A Sculptor's First Mosaic

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Imagine stepping completely out of your comfort zone in front of a live audience. That is exactly what multimedia artist Felipe Gomez did right here on Rainey Street. Born in Bogota, Colombia, and now based in Austin, Gomez is known for his diverse creative talents as a Paseo Artist in Residence.

But during Paseo's Mosaic Fest, he decided to try something entirely new. In the middle of Rainey Street's fresh open-air art alley, Gomez set to work installing his first-ever mosaic. Step by step, he carefully placed hand-cut tile pieces, transforming a blank surface into a vibrant, permanent part of the neighborhood's landscape.

While Austin is home to established venues like The Mosaic Workshop that teach this craft to people of all ages, watching a seasoned resident artist navigate the medium for the very first time brought a unique energy to the alley. It is a brilliant reminder of what happens when we dare to experiment. As you walk through Rainey Street today, keep an eye out for the intricate textures of the art around you, born from a leap of faith and a handful of hand-cut tiles.

Updated June 2026