A new art installation in Little Elm is honoring hometown soccer player Weston McKennie as he prepares for the World Cup. The artwork, a large-scale collage, is displayed at Tinman Social, located at 199 Main St. Little Elm is situated approximately 10 miles south of Aubrey.
Chobani, identified as the official nutrition partner for U.S. Soccer, commissioned the piece. The company unveiled three similar installations in the hometowns of different players. The Little Elm exhibit focuses on McKennie, aiming to highlight the people and experiences that contributed to his career. The artwork is designed to reflect his journey from North Texas to the global stage.
Artist Michael Mapes created the collage using dozens of images and objects that represent various chapters of McKennie’s life. These elements include his childhood, family history, career milestones, and personal experiences. Mapes spent several months researching the player’s background before assembling the portrait. He described the project as a visual biography, noting that his work involves breaking down a person into parts to represent the whole. The goal was to provide a sense of who McKennie is beyond his physical appearance.
Visitors to the installation have responded to the display. One attendee noted how the artwork breaks down the player’s story like puzzle pieces. Another visitor remarked on the global representation possible regardless of one’s origins. The installation aims to celebrate McKennie’s roots while inspiring local athletes who hope to follow a similar path from local fields to international competition.
