COMPLETION DATE
February 2023
LOCATION
Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center
6402 Market St
Houston, TX 77020
District H
CLIENT
City of Houston
SPONSORING DEPARTMENT
Houston Health Department
PROJECT BUDGET
$100,000.00
Following an extensive renovation of the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center, the vibrant and visionary artist David Maldonado was commissioned to create a breathtaking mural. This artwork graces the two-sided exterior wall, stretching from the entrance along the playing fields, adorning two rectangular columns at the entrance canopy, and embellishing the concrete bench.
The mural’s narrative is a rich tapestry of culture and opportunity. Maldonado’s design is welcoming and deeply reflective of the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center’s importance to the community. It bursts with themes of regeneration, light, and growth, brilliantly depicted through the imagery of hands tending a garden. Adding to the mural’s charm, a hummingbird—an iconic symbol of happiness—flits through the scene.
In a nod to the positive impact on local youth, baseball elements are seamlessly woven into the design. Surrounding the park, you’ll find a vibrant mix of sports, education, and outdoor leisure activities, all brought to life by Maldonado’s dynamic artistry. This mural isn’t just a painting; it’s a celebration of community and the endless potential that thrives within the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center.
HAA oversaw the artist selection, design, fabrication, and installation process for this artwork. Working diligently with sponsoring city departments, Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and the selected artists, HAA created and publicized the opportunity, coordinated the panel process, managed artist communications, and monitored on-site installation. Recommendation reports were submitted at the conclusion of Artist Selection and Design phases, and a robust closeout report was provided upon project completion detailing project summary and ongoing maintenance requirements.
The Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center provides a variety of services to the community, including childcare, programs for elderly residents, a food pantry, WIC services, and rental space. It is operated by the City of Houston and is part of Houston City Council District H. The center also hosts the Get Moving Houston Farmer’s Market, which offers fresh fruits and vegetables to the community. Additionally, the center is home to Fire Station 27 and is a popular spot for community events and activities.
This project was funded through Houston’s Civic Art Ordinance, which requires 1.75% of the budget for eligible City-funded construction projects to be spent on integrating artwork and artists’ ideas in public spaces and conserving the City of Houston’s Civic Art Collection. The Houston Arts Alliance administers the civic art program for the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.
ARTS REPRESENTATIVES
Deniz Lopez, All Real Radio, Co-Founder & Co-Owner and Denver Harbor resident
Venessa Monokian, Visual Artist
Blake Bermel, aka Mez Data, Muralist and Visual Artist
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE
Rene Porras, Owner of Porras Prontito, Denver Harbor resident
SPONSORING DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE
Roy Villarreal, Administrative Manager, Houston Health Department
David Maldonado is a Mexican-American visual artist and creative who lives in Houston, TX. His contemporary artwork is inspired by the traditions of Mexican-American folk art, storytelling, street culture, and the Mexican muralist movement. He approaches public art as a common place shared by all where all bring and find a sense of identity. He has developed a distinctive artistic style that speaks to diverse people and ties together patterns, textiles, graphic and organic elements.
