There are several murals at The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso, so I grouped them together here. The artists featured include Christin Apodaca (Bailar), Paola Martinez (Alebrije and Somos Fiesta), the staff and students of Alderete Middle School (Canutillo History), Eugenia "AO" Carmona (Primavera en Otoño), and Cesar Inostroza (Synthesis).

Bailar by Christin Apodaca is an exciting painting depicting a woman dancing with joy. The viewer can almost hear the snap of the skirt and imagine the music the woman is experiencing. Although her costume is all blue, the different shades convey movement and fluidity. Apodaca's cross hatching technique is quite recognizable, and pulls the viewer into a shared moment.

Paola Martinez delights with both of her murals, Alebrije and Somos Fiesta. The alebrije is a jackaroo, a whimsical fantasy animal portrayed in many Mexican folktales. The mural Somos Fiesta (We are the party) shows vibrant, bright pinatas, just waiting to rain down treats on the lucky. The murals are side by side at the west end of the shopping area and are often the backdrop for family photos and selfies.

The Canutillo History mural is extremely detailed, showing everything from early days of Pancho Villa, to cattle rustling, to the German POW camp, and eventually the establishment of a strong educational system. The mural was designed with and painted by students and teachers, with local residents coming by and sharing stories of their own about the people on the mural. Estella N. Ramos, MA, MFA, of the Alderete Middle School art faculty led the project.

Synthesis is local El Paso artist Cesar Inostroza's love letter to his community. Diabetes is a huge problem within the Mexican-American culture, and this mural invites those who might be at risk to take charge of their own health through testing and treatment. This mural uses more pastels, and seems more dreamy, yet its message is a serious one.

Primavera en Otoño is a brightly colored graphic representation of seasons overlapping - something common in the desert Southwest. The artist has conveyed the rapidity of change that defines the environment here. This mural is on the outside of the shopping area facing I-10, so it also serves as an invitation to come inside and see what other delights await. Even if you're not in the mood to shop, these are well worth the drive.

The mural of the serape is untitled and unsigned but beautiful in the typical jewel tones that one associates with this region of the country.

Artworks in El Paso, TX