On May 24, 2022, the unthinkable happened in Uvalde, Texas. Salvador Ramos, 18, entered Robb Elementary School and committed one of the deadliest mass shootings in the nation. Tragically, 21 lives were lost that day — 19 students and two teachers.
Shortly after the shooting, artist Abel Ortiz came up with an idea to help his hometown heal, a series of murals honoring the victims. Abel had a personal connection with the shooting, as his children once attended the school. Abel teamed up with Dr. George Meza and Monica Maldonado of MAS Cultura and 20 local artists to create the Healing Uvalde project. Here’s a look at some of murals.
Abel hopes these murals bring comfort to the families of the victims. “I know, from my own experience, that art has the power to help these families heal from the monumental pain that they’re going to experience for the rest of their lives. This is a reason why the murals had to be monumental and why they had to be portraits so that we remember their faces and their names,” he told People magazine.
Abel also believes these murals can help transform the United States, where mass shootings are all too common.
“Hopefully, they become voices for change as well, as we need change in this country. The murals hopefully will persuade the hearts of Americans to bring change,” he said.
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One of the 21 murals honors 10-year-old Tess Marie Mata. It was created by self-taught artist Anat Ronen.
"My precious angel you are loved so deeply. In my eyes you are not a victim but a survivor,” wrote Tess’ sister Faith in a tweet. “I love you always and past forever baby sister, may your wings soar higher then you could ever dream. Till we meet again Tess Marie, love your big sissy."
Artist Tino Ortega immortalized 10-year-old Jailah Silguero in a mural that captures her unicorns and TikTok dance videos. Her mother told the Los Angeles Times that on the day of the shooting, she “didn’t want to go” to school, which was unusual for her.
"I'm so heartbroken baby. We miss you so much mama R.I.P my beautiful angel fly high baby can't wait to see u again,” her mother wrote on Facebook after the tragedy.
Nevaeh Bravo, 10, loved to draw, so her work was used in her mural by artist Brittany Johnson. The rose, two birds, and her handwriting were all recreations of Nevaeh’s original art. Another fun feature of this mural is the comment box, so her family can write messages for her whenever they feel the need.
Eva Mireles, age 44, was one of the teachers killed during this senseless violent act. She taught fourth grade alongside the other adult victim, Irma Garcia. She loved to run and hike.
Irma Garcia was a mother of four. She was married to husband Joe for 24 years, and the couple enjoyed barbequing together. Her mural features song lyrics to reflect their love of music.
Rojelio Torres, age 10, loved Pokémon and football, which is reflected in his mural, lovingly created by artists Floyd Mendoza III and Jesse De Leon. His T-shirt reads "change maker," echoing Abel’s larger vision for this collection of murals. We hope this change is catching.
