Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – The skate park mural design was created by Kate Castillo, a student at Edinburg North High School (ENHS). Castillo’s design was selected as part of a contest during ‘Art in Our Schools’ Month. Artist Rigoberto Gonzalez, Professor of Art at UTRGV, collaborated with Castillo and ENHS Fine Arts Department Chair Manuel “Manny” Saenz Jr., art teachers Larissa Barron and Gabriela Gonzalez, and student artists Hannah Hernandez, Cindy Fraire, Emily Acuña, and Naomi Saenz to install the mural.
“Kate Castillo, along with some of our other students, did their research and produced outstanding illustrations for the park,” said Saenz. “I’m proud of the work that our ENHS faculty and student artists did.”
The group began painting in late May, and the mural was officially dedicated on July 14.
“It was a wonderful communal experience painting the skate park mural at Bicentennial Park,” Gonzalez said. “It was a joy collaborating with the talented group of art students and faculty from Edinburg North High School. One of the best things was the words and honks of approval from the passersby!”
The partnership between ECISD and local artists working on a city site was exactly what the Cultural Arts Division envisioned more than a year ago when the process began.
“It is exciting to see this project come to fruition,” said Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. “This is a prime location for a mural, and it demonstrates the City’s commitment to the youth of Edinburg. We are grateful for the work of everyone involved. The City has a great relationship with ECISD Arts, and this is just another example of how we can showcase the arts in Edinburg.”
The Cultural Arts Division has plans for more works of art throughout the City.
“We are solidifying locations for future murals,” Magdiel Castle, Assistant Director of Cultural Arts, said. “Our goal is to bring joy to the community, reflect the diverse culture of Edinburg through the arts, and this is the first of what we hope will be many public art projects.”
For more information on murals or public art, contact Michele Ward with Edinburg Cultural Arts at (956) 383-6246.
