100% Otero completed their first mural in Chaparral, New Mexico, using public art displays to increase public awareness of the 100% New Mexico initiative and the need to address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, and social adversity. Artist and Chaparral local Jazmín Sáenz, who goes by the artist name of Xochihuitzilin spoke to the Anna Age Eight Institute about the mural process and what the Mural means to the community.

Question: Can you tell us a little about you?

Jazmín (Xochihuitzilin): My name is Jazmín Sáenz, I was born in El Paso but grew up in Chaparral from 5th grade all the way until my degree from NMSU. I have worked in public health in the Gadsden area for over 15 years and am now currently living in El Paso.

Question: How did this all get going?

Jazmín (Xochihuitzilin): To begin the process, as the 100% Otero Organization wanted it to be a community project, I started with the youth of the community by getting ideas and feedback from students in both Chaparral Middle and High School. Work on the mural began in mid-May and the project was completed in late June. I collected ideas and drawings from interested students at Chaparral Middle and High Schools, explaining the goals of 100% Otero and the reason for the mural. I received over 150 drawings from students as well as some written suggestions. Many things were included like local wildlife and scenery, flags, and symbols. I then gathered all the drawings and presented them to the Chaparral High School Art Club. The club members made a few suggestions and helped create an online survey to determine what the community of Chaparral would like to see included in the mural. Using the survey results, students assisted in the mural design process. This was important to build community-wide support for the mural.

Question: The design is distinctive, incorporating so many elements. Why did you and the community choose to incorporate them?

Jazmín (Xochihuitzilin): We included both the American and Mexican flags in the design because Chaparral’s residents are 85% Hispanic, and many have migrated from Mexico. Chaparral is a border town in several respects. The Mexican border is only 35 miles from Chaparral, and the community sits on the border of two states, Texas and New Mexico. On top of that, we are also divided into two counties, Otero and Doña Ana. Sometimes we are denied services because we do not live in the correct county, which is a barrier that affects the members of this community.

Question: How do you think this border community status impacts Chapparal?

Jazmín (Xochihuitzilin): We are New Mexicans, but secluded, separated from the rest of Doña Ana County by the Franklin Mountains and by distance since Alamogordo is more than an hour away. The mural depicts the mountain ranges and landscapes associated with Chaparral and its neighbors. The El Paso Star and Trans Mountain were included in the mural because although we are not part of El Paso, El Paso is a large part of us. We also included the Juarez Red X (Ollin) because many Chaparral families come from Juarez or have family there. Las Cruces, NM is also important to Chaparral residents as many travel to Las Cruces for the same reasons they go to El Paso; medical appointments, shopping, and entertainment. The Organ Mountains, White Sands Missile Range, and the Zia symbol are all included representing New Mexico. Although Chaparral is secluded geographically, the artwork was designed to show unity among two nationalities, two states, and two counties.

Question: Where are there parts of the mural that were designed by youth in the community? 

Jazmín (Xochihuitzilin): The Chaparral High School Art Club made many decisions during the design process, choosing the subjects to include, the style, and colors. The heart of the community and its wellbeing begins with the family unit. Chaparral High School student “Lizzy” designed the family silhouette that anchors the artwork’s center. Making sure children grow up in a nurturing, safe, loving environment where their needs are met is of utmost importance and the goal of 100% Otero. it all begins in the womb, during pregnancy. We know trauma affects the unborn fetus. A family must also have strong community supports.” The school mascots are pictured because our schools are essential to our children’s upbringing. The Roadrunner represents Chaparral Elementary, Desert Trail Elementary’s mascot is the Scorpion, Sunrise Elementary is the sun, and the newest elementary and the first school on the Otero County side of the community is Yucca Heights, represented by the Coyote. The Knight represents Chaparral Middle School, and Chaparral High School’s mascot is the Lobo.

Question: There are many natural elements to the mural, how did those come about?

Jazmín (Xochihuitzilin): The survey demonstrated that it was important to many residents to represent nature in the design, so artists included wildlife and animal relatives in the mural. The most requested animal to be pictured was the roadrunner, as they are often seen crossing the streets of Chaparral. Quail, yucca, and cactus round out the earth-bound images. Chaparral boasts an open sky with little light pollution, showcased in the mural’s night sky and the sunset/sunrise images. 

Question: How do you think the 100% mural project helps build community?

Jazmín (Xochihuitzilin): The mural helps bring a sense of pride as well as unity. Many locals stopped by while driving while we were working on the mural, providing encouragement, and some said, “finally someone is doing something for us!” One of my goals while working in public health was to bring more youth programs and opportunities to the area as they are lacking. Art is an interest to many, and it is a great way of expression. This project was a great opportunity to work with youth and encourage them to use their creativity while at the same time learning about the importance of childhood trauma prevention and how it affects people throughout their life. Art is medicina. I hope this mural brings of sense of unity to those who see it and that they can relate to the mural in some way. I also hope the mural helps bring pride to its constituents as Chaparral is a beautiful place indeed.

The 100% Murals Project celebrates local creativity and is a powerful tool for engaging the public. Because each mural is created locally to reflect the community where it is painted, it instills a sense of community pride. It is the hope of 100% Otero to have murals in every community in the county. Through the beauty of these murals, Otero County residents will see that although we live in a society with traumatized people, together, we can find a way through adversity and provide our children with the future they deserve.

If you’d like to learn more about Xochihuitzilin’s art please visit xhzart.com.