ABOUT THIS PIECE

The mural titled “Don’t Mess with Texas Because We’re Watching” is a vibrant and colorful representation of the state of Texas. The mural is part of the “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign, which aims to reduce littering on Texas roadways. The mural features a quote “We only have one” below the “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign logo, emphasizing the importance of preserving the beauty of Texas.

The mural depicts a symbol of Texas adorned with many yellow roses, several Texas longhorns, horses, mockingbirds, a rattlesnake, a family of javelinas, monarch butterflies, and countless bluebonnets, pickle pear cacti, and flowered cacti in front of a bright and colorful sunset background. The yellow roses symbolize friendship, joy, and new beginnings, while the Texas longhorns represent strength, resilience, and pride.

The horses symbolize freedom, grace, and beauty, while the mockingbirds represent the state bird of Texas and symbolize resilience and adaptability. The rattlesnake symbolizes the state reptile of Texas and represents protection and defense. The family of javelinas symbolizes the state small mammal of Texas and represents family, community, and survival. The monarch butterflies symbolize transformation, hope, and beauty, while the bluebonnets symbolize the state flower of Texas and represent resilience, strength, and beauty.

The pickle pear cacti and flowered cacti symbolize the state plant of Texas and represent endurance, strength, and beauty.

Lastly, on each corner of the mural, respectively, is flanked by a cowgirl with a large smile looking at the viewer and tipping her hat and a smiling folklorico dancer. The cowgirl symbolizes the spirit of the Wild West, independence, and freedom, while the folklorico dancer represents the rich cultural heritage of Texas and the importance of diversity and inclusivity.

Overall, the mural is a beautiful and inspiring representation of the state of Texas, its people, and its values. It serves as a reminder to all Texans to take pride in their state and to work together to keep it clean and beautiful for generations to come.

ABOUT THIS ARTIST

Oneida Trevino is an artist/muralist/art educator from Harlingen where she operates from her Studio. She received Bachelor’s Degree in Art from UTPA. She has over 16 years’ experience as an educator, and has been creating artwork all her life. Her artwork consists mainly of portraits of people and animals in the RGV, and she incorporates a variety of media from watercolors to acrylic to oils, spray paint and clay. She loves teaching art and working with the community to spread a love of art through classes with Parks & Rec, workshops at Harlingen Public Library and community-led public art.