New Earth Day Mural By El Paso Artist Celebrates El Paso’s Environment

Earth Day came early in the borderland as the City of El Paso held their 11th annual Earth Day celebration this past weekend.

The celebration was a way for locals to come together and learn more about being kind to our environment all while having some fun.  People who attended the event also experienced the unveiling of a new mural.

“Symbiosis” is the title of the mural that was painted on the walls of the city’s Municipal Services Center which is located at 7968 San Paulo Dr. right across from Yucca Park. 

The beautiful mural was painted by local artist Cesar Inostroza who has painted other murals across the borderland before.

The mural showcases iconic El Paso landmarks that include the star on the mountain, bright yellow poppies, and of course, El Paso’s beautiful sunset.

According to my amazing google skills, Symbiosis means the interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both and Cesar perfectly portrays that in his mural.

In the center of the mural, a Tiqua chief can be seen holding the Earth. To his right is a young woman wearing a white t-shirt with a recycle logo on it and she can be seen picking up trash. To his left and behind him are an El Paso disposal maintenance worker and a solar panel installer.

The mural wraps around the Environmental Services Department entrance and on all three walls are different paintings that represent the environment and our community.

"The mural was divided into three main messages that work together to tell a story: Hard work and Foundations, Cultural Development and Identity, and Payoff and Reward," said Cesar.

My favorite part of the mural is a portrait of a young girl who is seen blowing bubbles that have the recycle logo inside of them.

Cesar spent nearly nine months working on this project for the city and said that his artwork was inspired by the message of the Environmental Services Department’s mission statement which is, “To provide waste management and environmental protection for a better quality of life in El Paso.”

"If we as a community can clean up, recycle, go green and teach our children to do the same- then we will be able to pass down the cycle to future generations and hopefully be able to have a sustainable environment for those who will bet ere after us," said Cesar.

You can see the beautiful mural for yourself here: 7968 San Paulo Dr.