617 I-35
San Marcos, TX

The Mermaid March contributes to San Marcos' vibrant, colorful, and quirky atmosphere. Spread throughout the city, these ten larger-than-life mermaid sculptures, standing at approximately seven feet tall, symbolize the uniqueness of San Marcos. Each mermaid represents local tales, popular attractions, and the city's natural flora and fauna. You'll want to see them all for yourself!

617 I-35
San Marcos, TX

Cheryl Latimer, recognized for her distinctive pop art cement sculptures, drew inspiration from her childhood memories of Aquarena Springs and Ralph the Swimming Pig for "Ode to Ralph." Latimer expressed her joy in combining the mermaid with a whimsical interpretation of Ralph, stating, “The idea of combining the mermaid with a fantasy version of Ralph just makes me smile. ‘Ode to Ralph’ will be bright, fun, and unique, just like the City of San Marcos.”

San Marcos

Texas, United States

"Mermaid Map" is a mosaic mermaid, resembling a mer-map, features intricate depictions of roads, train tracks, waterways, and parks. Crafted with exquisite mosaic tiles, it becomes particularly stunning with the sun reflecting in the tiles. “The map shows that nature and civilization are in fact one and the same ecosystem and draws to attention the necessity of balance and mindfulness as this small town expands,” said artist, Grace Park.

San Marcos, TX

"Aqua Reina" is a tribute to the San Marcos River and its diverse flora and fauna, highlighting the inherent beauty of the natural environment in San Marcos. “This amazing place allows us ‘humans’ to remember that we are part of a larger ecosystem. We are a part of this river as much as it is a part of us,” said artist Jamie Kimmel Shelton.

206 N C M Allen Pkwy
San Marcos, TX

Partnering with the Indigenous Cultures Institute, Diana Weems worked collaboratively to ensure the authenticity of the Indigenous design in "Before Us." This sculpture incorporates Native American folklore and imagery, narrating the creation story of the Coahuiltecan people. According to the tale, "In the beginning of humanity, we, The People, were spirits wandering the Underworld. Our emergence from the Sacred Springs was guided by guardian spirits such as Deer, Eagle, Jaguar, Wolf, and the Waterbird."

San Marcos

Texas, United States

Crafted by artist Malachy McKinney, this pop art mermaid draws inspiration from the vintage Aquarena Springs theme park and its attractions. "Mermaid Playground" showcases elements such as Glass-Bottom Boats, the park's logo, fish, Ralph the Swimming Pig, and mermaids, offering a nostalgic glimpse into this bygone era.

San Marcos

Texas, United States

At first glance, "Liquid Metal" appears as a solid black mermaid. Yet, upon closer inspection, the Mirrachrome paint transforms into a reflective surface, mirroring your own image on the mermaid's captivating exterior. “I am stunned by the tiny differences in lighting in a subject from one moment to the next and I am compelled to paint them,” said artist Darin Woods.

137 N Guadalupe St

San Marcos, Texas, United States

April Layman's mermaid, titled "Oh for a Muse of Fire," harbors a unique design secret. Infused with a thermochromic pigment, the statue undergoes a fascinating transformation based on the weather. In cooler temperatures, it takes on a sleek black hue, while heating up unveils an explosive array of colors. Observers can interact with the mermaid by placing their hand on her during the black phase, witnessing the vibrant colors emerge in response to the change in temperature.

110 E Martin Luther King Dr
San Marcos, TX

Utilizing his expertise as a professional wildlife artist, Doug Hiser adorned this mermaid sculpture, "The Fish of the San Marcos Waterways," with depictions of the diverse wildlife found in the river. The intricately detailed fish, all native to the San Marcos River, offer viewers a close-up glimpse of the species they might encounter while enjoying the river.

205 S CM Allen Pkwy
San Marcos, TX

Crafted with clippings from the San Marcos Daily Record, vibrant colors, and adorned with an eclectic fish taco, "Blooming Brightly" presents a playful interpretation of the cultural vibrancy in San Marcos. “Some of those [newspaper] clippings are personal to me, or they are personal to others- we all have a story,” said artist, Lauren Hofmann.

222 W San Antonio St
San Marcos, TX

Morgan Egan drew inspiration for "Dianne" from the enchanting wildscape flower garden at The Price Center and the mermaid's namesake, Dianne Wassenich. As the executive director of the San Marcos River Foundation, Wassenich has made significant contributions to the community and diligently tends to the beautiful flower gardens at The Price Center. Egan describes Wassenich as the living embodiment of everything the mermaid symbolizes – a dedicated appreciator of beauty, a nurturer of healthy natural systems, and someone who cares for the river as meticulously as her own garden, understanding every blade of grass and muddy patch.