New Gulfton Murals Add Color and Culture to Commutes

New murals by three local artists recently appeared at METRO bus stops in Houston’s Gulfton community. The artists were commissioned by UpArt Studio, a Houston-based art collective that aims to transform public spaces into beautiful and engaging works of art.

The project builds on recent city improvements, including bike lanes and wider sidewalks, to further enhance the physical space of Hillcroft Avenue. It aims to transform the corridor into a welcoming entrance to the community and a reminder that it serves as the area's main street, not merely a thoroughfare.

Elia Quiles, co-founder and principal of UpArt Studio, said the driving force behind the project was Connect Community, a non-profit organization focused on serving the southwest Houston area. She added the organization recognized the potential to transform METRO bus stops into vibrant art installations. She also recognized the city of Houston for its financial support and the Southwest Management District for its commitment to maintaining the stops.

Residents were invited to vote on the final designs now featured on concrete walls surrounding three METRO bus stops located at Hillcroft Street near Bellaire Boulevard along METRO’s 47 Hillcroft route.

The first mural, titled “Quetzalcoatl: God Creator of Mankind,” is an Aztec-inspired creation by Colombian artist Santiago Perez Salazar, founder of Colourville Studios. It features a stone-like serpent amidst bright green leaves and colorful flowers.

Colombia native Santiago Perez Salazar stands next to his Aztec-inspired creation, “Quetzalcoatl: God Creator of Mankind.”

The second mural, titled "Houston in My Veins," celebrates the Space City. Artist and Houston native Brenda Chapa grew up taking METRO in the very same neighborhood. 

“This project is personal to me because the 47 Hillcroft was my bus route,” said Chapa. “I took it from my home to school and throughout college. It gave me a lot of memories and a good dose of independence.”

Chapa’s mural showcases a bright red heart and the city’s skyline encircled by various elements, including rocket ships, baseballs, footballs, soccer balls, and flowers — all enveloped in embroidery-like details.

“Houston, our adopted home, is not just a place but a promise. A promise to bloom even where the soil is foreign, to weave our dreams with the threads of a new life,” said artist Brenda Chapa.

“Houston, our adopted home, is not just a place but a promise. A promise to bloom even where the soil is foreign, to weave our dreams with the threads of a new life,” said Chapa. “In this shared tapestry, we are not just Latin Americans in Houston, but Houstonians with Latin American souls, forever intertwined, forever blooming.”

The third mural, titled "Break Through," is a tribute to southwest Houston’s melting pot of cultures.

"I chose to incorporate symbols that represent the various countries and cultures that make up the vibrant community of this side of town,” said artist Sims. “The parrot and jalapeno plant signify the unique Latin culture of Caribbean, Central, and South American countries. I included a lotus flower to bamboo to represent Asian cultures.”

Sims used broken stone to symbolize a breakthrough of diversity in the area and its positive impact on the community. He also incorporated sports and music themes, saying that both are universal languages that unite people from different cultures.

Sims used broken stone to symbolize a breakthrough of diversity in the area and its positive impact on the community. He also incorporated sports and music themes, saying that both are universal languages that unite people from different cultures.

Quiles says Hillcroft is Gulfton’s “main street” and that the murals serve as a perfect “entrance to the community.”

“Given the area's diversity, with over 50 languages spoken and a rich mix of cultural backgrounds, the murals visually represent the community's multicultural identity,” she said.

The murals are a testament to the Gulfton’s rich culture and serve as a reminder of the area's diverse and vibrant character. So, if you're in the neighborhood, we hope you’ll check them out!

Watch Video: Learn more about Gulfton's new bus stop murals.