A Day in El Paso del Norte
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
This mural by John Valadez represents the El Paso community through a collage of images depicting nineteenth- and twentieth-century townspeople in the landscape unique to this border region. The store windows and mirrors reflect both the history and the reality of the city, while the buildings illustrate the architectural developments as El Paso moves into the twenty-first century. Valadez said that he hopes the painting will encourage residents to consider themselves important links in the city's history, and to accept a shared responsibility in the continuum of El Paso.
The artist's connection with El Paso is enhanced by the former residency of members of his family in the city, and his three years of research that shaped his vision for this painting. He studied the people, seasons, and geography of the area, and also found inspiration in old photographs and historic artifacts by visiting the University of Texas at El Paso.
El Paso is known for its public murals. The city boasts over 80 murals in public places. This artwork by John Valadez adds to that tradition.
