East Austin’s Melody is a public art project in collaboration with Chroma Collective and the Austin Park's foundation to imbue the Eastlink Trail with art and cultural memory. Imagery is based on Clifton Van Dyke’s recollections as a member of the East Austin community since the 1950’s. Mr. Van Dyke found his passion for music at a young age. His Aunt, Juanita Van Dyke was a music teacher at Blackshear Elementary School. She authored the school song that is still in use to this day.

Community activities weren't something strange for the Manor/Downs Field and Rosewood Park area. As he fondly recalls, music was not just an important part of his life but of his communities as well. He remembers getting together every Friday at the park during the summer time to playmusic for the neighborhood.

“A lot of people, real people, lived in that community. This is what those people who lived in EastAustin built. This is what they produced. And that it was worth something”

- Clifton Van Dyke