SAN ANTONIO — A local artist is stirring up fond memories of childhood games with his new artwork in the downtown area.
71-year-old artist Joe Villareal is known for his west side life paintings but his newest projects, two statues of a trompo and a newspaper kite were unveiled at the intersection of West Commerce Street and North Frio Street.
Villarreal said he had a vision of sharing his artwork with the community and wanted to recreate the toys that kept him entertained as a child.
The well-known artist said most kids do not know what a trompo is anymore so he hopes his artwork can be educational for viewers.
"As they pass by, the older people that are driving might tell their kids what they are. And some may have even participated doing the trompo," Villarreal said.
The newspaper kite depicts images from the historic La Prensa newspaper of kids playing with the trompo and chasing the ice cream man.
Villarreal said he chose the kite because it depicts the same kind of kite he would make as a kid using newspapers and homemade glue.
"Those simple things are gone but not forgotten at least not to us elders," he said.
Villarreal believes it's important to have artwork like his in San Antonio so kids don't forget the past.
"It's part of them. It's part of their culture. I know it's important to me and it's a legacy I'm going to leave behind," Villarreal said.
The statues have been in the works for the last two years. The were commissioned by the City of San Antonio Arts and Culture department, headed by Krystal Jones and Project Manager Bianca Alvarez.
Villarreal also credits Cade Bradshaw and Stuart Allen from Bridge Projects and Autumn and Simon Saleh from Wanderlust Ironworks for their help with this project. He also wanted to give a special thanks to his brother-in-law Carlos Hernandez.
On Tuesday, June 25 the city announced the completion of the west-side art pieces.
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