Soon after a new mural by graffiti artist GONZO247 went up at 2801 Elm St., on the side of Spanish tapas bar Izkina, Frost Bank and CultureMap popped by to celebrate it.
And, of course, we brought goodies. As onlookers posed for pics, CultureMap handed out Alamo Drafthouse tickets, certificates to Drybar, Outdoor Voices coupons, and Frost swag to the crowd that braved the cold and rain.
"I think optimism is looking at the bright side of whatever situation you're in, and hoping for the best," observed one visitor.
"Think forward, not backward," agreed another. "Put energy into what you can control and don't worry about anything else."
One way that Frost Bank gave back during the event was rewarding one visitor with a major gift. Justin Hinojosa paused to pose for a pic in front of the mural and used the hashtags #optforoptimism and #sweepstakes, and in turn he won $500 for himself and $500 for a nonprofit of his choice.
Inspired by the mural's message, Hinojosa donated the cash to the Resource Center, which empowers the LGBTQ communities and all people affected by HIV through improving health and wellness, strengthening families and communities, and providing transformative education and advocacy.
For the next six months, you can visit the mural and get your own dose of optimism. Be sure to tag it with #optforoptimism on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter — you never know what good might come from it.
