The 23rd Street Mural was painted 50 years ago on the side of the UT Co-op. It is Austin’s very first mural. The people and places in the ‘Austintatious Mural’ reflect the cultural scene of our town in 1973. And oh, do they have a story to tell.
This documentary project is not a typical film. It will be an interactive exhibit that lives on the web free for everyone to explore. As you roll over key characters, you’ll watch short films that transport you back in time to learn about that person and the influence they had shaping the personality of our city.
For example, how did the armadillo become an icon for Austin’s counterculture? How did mescaline become the go to drug of Austin? What sandwich vendor beat the University of Texas in court to make food trucks legal? And at what Austin club did Muddy Waters discover Johnny Winter – that led Johnny Winter to help the world re-discover Muddy Waters?
Each vignette gives us a glimpse ‘through the fog’ into the era when the spirit of Austin was born. And taken together this experience tells the story of how Austin became Austin. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 23rd Street Mural, we want to unlock and share the secrets it holds for everyone to enjoy.
Any support is appreciated and will be recognized on the site’s Donation Wall.
Business Sponsorship
There are so many Austin brands and businesses that owe a little thanks to those who make Austin cool in the first place. Become a Business Sponsor and your logo will be a permanent part of the online exhibit. It will be “painted” on the Sponsor Wall and linked back to your own site. Thank you for your support!
About the Filmmakers
MIKE WOOLF (DIRECTOR)
Director Mike Woolf has been making award winning creative content through Beef and Pie Productions for the past 20+ years. He’s explored the kitchy corners of Texas in short docs like “Growin a Beard” the “The 72oz Steak,” and “Something’s Brewin’ in Shiner.” In his feature “Man on a Mission: Richard Garriott’s Road to the Stars” chronicles the first son of an astronaut to go to space. It won best doc at SXSW. The 23rd Street Mural Project is his way of recognizing the creative pioneers of Austin who made it such a special place for him to live his own creative life here. As Austin changes forever, it’s more important than ever to preserve what made this town magical in the first place.
Michelle Crosby, Executive Producer, Beef and Pie Productions
A native Texas, and lover of all documentaries, Michelle is the one keeping us on time and in budget. Although she would like a little more budget to work with.
Landon Peterson, Editor
Landon was born and raised in Austin a decade or so too late. He would have fit in right on the drag in the 70’s playing his guitar, living the bohemian lifestyle and waiting for the new Fabulous Freak Brothers comic book to come out. That’s probably why he feels so closely connected to this subject matter. He is editing the 10+ videos that will play as part of the 23rd St. Mural Experience.
The Graphic Standard, Website Developers
Shane, Grey, John and Shelby are the team behind the website creation. They are designing and programming it from the ground up. Their goal is to create an interactive experience worthy of any museum website. Except it will be a little weird and a whole lotta Austin.
