A Mural for the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center

I recently had the incredible opportunity to paint a mural for the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center in Lucas, Texas. This piece now lives on the stage where the center hosts their educational programs, so it will serve as a backdrop for the community, students, and visitors who come to learn about raptors and conservation.

The mural features two powerful birds of prey: a Red-tailed Hawk and an American Kestrel, set against the backdrop of the prairie landscape. These birds are not only iconic to Texas, they also represent the important work the center does to protect, rehabilitate, and educate about native raptors and their habitats. Painting them in such a prominent place felt both meaningful and inspiring.

The Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, located in Lucas, Texas, is dedicated to preserving native birds of prey and restoring the Blackland Prairie ecosystem. They provide rehabilitation for injured raptors, release healthy birds back into the wild, and offer educational programs that connect people with wildlife in unforgettable ways. The center is also deeply committed to restoring the endangered Blackland Prairie, one of the most threatened ecosystems in North America.

One of the highlights of this project was getting to tour the facility and meet some of the raptors in their care. Seeing these birds up close, learning their stories, and watching the dedication of the staff gave me a whole new level of appreciation for the work being done here. It was such an honor to combine my art with their mission and create something that will be part of their educational programs for years to come.

An American Kestrel having a little snack!