As part of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, Midtown Houston is excited to present a new sign wrap at Bagby Park titled “You Can’t Say Houston, Without Us (Shaping The Future Together)” by local artist Urias Merino. We had the privilege of sitting down with Urias to discuss his work and the inspiration behind it. A proud Houston native and first-generation Mexican American, Urias draws deeply from his personal experiences and heritage. His recent project, guided by the theme “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” offers a powerful reflection on those who have come before us, while encouraging each of us to consider our roles in shaping the future.
In this conversation, Urias shares his creative process, the vision behind his artwork, and the lasting message he hopes to convey. With the theme resonating on both personal and community levels, Urias challenges us all to ask: How will I be a pioneer of change for future generations? We invite you to explore his journey and the meaningful impact he hopes to achieve with his work.
Q: What inspired the theme for your project, “You Can’t Say Houston, Without Us (Shaping The Future Together)”?
Urias Merino: As a Houston native and first-generation Hispanic, the theme “Pioneers of Change: Shaping The Future Together” really resonated with me. It encourages us to reflect on those who paved the way and challenges us to consider how we can be pioneers for future generations. Throughout the process of working on this design, I was inspired by individuals who’ve made significant contributions to the city, from artists like Gonzo247 to political figures like Judge Lina Hidalgo and athletes like José Altuve. It’s a reminder that the Hispanic community has left—and continues to leave—a lasting mark on Houston.
Q: What elements or symbols did you include in your artwork that resonate with you or reflect your cultural background?
Urias Merino: I incorporated the yellow flower icon from Mexican folk art Papel Picado, which you’ll see before each achievement text and above the heart of the silhouette on the letter “T”. As a Mexican-American, I wanted to nod to my heritage while also celebrating the broader Hispanic cultures that enrich Houston. The rest of the design reflects textures, patterns, and colors I’ve encountered throughout the city, hoping they’ll resonate with other Houstonians too.
Q: How does being part of the Midtown community influence your artistic style and approach to this project?
Urias Merino: Midtown is a vibrant, walkable community, and being part of it has certainly influenced my artistic style. I love exploring the neighborhood and drawing inspiration from the people, sights, sounds, and even the smells around me. For this project, I wanted to highlight Hispanic icons who’ve made a difference in various areas of the community. Each letter of the “Midtown” sign stands for something meaningful: the “M” represents visual arts, the “I” is for Tejano music, “D” stands for politics, “T” is for the people, “O” is for science and education, “W” is for Latin cuisine (especially Tex-Mex), and the “N” is for sports and entertainment.
Q: What message do you hope people will take away from your artwork when they see the sign wrap during Hispanic Heritage Month?
Urias Merino: I hope people take away two main things from the artwork. First, I want them to feel inspired to learn more about the Hispanic pioneers who’ve made a difference in Houston. Second, I want them to feel included. That’s why I left space for people to stand in the letter “T”—it’s a visual reminder that we all have a role in shaping the future, whether it’s at work, in school, or our everyday lives. We’re all pioneers of change in our own way.
Q: In what ways do you feel public art, like your sign wrap, can contribute to cultural awareness and celebration within a diverse urban setting like Midtown?
Urias Merino: Public art is crucial for fostering cultural awareness in a diverse community like Midtown. The more we see something, the more it becomes part of our environment, making us more likely to appreciate it. Art is such a powerful visual medium that I think it plays an essential role in spreading awareness about different cultures. I love how Midtown has embraced public art through murals, sculptures, and cultural events—it’s a great way to celebrate and educate.
Q: As an artist, how important is it for you to use your work to promote cultural pride and engage the broader community in conversations around heritage and identity?
Urias Merino: It’s incredibly important. The title of my piece, “You Can’t Say Houston, Without Us,” is meant to be said with pride. Our community has made significant contributions to Houston, and I’m grateful to be part of this project, which promotes our heritage and identity. Even in my designs that aren’t specifically about Hispanic culture, the influences I grew up with as a Mexican-American in Houston still shape my work. I’m proud of my roots, and I hope that pride shines through in everything I create.
Visit the Installation at Bagby Park
Merino’s interactive artwork will be on display at Visit Bagby Park, located at (415 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002) until October 16. Don’t miss your chance to stand among the “Pioneers of Change” and celebrate the contributions of Houston’s Hispanic community.