Local artist’s vibrant boot mural in downtown Stephenville weaves Texas roots with whimsical charm.

Photo/City of Stephenville

 Special to Beneath the Surface News

Stephenville's vibrant arts scene just got a significant boost with the unveiling of a new downtown boot mural, a captivating creation by local artist and Tarleton State University alumni, Sarah Sossaman.

This public art piece, rich with local flavor and personal touches, promises to be a visual landmark for residents and visitors alike.

A native Texan with deep roots in the community, Sarah comes from a family of talented artists, with her father being a significant early influence.

Her artistic journey, which began in elementary school, has been shaped by formal training at an exploratory arts middle school, AP art courses in high school and a fine arts major in college, although she is largely self-taught in her preferred mediums.

"Beautiful lighting, high contrast imagery, juxtaposing subject matter, and unique parts of society around the globe inspire me," Sarah said

Her creative process often begins with dream interpretations or unexpected visual moments from everyday life.

The new downtown boot mural is a testament to her passion for her Texas heritage and deep connection to the horse world.

"The intention of this project to bring the arts into Stephenville and 'beautify' the town is what got me involved as an artist," she said.

"However, my family roots run deep in Texas and my passion for being a horsewoman inspired the heart of my design."

The mural is a rich tapestry of local themes, encapsulating "the blood, sweat, and love of the rodeo world and the cowboy lifestyle."

It also pays homage to the booming dairy industry in Erath County, and with a touch of playful intrigue, incorporates a UFO in a nod to the area's notorious sightings.

A deeply personal detail for the artist is the image of a woman mounted on a grey horse walking into the sunset, serving as a memorial to a cherished gelding lost to cancer during the project's inception.