Bugle Boy’s 20th Anniversary Celebrated With Mural Dedication
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A big crowd of Bugle Boy supporters came to the live music venue Thursday morning for a mural dedication. Artist Tyler Kay recently completed the mural on the side of the building. It is the second mural she has painted in La Grange. Photo by Andy Behlen
Dozens of supporters attended a dedication ceremony for a new mural on the side of the Bugle Boy listening room in La Grange Thursday morning, July 3.
Commissioned for the Bugle Boy’s 20th anniversary, the mural by artist Tyler Kay celebrates the Bugle Boy’s musical contribution to La Grange’s culture.
“As I designed this mural, I wanted those passing by to feel a spark of curiosity – to wonder what hidden gem lies inside this building,” Kay said.
The mural depicts musicians playing various instruments – accordion, fiddle, piano, stand-up bass, drums and of course guitars. It also features the venue’s iconic red curtain and the “Quiet Please” sign.
La Grange Mayor Jan Dockery spoke at the dedication. She called the venue a “cornerstone of our cultural identity in La Grange.” Dockery thanked Kay for her passion and creativity.
The mural was funded partially through a $2,500 grant from the City of La Grange Community Development’s Mural Grant Program. This is the second mural Kay has painted in La Grange. Hart Land Real Estate commissioned her for a mural on the side of their building that she completed last year.
Kay’s creative footprint continues to grow across Texas. Some of her recent projects include a painting collaboration for Junk Gypsy and country star Miranda Lambert’s Big Loud Texas headquarters in Austin. She also completed a 1,500 sq. ft. mural for the City of Katy in their historic downtown square. In addition, she has recently been hired to paint a mural for Potter’s Western Store in Columbus for their 60th Anniversary. The City of Bellville also recently hired her for a community engagement mural, in which she’ll help locals paint their own story.
Heather Allbright, Bugle Boy’s executive director, said Kay has become so in-demand recently that she didn’t think the Bugle Boy could afford to hire if they had to start the project today.
“The Bugle Boy is such a special place where incredible music and community come together, and I wanted the artwork to hint at that magic and invite people to discover it for themselves,” Kay said.