Howdy Mural by Mariell Guzman

Details

Howdy

Artist: Mariell Guzmán

Created in: 2020

Partners: Downtown Arlington

In its location on the south wall of the historic Arlington Music Hall, Howdy by Mariell Guzmán greets passers-by with charm and a playful interpretation of imagery from the American West. With its palette of sunny colors and stylized iconography, the composition blends the artist’s Mexican heritage and love of festive design. Rather than occupy the entire wall, the mural is a compact medallion positioned close to the sidewalk which makes it ideal for selfies and interaction.

“I hope that my vibrant mural will teleport the public to a classic Texas western landscape,” Guzmán said in an interview with Voyage Dallas. You'll see colorful and funky cacti, a cowboy hat, and the overall spirit of Downtown Arlington.”

Celebrating Howdy

Guzmán created the mural during a live watch party on December 2, 2020, just one day before the start of the National Finals Rodeo which was held in the Arlington Entertainment District.

“There are so many exciting synergies intertwined in this project,” said Maggie Campbell, President and CEO of the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation. “Arlington Music Hall, formerly Johnnie High’s Country Music Revue, played a critical role in launching the careers of country music stars such as Kelly Clarkson, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Ann Womack, Gary Morris, Box Car Willie, Maren Morris, and many others. What better place for a mural that pays tribute to western heritage and culture? We also hope that the timing of the project will catch the attention of Rodeo fans so more people discover all that Downtown Arlington has to offer. Finally, as a Mexican-American artist, Mariell brings a unique sensibility to the project not to mention her incredible talent.”

Read more at: downtownarlington.org/post/artist-mariell-guzman-brings-bold-color-and-cowboy-culture-to-new-downtown-arlington-mural

About the Artist

North Texas-based Mariell Guzmán is a multidisciplinary artist who works in a number of media: painting, murals, sculpture, and immersive installations. Her use of natural forms and a love of abundant patterns, such as papel picado, are recurring touchstones in her work.

Guzmán was born in Michoacán, Mexico and grew up in a family of innovators. Her mother was an artist, both of her siblings are creatives, and her father is an engineer. Her Mexican heritage deeply influences her creative expression, particularly through her use of bold, rich colors and symbolism.

“I vividly remember walking the streets of my small town’s plaza as a child during festivals and looking up and seeing the whole sky covered in a variety of brightly multicolored cut-paper decorations,” Guzman said in an interview with Voyage Dallas. “The visual was compelling and it made me realize that our world should always be abundant with color.”

Guzmán’s vibrant public art and commercial collaborations have earned regional and national attention. She was selected as a Pepsi “Texas Tastemaker,” has contributed to Meow Wolf projects, and has partnered with brands and institutions including IBM and Starbucks. Her work also appears in galleries, public murals across the U.S. and Mexico, and editorial features.

Website: bymariell.com

Instagram: instagram.com/mariellguzman