From Cadillac Ranch to Citywide Canvases: Amarillo’s Evolving Spray Paint Culture
When most people think of Amarillo, Texas, one of the first things that comes to mind is Cadillac Ranch—a row of half-buried, graffiti-covered Cadillacs standing defiantly in the Panhandle wind. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in America, and it has evolved into something its creators likely never imagined.
Originally installed in 1974 as an artistic tribute to the evolution of Cadillac tailfins from 1949 to 1963, Cadillac Ranch has become something much more than a static roadside attraction. Over the past few decades, the site has transformed into an interactive experience, where visitors—many of whom have never picked up a can of spray paint before—leave their own temporary mark on the ever-changing exhibit. Today, Cadillac Ranch is synonymous with spray paint. It’s everywhere—on the cars, the ground, even overflowing from trash cans. The act of painting, once an afterthought, has become the main reason people stop.
But what happens when you take that same concept—handing someone a can of spray paint and a paintable surface—and give it to a truly talented artist? What if, instead of an old Cadillac, you offer up a downtown wall as a canvas?
That’s exactly what has happened in Amarillo. The mural movement has taken the city’s deep connection to spray paint and elevated it into something spectacular. Some of the best artists in the world are now coming to Amarillo, transforming blank walls into breathtaking works of art through projects like the Hoodoo Mural Festival, Blank Spaces Murals, and the Rural Mural Project. These murals give travelers something new—a reason to not just stop, but to explore, to experience, and to witness the transformation of Amarillo’s urban landscape.
Andrew Hall, featured in In Open Air, Episode 2: The Mural Movement, puts it best:
“Give them a reason to get off I-40, get out of that hotel room, and go experience and witness all these incredible murals we have all over downtown.”
While people have been stopping in Amarillo to spray paint Cadillacs for decades, now they can also stop and see world-class mural art—a shift that marks a pivotal time for the city’s creative scene. And it’s not just about what’s happening now—it’s about the future. The educational aspect of this movement ensures that the next generation of artists will continue to grow and push the boundaries of public art in Amarillo.
This is an exciting, transitional period for the city. What began as an interactive experiment in the middle of a field has evolved into a full-fledged cultural movement. The spray paint is still flying in Amarillo—the wind has just carried it to new places.
Watch the Full Story
Episode 2 of In Open Air, The Mural Movement, premieres Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 7:00 PM CST on Panhandle PBS.
Ways to Watch:
• Live on Panhandle PBS (check local listings)
• Streaming on Panhandle PBS YouTube (available at the same time)
Don’t miss this deep dive into Amarillo’s evolving spray paint culture and its transformation into a world-class mural movement.
