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Photos by Theresa Doyle Nelson
June 11, 2026
New murals for the Cowboy Capital of the World
By Theresa Doyle Nelson
The Bandera Prophet
Pipe Creek artist Melissa Sutherland was commissioned to highlight the cowboy culture and primitive history of Bandera through her bright and joyful art. She has been busy painting three western murals in the side courtyard of the First National Ice Haus on Main Street.
Always striving to promote the Cowboy culture and history of Bandera, the owners of the First National Ice Haus invited Sutherland to paint three large panels in their alleyway patio to inspire those stopping by for a refreshing beverage, light snack, and fun music.
While working on her murals, passersby often noticed Sutherland at work and would stop to watch her paint for a while—many offering friendly encouragement.
The murals highlight "Red Neck"—the beautiful longhorn that used to spend a lot of time in Bandera, recalling the Great Western Trail Days, and offering awesome photo ops. Although Red Neck passed on two years ago, he is now fondly remembered in the courtyard of First National Ice House and at O.S.T. where his mount is displayed. A peaceful log cabin scene evokes thoughts of the settlers of the Frontier Days of Bandera. And, some mimicked cave art prompts viewers to contemplate the prehistoric days of Bandera and the surrounding area.
Try to avoid a quick skim-over of these ponder-ful paintings; instead, try to take a few moments to step inside each painting and imagine life back in the early days of Bandera. Listen for the grazing sounds of Red Neck, smell the bales of hay, imagine creating some cave art yourself! Look for a handful of details too; the roadrunner, the unique shape of Red Neck's horns, the log cabin in the distance, the different colors of blossoms, the difference between the sun and moon in the primitive art. Gaze long enough to pick a favorite mural, and a favorite detail.
You might remember Sutherland from MSYmoo—the life-sized cow sculpture she painted for the San Antonio Cow Parade last year. If Sutherland's art cheers your heart, be sure to pop into the side yard of First National Ice Haus the next time you want a sip of beer, wine, or soda and listen to some music—while reflecting upon her Cowboy Capital murals. Let your mind jump into each painting and live that old western (or primitive!) life for a few moments.
For more Sutherland art, stop by the Bandera Kronkosky Library Art Gallery (near the "Classic Books" section) during the months of October and November; where a selection of her works will be on display.
Always striving to promote the Cowboy culture and history of Bandera, the owners of the First National Ice Haus invited Sutherland to paint three large panels in their alleyway patio to inspire those stopping by for a refreshing beverage, light snack, and fun music.
While working on her murals, passersby often noticed Sutherland at work and would stop to watch her paint for a while—many offering friendly encouragement.
The murals highlight "Red Neck"—the beautiful longhorn that used to spend a lot of time in Bandera, recalling the Great Western Trail Days, and offering awesome photo ops. Although Red Neck passed on two years ago, he is now fondly remembered in the courtyard of First National Ice House and at O.S.T. where his mount is displayed. A peaceful log cabin scene evokes thoughts of the settlers of the Frontier Days of Bandera. And, some mimicked cave art prompts viewers to contemplate the prehistoric days of Bandera and the surrounding area.
Try to avoid a quick skim-over of these ponder-ful paintings; instead, try to take a few moments to step inside each painting and imagine life back in the early days of Bandera. Listen for the grazing sounds of Red Neck, smell the bales of hay, imagine creating some cave art yourself! Look for a handful of details too; the roadrunner, the unique shape of Red Neck's horns, the log cabin in the distance, the different colors of blossoms, the difference between the sun and moon in the primitive art. Gaze long enough to pick a favorite mural, and a favorite detail.
You might remember Sutherland from MSYmoo—the life-sized cow sculpture she painted for the San Antonio Cow Parade last year. If Sutherland's art cheers your heart, be sure to pop into the side yard of First National Ice Haus the next time you want a sip of beer, wine, or soda and listen to some music—while reflecting upon her Cowboy Capital murals. Let your mind jump into each painting and live that old western (or primitive!) life for a few moments.
For more Sutherland art, stop by the Bandera Kronkosky Library Art Gallery (near the "Classic Books" section) during the months of October and November; where a selection of her works will be on display.