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The arty side of Hutto
HUTTO – It’s Friday night, and kids squeal and cartwheel while amplified music rides on the evening breeze.
In The Hutto Co-Op mixed-use development anchored by City Hall, the community gathers to enjoy the Town Green while construction is still underway on the edges of the development.
With several restaurants, the Friday night Farmers Market, live music and open space for gathering, the district at 420 U.S. 79 draws crowds on the weekends. There, residents find a splashpad and hippo play structures for the kids.
Adults enjoy margaritas and live music, while the businesses see brisk traffic with full parking lots.
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The Hutto Co-Op District is a walkable area that offers shopping, dining, city offices and the Hutto Public Library. Owned by MA Partners, it offers a grassy area for seating, a covered stage with an adjoining lake and landscaping.
“We have a relationship with the developers to utilize that space for public performances,” said Kristi Barnes, a resident and the city’s community and cultural officer.
The spot will host upcoming city events, including the Sunset Party Bash on Memorial Day weekend.
According the Barnes, the city is working with internal partners, nonprofits, organizations and the Hutto Independent School District to use that space for performing arts.
Several restaurants feature patios overlooking the Town Green, including Top Notch Hamburgers and Casa Jalisco Sports Bar and Grill.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen and Southside Market & Barbeque are within walking distance.
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“A public arts program is something we are working towards,” Barnes said.
Officials said the arts can sustain both culture and revenue, citing a 2023 Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 Study by Americans for the Arts, the leading organization for research and advocacy for the arts in the United States. Its findings contained a comprehensive economic and social impact study of the nation’s $151.7 billion nonprofit arts and culture industry.
“Music and the arts are the foundation of vibrant communities and help us connect, understand and inspire one another — all while driving economic growth, creating rewarding jobs and careers, and powering our culture forward,” said Mitch Glazier, chairman and CEO, Recording Industry Association of America and partner of the study.
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A nascent city department is dedicated to fostering community and enhancing the city’s culture, Barnes said.
“The Community and Culture Development Department focuses on fostering a sense of belonging, engagement and connection among Hutto residents,” she added.
It recently hosted the Community Connects Fair, where local organizations and nonprofits highlighted the services and resources available to residents.
“This event was part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen community engagement and ensure residents have access to the support they need,” Barnes said.
The department wants to bring more arts and culture to Hutto.
“This includes supporting public-art initiatives and cultural events, collaborating with (homeowners associations), nonprofits and developers,” Barnes said.
The office is assessing residents’ needs and soliciting input.
To give feedback on a public-arts program, Barnes recommends filling out the recent budget survey or attending a community meeting. For more, call 512-759-4029.
According to Barnes, the department wants to enhance the community’s overall well-being by strengthening partnerships that improve the quality of life, public spaces and engagement opportunities.
To learn more about the department and upcoming initiatives, visit the Hutto website at huttotx.gov/ or the town’s social-media channels.
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A bright, colorful mural in downtown Hutto also showcases community collaboration; residents contributed to the new public-art display.
At the Feb. 14 Community Connections Fair, local artist Felix Jaime unveiled his mural design for budding artists to add to the creation. Following his map, each painter grabbed a color and painted on the new “Love Where You Live” mural.
Now complete, the artwork is located across from Texan Cafe, in the 200 block of East Street.
Also in the Co-Op District, The Gin Building is available for private events and can be reserved through the city. Home to the Hutto Farmers Market, this openair public events space uses repurposed materials from two original gin buildings on the site.
Designed by Antenora Architects LLP of Austin, the project won the 2017 American Institute of Architects National Honor Award. It is located at 420 U.S. 79.
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Behind an unassuming warehouse facade, three separate artists have gathered to foster the arts in Hutto: a clay and metal sculptor, a ceramics artist and the entrepreuneur behind a creative studio.
At BBK Ceramics, residents can enjoy a clay date night or take a multiweek introductory clay class. At Bonura Studios, Elizabeth Bonura shares her love of sculpting in her weekly Sculpt A Hippo class.
At Cumberland Road Art Studio, the sky is the limit as it stocks a large supply of arts and craft supplies with open studio time for groups or individuals.
All studios are located at 3333 CR 119.
HUTTOLOVESITSHIPPOS
Anyone passing down the highway does a double take when they see the giant hippo in front of Christian Brothers Automotive, 580 U.S. 79, staring back at them. But the hippo isn’t just at the store — schools, other businesses and residents show their Hutto Hippo pride by installing concrete hippos.
Depending on which legend you hear, the town became enamored with the large mammal after one escaped from a circus train decades ago or after a competing coach commented on the size of Hutto High School football players.
According to some estimates, there are 3,000 hippo effigies across Hutto, many on private property.
One of the original statues is Henrietta Hippo, a realistic hippopotamus with stairs, perfect for photos. She is located on East Street just off 79, across from Lamppost Coffee.
The city has developed a Hippo Tour Map featuring nearly 90 spots across the city with representations of the semi-aquatic behemoth. Each listing includes a photo and a brief discussion of the honored beast.
To plan a Hutto Hippo tour, visit the map at https://storymaps.arcgis.com stories/042671beebf641c39cf0d64 a1c6593c2 The biggest hippos are found at Hutto High School, 101 FM 685; City Hall at 500 W. Live Oak St.; and Christian Brothers.
Most hippo owners paint their hippos, and some add a costume or a logo.
The Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce is the place for hippos, with several sizes and designs available, at huttochamber.com/meet-our-hippos-2/ To add a hippo to the walk, visit the city’s website at https://www.huttotx.gov/ forms.aspx?FID=84#:~:text=
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