Nuestros Colores Mural
Placemaking
A vibrant and meaningful public mural in Vancouver, Nuestros Colores is the result of several workshops held with a group of twelve young people from Latin America, led by Mexican artist and muralist Ari de la Mora.
Through these workshops, they shared their dual experiences, the challenges of being immigrants, their ties to their homeland, and the process of adjusting to a new home. The sessions left us inspired—teaching us how to tell stories through art and how to transform sorrow into beauty.
Each young participant represented their journey and memories, which we incorporated into the milagritos (small devotional hearts) on the mural. Together, we also collaborated on elements of Ari’s design.
Finally, over the course of a week, we painted the mural. It was a truly collective effort—our team, friends, the youth, and their families all came together to paint. As we worked, we connected not only with each other but also with the surrounding community.
Nuestros Colores Mural, a dream come true
With Nuestros Colores, we created a collaborative mural inspired by the stories of Latin American youth, bringing these narratives into the public space, sparking conversations with neighbours, the community, and passersby, and creating a place of belonging.
Opening Celebration
At the final celebration, we gathered to enjoy delicious Mexican food and the lively sounds of the Los Dorados mariachi band. Not even the rain could dampen the spirit—people showed up with joy and energy to celebrate together. That night, Vancouver felt a little warmer, a little more welcoming.
As Ari beautifully said, with this celebration, we let go of the mural—it now belongs to everyone!
We invite you to visit it at 169 East 12th Avenue, Vancouver.
Project team
Ari de la Mora - Guest Artist
Ari is a Muralist and Artist from Mexico. Her art is deeply inspired by the tapestry of culture and community that surrounds her. Her work has been exhibited in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico; she has completed murals across Canada. Ari is also actively involved in community art projects and teaching art classes.
La Libélula Members
Pamela Gutierrez, Fiorella Pinillos, Giuliana Lira, and Carolina Aguirre—were an integral part of the team. We curated, planned, organized, and supported every step of this process. Together, we helped bring the youth's vision to life.
Natalia Botero - Photographer
Natalia is a Colombian photographer, visual artist, and researcher with 30 years of experience. Her work focuses on photojournalism and documentary projects about Forced Disappearance, victims of the Armed Conflict, and their families.
She joined us throughout the workshops, the mural creation, and the celebration. All the images from these moments were captured through her lens and her deep sensitivity.
