Best of Austin®

Best Public Artwork

TIE: The Bat Sculpture; South First Mural/Genie

South Austin is carefully guarded thanks to the watchful eyes of the blue genie at Annie and the bat at the Congress Avenue bridge. The bat, called Nightwing, courtesy of local sculptor Dale Whistler, is a benevolent protector, swaying gently in any breeze it can catch. The genie, with its gently menacing eyes, warns off all potential no-good-niks. Beneath the genie is the postcard you wish you could mail; you can if you get your photo taken in front of the mural, as is the local custom.