TITLE

Legends of the River

ARTIST

Liana Andreasen & Silvia Herrera

CREATED

February 17, 2025

LOCATION

Bicentennial and Frontage

ABOUT THIS PIECE

Our project serves to commemorate the legendary supernatural figures of the Rio Grande Valley. These figures are fundamental to the valley’s culture and history and have captivated the imagination of many for generations. 

In this illustration, our mythical figures of lore are seen in their natural habitat in a wildlife preserve next to the Rio Grande River. The legendary La Llorona is seen searching and crying for her missing children, while the ghostly children hide from their murderous mother in the river reeds. Along the hike and bike path, El Chupacabra is seen making its nightly stroll in search of blood.



No longer under your bed, the ominous, yet uncanny, figure of the dreaded Cucuy is seen emerging from a thicket in the river. Among the dark trees, La Lechuza awaits to catch the gaze of a passerby so she may conjure her deadly spell on them. Soaring in the dark sky above the Rio Grande is the notorious Texas Big Bird awaiting to swoop down on its human prey. - Liana Andreasen & Silvia Herrera

ABOUT THIS ARTIST

Silvia E. Herrera is an Assistant Professor of English at South Texas College. Though not a professional artist, painting has always served as a means for expression and relaxation in her life. Whether it’s writing, painting, crafting, or even baking, the arts are what feeds her soul, and she hopes to inspire others to take an interest in the arts, no matter the medium. When she is not busy teaching or participating in art projects, she can be found jogging at a local trail and wildlife park, reading a thriller novel at home with her cats, or spending quality time with family and friends.

Liana V. Andreasen is a Professor of English at South Texas College. Aside from being around her students, she likes to keep herself busy with projects and hobbies, and she has recently published a short story collection, Whirl of Birds, in November 2024. Sometimes she can be found performing on stage, with South Texas College Theater, and sometimes she just enjoys being outdoors, hiking, biking, or swimming, or indoors reading or watching an intriguing show.