It's been 200 years since Mexico and the United States formed their bilateral and diplomatic relationship. According to the U.S. Department of State, "Mexico remains one of the United States' closest and most valued partners."
It's also been 130 years since the General Consulate of Mexico was established in Denver.
To celebrate both anniversaries, the Consulate commissioned a mural titled "Unidos" that commemorates the relationship between the two countries.
The mural was designed by Mexican artist Spaik and will live on the east side of the PE Building at Auraria Campus. It's the intersection of Larimer and 11th Streets, which is part of the 5280 trail. The mural will be unveiled Tuesday, October 10 at 11 a.m.
The Auraria Higher Education Center said in a statement that commissioning the mural is meant to engage students, including those of Mexican backgrounds, into arts and Mexico's culture.
In a press release, CEO of the Center Colleen Walker said the mural "is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the student experience and creating a campus environment that fosters creativity, learning, and inclusivity."
The mural is also meant to serve as an added reminder that Auraria was once home to working-class Hispanics who were forced to leave their lives behind to make way for the construction of the campus as part of a city-led "urban renewal" campaign.
The displacement in the name of "revitalization," forced residents to create their own diaspora. In all, 250 businesses and 330 households were displaced.
"This area was made by Mexican people years ago and it will show students different cultures," Spaik said.
The 30′ x 120′ is reminiscent of stained glass. A black background with neon yellows, greens, pinks and orange splashed across all the characters in the piece.
Each represents something in Mexican culture. Large cacti border the sides of the mural along with vibrant marigolds, which play a large part in Día de Los Muertos celebrations.
More imagery related to the culturally significant holiday is on display with women, men, children and families donning sugar skull faces. There's Azteca warriors and jaguars, piñatas, colorful maiz and luchadores.
At the center of the mural is an American eagle and a Mexican eagle, or a Crested Caracara. Above the two birds lies a moon and a sun. Spaik said the imagery is all about different entities coming together in unity.
"We are different but we are all under the same sun and the same moon and the world," Spaik said.
Several city leaders will speak at Tuesday's mural unveiling, including Mayor Mike Johnston and the Consulate General of Mexico Pavel Meléndez. The event will also feature artistic performances and free food.
Attendees can also check another mural that was recently completed on campus that explores the Asian diaspora in Denver and the West.
On Thursday afternoon, Spaik was hard at work making sure the mural will be done by the unveiling date. He said Denver is home to a ton of beautiful murals and he's glad to add his own to the mix. Spaik said ultimately he hopes the students stop every now and then to take a break from the hustle of the classroom and simply dive into the culture.
"You can see the diversity in the art...I just hope people enjoy it," Spaik laughed and returned to painting.
