row to the far right with his arms folded. He and his sister opened the original bathing beach and camp ground before selling the place to Mr. Eilers.

Tonight we start the final week of buttering up tiles and filling in blank spaces between tiles or “nugging” as it is affectionately called. If you have a spare moment, come on down to the pool this week starting at 5:30pm to help clean, or “nug” or just cheer us on. Hopefully grouting will begin soon. She is a lovely mural indeed and she glitters at night. Great work Wanda and her other leader, Lisa Orr. Stay cool, and
Be well,
Laura

Deep Eddy Mural and Video

Posted on: July 5th, 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54PKSzOxysg

My friend and fellow art therapist Wanda Montemayor sent me this video about the tiles we made on Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day with teen mother’s this past May at Travis High School. I think you will like it.

This past week I was also able to help with the Deep Eddy Mural Project by installing tiles down at the pool. Here I am with gloves and sponge in hand. More work to do this week.

My great great grandfather, Charles Johnson, who immigrated from Sweden, once owned the land where Deep Eddy now stands. There is historical information about him on the mural which for me was another surprise. I love Austin even in this unbearable heat.

Deep Eddy Mural and Wanda Montemayor

Posted on: June 16th, 2011

Deep Eddy Mural and Mosiac

My friend and art therapist, Wanda Monteymayor, has worked long hours this past year to get ready to install this beautiful mural at Deep Eddy.

The group started this past weekend when I was out of town, but I plan to help Wanda with tile work this week. Even the Mayor Lee Leffingwell came out to help.

Mayor Lee Leffingwell at the Deep Eddy Mural

What is special for me personally is Deep Eddy was originally owned by my family (GG Grandfather), Charles Johnson, a Swedish immigrant who came to Austin seeking fortune and a better life. His original limestone home is located near the pool and initially a few of his children opened Deep Eddy as a swimming hole.
So if you have some time or inclination to help I know Wanda would welcome your talents or you if want to donate to the Friends of Deep Eddy, please do. Today Wanda is my hero.

Be well,
Laura