This artistic collaboration between Dallas-based Alli Koch and Arrowwood Designs’ Courtney Anderson is the latest addition to the Uptown Underpass Project, which is intended for “placemaking” Uptown and expanding the district’s culture.

Anita Simmons, Uptown Dallas Inc.’s director of marketing and communications, dubbed the artwork “Dallas’ first living mural.”

“It’s very unique because the moss is real, living moss,” Simmons told Dallas Innovates. “I don’t believe there are any other exterior ‘living’ walls like this in Dallas.”

Koch working on the living mural. [Image: Courtesy Uptown Dallas Inc.]

Dallas Innovates first reported on the Uptown public art initiative in May, which mainly features the works of local female artists. There are 12 murals in all, including creations of butterflies, a fortune cookie message, and a historic Uptown trolley car nicknamed “Rosie.”

Koch’s art can be found across Dallas and beyond. Koch—whose 67,000 Instagram followers know her as Alli K—has created murals for Flea Style, Punch Bowl Social, The Slate coworking space, and more.

The road to Koch’s Uptown mural wasn’t an easy one.

“Sadly, Alli K’s initial mural on Hall Street was vandalized, but we didn’t give up, and this time had the idea to do a living wall. Her floral designs are incredibly popular and the moss kept within that living, nature feel. It was the perfect fit,” Simmons says. 

The living mural can be found at Hall Street’s Katy Trail underpass in Uptown. This may be Dallas’ first living mural, but it most likely won’t be the city’s last.

“We couldn’t be happier with how it has turned out,” Simmons says, “and we may look to do another in the near future.”

Check out how the mural came together here.

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