The Living Mural

This collaborative public art project was made possible by the Border Heritage Museum and the National Endowment of the Arts Challenge America Award, in partnership with Texas A&M International University.

Working with Professor Josias Figueirido, and Undergraduate Research Assistants of TAMIU FPA Studio Arts Program, we research, developed, produced, and installed a public art piece that sits on the border of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, beside the Rio Grande and the bridge to cross.

Focusing on the history and importance of the southern border of Texas, we researched influential women of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo. Featured here are Jovita Idár, Leonor Viegas de Magnón, and The Ursulines, all influential in politics, health, journalism, and activism.

Each tile portrait has an altar with 3 vessels, 2 shelves, and 3 planters all constructed by hand in clay. Meant to be a collaboration with the community, these altars hold space for ofrendas from the visitor. In return, the visitors are welcome to the aloe growing in the planters.