Driving into Uptown Dallas feels a little different now. Where once there was a gray, overlooked bridge entrance, visitors are now greeted by a joyful explosion of color—a sweeping mural that celebrates the neighborhood’s spirit and story. The new work, created by McKinney-based artist Andrea Holmes, is the latest effort by Uptown Dallas Inc. (UDI) to reimagine public spaces and foster community pride. It is located at the underpass where the Katy Trail meets Cedar Springs.
Holmes, who has earned the nickname “the bird lady” for her ongoing Wings Across the World 100 Bird Mural Project, is known for turning walls into vibrant ecosystems. For Uptown, she chose the Monk parakeet—a bright green bird that, while not native to Texas, has become an unmistakable presence in Dallas. Flocks can often be seen nesting around White Rock Lake and the Katy Trail, making the parrot both a surprising and fitting emblem for the district.
“I’ve painted birds in Hawaii and Austria, but Uptown gave me a chance to capture something close to home,” Holmes said. “This mural isn’t just about the parrots—it’s about the life of Uptown. People biking, walking dogs, hopping on the trolley. I wanted to celebrate the energy of the neighborhood while weaving in my passion for birds.”
The mural also includes a hummingbird darting through fields of Texas wildflowers, along with Uptown icons like Betty the Trolley and everyday moments—residents carrying groceries, a cyclist on the trail, a dog walker. It’s as much a portrait of community as it is a piece of art.
For Uptown Dallas Inc., the nonprofit that manages and promotes the district, the mural was a chance to create a “welcome mat” unlike any other. “We wanted something that told people they were entering a special place,” said Bailey Criado, events and marketing manager with UDI. “Andrea’s work brought that vision to life. She captured the soul of Uptown—its character, its vibrancy and the pride people feel living here.”
Painting the massive underpass was no small task. Holmes spent four weeks on-site, spray-painting from a boom lift and navigating the challenges of a high-traffic gateway. But the effort was worth it. Passersby stopped to cheer her on, neighbors offered words of encouragement, and trail users shared how much the mural brightened their daily routine.
The project is part of a larger push to elevate Uptown’s public spaces. UDI is working with the City of Dallas and the Turtle Creek Association to repaint surrounding bridge structures, restore medians, and add finishing touches that frame Holmes’s work. A protective anti-graffiti coating ensures the mural will remain vivid for years to come.
For Holmes, it’s one more milestone in her journey to paint 100 bird murals around the world—but this one carries extra meaning. “It’s number six,” she said, smiling. “And it feels like home.”
About Uptown Dallas, Inc.
Established in 1993, Uptown Dallas, Inc. (UDI) is a nonprofit organization and public improvement district encompassing one square mile. As one of Dallas’ first true live-work-play communities, Uptown offers vibrant urban living with some of the city’s best views of the notable skyline. UDI aims to increase the quality of life for the 19,000 residents Uptown, hundreds of businesses and property owners, and more than 50,000 workers. On any given weekday, as many as 100,000 people pass through the district. The organization also has a safety team working to keep people safe along with its maintenance team responsible for enhancements such as street lighting and landscaping. UDI hosts Pilates in the Park and Movies in the Park (at Griggs Park) and sponsors other community-wide events. For more information on Uptown Dallas, Inc., visit https://uptowndallas.net/