Artist Mariell Guzman Brings Bold Color and Cowboy Culture to New Downtown Arlington Mural

Downtown Arlington is partnering with sought-after artist Mariell Guzman to create a new mural in Downtown, an official State of Texas Cultural District. The mural, a reflection of the artist’s noteworthy colorful style, will be an interactive tribute to the many facets of Texas cowboy culture and heritage. 

A live watch-party will be held from 2:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2020, just one day before the start of the National Finals Rodeo. 

From December 3-12, the National Finals Rodeo will transform Arlington’s Globe Life Field, which is a little over a mile from the location of the new Guzman mural. The two-story mural will be created on the south side of Arlington Music Hall, the oldest cultural institution in Downtown Arlington. 

“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.”

Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Mariell Guzman is a North-Texas based mixed media painter, muralist, illustrator and installation artist. Mariell 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 colors and diversity of artistic mediums. 

“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.”

As for the mural itself, the artist said, “I’ll be creating vibrant and interactive mural that will teleport the public to a classic Texas western landscape. You can expect some colorful and funky cacti, cowboy hats and the overall spirit of Downtown Arlington.”

Guzan will be painting the mural during the watch party, which is open to the media and the public. Live music will be provided by Artemis Funk from 3:00-5:00 p.m, followed by Jacob Serrano from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Mellow Mushroom will host pop-up patio seating for the watch party. Members of the media are encouraged to contact us in advance to arrange interview times with the artist. 

In addition to her partnership with Downtown Arlington, Guzman’s creativity can be seen in many forms throughout the metroplex and through collaborations with such clients as KIA, Facebook and Dickies. 
 

ABOUT DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON  

Designated by the State of Texas as the Arlington Cultural District, Downtown Arlington is where creativity, authenticity, and hometown pride thrive and drive what's next. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific visual and performing arts, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. DAMC also has a unique three-party contract with the City of Arlington and the University of Texas at Arlington to provide economic development services in support of our shared vision and continued downtown revitalization. downtownarlington.org

Photo cred: Voyage Dallas