El Paso is a hub of art and culture, but it’s not isolated to the area’s venues, shops, and museums. You can feel the pulse of the city with just a walk down its streets. And one could even argue that this is the best way to have the most authentic experience with El Paso’s vibrant culture. Visit the El Segundo Barrio neighborhood, which has a number of colorful murals, during your next stop to El Paso. Take in these five displays of astounding street art in the area.
Boys & Girls Club Mural
Artist Werc Alvarez completed the Boys & Girls Club Mural in 2012. You’ll immediately notice the vibrant colors and sense of motion in the mural. This is intentional as a reflection of the artistic spirit budding in El Segundo Barrio. The Boys & Girls Club Mural is at 801 S. Florence Street. Visit to see this lush work, which has been described as “vivid” and “mesmerizing.”
El Corrido Del Segundo Barrio
Alongside the Boys & Girls Club Mural, artists Jesus “Cimi” Alvarado and Victor “Mask” Casas erected an equally colorful and vibrant mural honoring another important part of El Paso culture: music. The mural depicts two Chicano musicians, and the piece is equally about the long history of Mexican-Americans in this part of the United States. You can find his mural at 801 S. Florence Street.
Segundo Barrio
The Segundo Barrio mural is painted on the side of an apartment building in downtown El Paso. The artists, Arturo Avalos, Gabriel Ortega, Pablo Schaffino, and Pascual Ramirez, finished the mural in 1975. This piece is especially iconic and is easily identifiable by its geometric patterns and Aztec-inspired design. You can see the mural at 513 Father Rahm Avenue.
La Virgen De Guadalupe
La Virgen De Guadalupe is one of several El Paso murals celebrating the city’s religious leanings and roots. Felipe Adame, with help from Jesus “Machido” Hernandez, completed the mural in 1981. The mural depicts the Virgin Mary, who is a prominent figure among the Chicano community. The original artist restored the mural in 1991, and it still stands today on the side of an apartment complex in El Segundo Barrio. You can see this breathtaking work at 900 S. Ochoa Street.
Sacred Heart Mural
Sacred Heart Mural is a beautiful depiction of many of the most important values and experiences of the local people. The central figure of the mural, Jesus Christ affixed to a cross, and other Catholic images in the picture reflect the city’s religious roots, and other figures in the image tell of the hardships of immigrants to the area. This stunning work of art is at 231 Father Rahm Avenue.
You can see more than 100 murals on the streets of El Paso, but urban art is just one part of the city’s vibrant culture. Explore these incredible works, and pay a visit to local shops and artists to support their efforts as well. If the priority on your trip is to see El Paso’s giant murals, simply take a walk down El Segundo Barrio — there are dozens of these creations on display in the sprawling neighborhood.
Image by Visit El Paso licensed by CC BY 2.0
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