Laredo, Texas – The City of Laredo District 4 Council Member, Alberto Torres, Jr. and the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) hosted an unveiling ceremony for the “Mi Rio Grande” mural on Thursday, June 9 at Inner City Park. The artist for this mural is Antonio “Tony” Briones III. A Laredo native, Briones has completed various murals in Houston, Seabrook, San Antonio, and Laredo. Through his art, he pays homage to his indigenous root and culture. Currently, Briones is part of the Carrizo Comecrudo tribe. The mural was produced through financial support from Council Member Torres, the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures, the Prairie Foundation, and RGISC.
Briones produced a 238ft x 10ft mural that provides a panorama of the Rio Grande’s ecosystem and rich history. It showcases Native American Tribes and parts of the river that were used by Laredo’s first inhabitants to cross by foot before the boundaries of Texas and Mexico existed. In addition, the mural depicts aquatic and territorial species that depend on the Rio Grande as well as the threats and dangers the river currents faces. “Mi Rio Grande” is meant to inspire the community to take care of the Rio Grande, Laredo’s main source of water.
“We continue appreciating the fine arts that celebrate and promote our border culture,” stated Council Member Torres. “I congratulate Tony Briones for the completion of this work of art. His work demonstrates his ancestry and indigenous roots. Through his work, he hopes to educate the community about Native American tribes that once took care of the land of the Rio Grande. The Laredo City Council will continue to invest in projects that will bring fine arts and cultural programs and promote our local artists.”
The event included dance performances by members of the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe and featured numerous interactive stations geared for families and children with activities that educated them on art, the river, and Laredo’s indigenous roots. Inner City Park is located at 202 W Plum St.
