Ricky Armendariz's 'Texas Tree of Life' Debuts at the Alamo's Texas Cavaliers Education Center
Ricky Armendariz's monumental mural, "Texas Tree of Life," was unveiled at the Texas Cavaliers Education Center, which opened on April 30, 2026, at the Alamo in San Antonio. This impressive piece, measuring 10 x 20 feet, consists of eight carved birch plywood panels and highlights San Antonio's history, from the Indigenous era to the Texas Revolution. Funded by benefactor Rick Liberto, the artwork features seven flags that represent the nations influential in shaping the region's narrative. Kate Carey, VP of Education & Interpretation, anticipates thousands of students will visit the center annually to engage with this historic tribute.
Key facts
- Texas Cavaliers Education Center opened April 30, 2026, at the Alamo in San Antonio.
- Ricky Armendariz created 'Texas Tree of Life' (2022-2026), his largest work, measuring 10 x 20 feet.
- The mural is oil on carved birch plywood, made of eight 5x5-foot panels.
- Armendariz used a modified router to carve into the painted surface.
- The artwork was funded by benefactor Rick Liberto.
- It depicts San Antonio history from Indigenous era to Texas Revolution, including missions and historical figures.
- The Alamo's Battle (Feb 23-Mar 6, 1836) resulted in an estimated 189 Texian and Tejano deaths.
- The education center is part of the Alamo Plan, with two more buildings planned.
- Kate Carey, VP of Education & Interpretation, expects thousands of student visitors annually.
- The painting includes seven flags representing nations that shaped San Antonio's history.
Entities
Artists
- Ricky Armendariz
- James Bowie
- Sam Houston
- Antonio López de Santa Anna
- William Barret Travis
- Stephen F. Austin
- Davy Crockett
- Juan Seguín
- Juana Gertrudis Navarro
- Martín Perfecto de Cos
- Susanna Dickinson
- Joe (enslaved to Travis)
Institutions
- Alamo
- Texas Cavaliers Education Center
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- Ruiz-Healy Art
- Glasstire
Locations
- San Antonio
- Texas
- United States
- Alamo Church
- Mission Concepción
- Mission San José
- Mission San Juan Capistrano
- Mission Espada
- Mission San Antonio de Valero