Artists: Junior Polo, Brenda Bohannon, Jhon Charles, James Elysee, Edwin Sebastian Rodriguez Guerra, Raymundo Lopez Gomez, Tex Lopez
Year Created: 2022
Location: University Area Cultural Campus – 1916 E. 136th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613

About: In 2022, the University Area Cultural Campus project marked the debut collaboration of the Uptown Artists Collective. To ensure the mural resonated with the rich cultures of the Caribbean and Chiapas Mexico , pivotal meetings were held to gather insights from these two groups. The collective aimed to authentically reflect these cultures on the building.

Engaging with the Caribbean American National Development Organization (CANDO) and Casa Chiapas, the collective delved into the core aspects of their cultures. Artist Junior Polo, taking the lead, identified additional artists from the Chiapas Mexican and Caribbean communities and facilitated a diverse array of concepts and ideas. By connecting with artists from both Chiapas and Caribbean backgrounds, the mural became a vibrant fusion of cultural expressions.

Notably, Polo enlisted the help of Prodigy® Cultural Arts Program youth, enhancing the collaborative and inclusive nature of the project. This mural not only stands as a visual masterpiece, but also serves as a testament to the collective effort in capturing and celebrating the essence of Caribbean and Mexican cultures.