El Paso Center for Children will kick off Street ARTreach, a campaign that emphasizes hope and features local artists’ works projected onto buildings this weekend in Downtown El Paso.

The Center for Children conceived this project over the summer in order to put a call out to teens and young adults through 24 years old who are experiencing homelessness, or for young people who may be survivors of human trafficking and child exploitation. The center commissioned local artists to create special pieces that are intended to be projected onto high profile buildings, or in areas where young people gather and are likely to see the images.

Five artists signed up to create and exhibit their art through Street ARTreach, including Christin Apodaca, Tino Ortega, Diego “Robot” Martinez, Dead Punk and Pilo Pida. The projectors and support equipment is being provided by Edgar Olivas of Beam

The murals will direct viewers to the Center’s website and social media accounts, where intake counselors are available 24/7 to respond discreetly via direct message, live chat or email.

Artist Diego Martinez, best known for his “Robot” paintings, was born and raised on the El Paso/Juarez border.  His work features bright colors and is based on random thoughts and emotions that he’s feeling, or metaphors depicting a personal experience or tribulation he’s gone through. The “robot” is a reflection of the joy inspired by the simplicity and innocence of his daughter, and a self-reflection of his own personal life, views, and struggles.

Why he wants to join the project

I am all about reaching out to the community and trying to touch base with what truly matters. I think homeless youth and certain aspects of people seem to be forgotten because a lot people are only worried about themselves, counting all the things that they don’t have instead of counting their blessings. Talking to people and raising awareness that this is a real topic is super important especially right now. I feel like a have a platform and a voice through his art. I just think it’s pretty cool that I can do what I want and also to give back with artwork. I’m just honored to be part of this project.

Dead Punk is a self taught artist Born and raised in El Paso, Texas who combines Pop-Graffiti with a hard-edge painter style. He displays a cohesive spatial harmony on canvas and explores the relationship with life and death with pop culture references and the raw Punk aesthetic of the 80’s. To him being ”punk” means being yourself, being the true version of yourself. Not trying to be anybody else. Doing things for yourself, things like that.

Why he wants to join the project

I joined because as an artist it is important to use our talents to contribute and support our communities. I want to use this opportunity to inspire our youth and remind them that there is always hope. That there’s always someone out there that cares and wants to help you fulfill your dreams and accomplish your goals.

Christin Apodaca is an El Paso artist. She attended UTEP and the University of New Mexico, graduating with a bachelor’s in studio art. She works with oils, water-based paints, and markers, focusing on black and white line-heavy illustrations. She describes her work as Romantic Surrealism. She focuses on the human connection with nature and what happens when we become consumed by it.

Why she wants to join the project

I decided to join because experiences that happen to us when we’re young shape the way we respond to the world as adults and you provide a service that can help navigate those experiences in a positive way. These youth and young people need help being heard and supported. I want to send a message that makes the viewer feel safe and supported knowing that there’s someone that can listen. I definitely want my work to make these youth/young people feel seen/acknowledged.

Tino Ortega is an El Paso artist. His work is characterized by a kind of hyper realism – works that blur the line between photorealism and depiction. His work features those who have made or are working to make a difference in the community at large. He has also dedicated himself to exploring the idea of “connectivity through diversity.”

He likes the idea that the viewers can be a part of the art. He believes artists have the responsibility to bring empathy and emotion into their artwork where the viewer can relate in a way that creates change.