Islander Students Make Bold Mark during Mural Fest 2025
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As part of Corpus Christi’s fourth annual Mural Fest, a splash of color and creativity was added to the city with the unveiling of a brand-new mural at Concrete Street Amphitheater. The large-scale artwork, designed and painted by two students from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, contributes to a week-long celebration of public art and creative expression.
The mural, created by communication design majors Chloe Hill ’25 and Jayden Rea ’25, reflects a bold fusion of music, culture, and coastal energy. The piece is a striking addition to one of Corpus Christi’s premier entertainment venues and features vibrant colors and a coastal-meets-cowboy aesthetic. Its eye-catching design also makes it an ideal photo op for concertgoers — an “Insta-worthy” backdrop perfect for sharing the Corpus Christi vibe on social media.
Hill began work on the mural during an internship with CSA Marketing Group, the company behind venues like Concrete Street Amphitheater, Brewster Street Icehouse, and Hurricane Alley.
“I’ve always gone to shows at Concrete Street, so it was really exciting to be part of something that gives back to Corpus Christi,” Hill said. “When I joined CSA, they were open to letting me lead a project, and I jumped at the chance to design a mural, something I’d never done before.”
Set against a dramatic dark background, the mural features bursts of bright, eye-catching color and incorporates musical elements alongside iconic imagery including native plants, coastal sea life, and a silhouette of Corpus Christi’s newest bridge.
Rea, also an intern with CSA, teamed up with Hill to complete the second half of the mural. The collaboration combined two different design styles in a unified, dynamic piece.
“It was great to have our own space to brainstorm and refine our ideas,” Rea said. “It was a unique experience to be part of something so visible and lasting.”
Both Hill and Rea credit TAMU-CC’s Communication Design program, formerly known as Graphic Design, for preparing them for real-world creative work. The program emphasizes both traditional and digital design, equipping students with a versatile skill set and a strong portfolio that positions them well for careers in a competitive field.
“We typically have around 15 students in design-focused internships each semester,” said Nancy Miller, TAMU-CC Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Communication Design. “These experiences are critical in helping our students land jobs with companies like Poppi and Hasbro.”
Hill’s internship has already paid off, and she will continue working with CSA Marketing Group after graduation. Rea, meanwhile, is returning to her home state of Colorado to continue exploring her artistic path.
“This program has helped me figure out who I am as a designer,” Rea said. “It gave me the space to try new things, push boundaries, and collaborate with people who inspire me.”
To learn more about the Communication Design program at TAMU-CC, visit https://www.tamucc.edu/samc/art-and-design/graphic-design/index.php. For a full schedule of Mural Fest 2025 events, visit https://downtowncorpuschristi.org/events/mural-fest-2025.
