Local artist transforms Amarillo public spaces with vibrant murals

What began as a summer job for Niara Torres has blossomed into a creative endeavor that has left a lasting mark on her hometown. Torres, 19, an Amarillo native and sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin, has revitalized several public spaces in Amarillo with her vibrant murals, adding color and inspiration to the city.

Torres, who grew up near Southeast Pool and once worked there as a lifeguard, was thrilled to return to the facility with a paintbrush in hand.

“I came here when I was a baby,” Torres said. “Coming here and then working here — I love this place, and it has many fond memories. Being able to paint a place that I grew up in is a dream.”

The 60-year-old Southeast Pool now features a colorful mural that greets visitors, thanks to Torres’s artistic talent. Her work caught the eye of the Parks and Recreation Department, leading to additional mural projects at the Warford Activity Center, where she painted three murals, including large, vibrant pieces in the basketball gym and lobby.

Torres’s passion for art was nurtured during high school through her work with Blank Spaces Murals, an organization dedicated to promoting creativity in local communities.

“I always wanted to be an artist,” she said. “Blank Spaces brought me into the world of muraling. I realized that I could do this professionally, and I’m really thankful for the opportunity to grow as an artist.”

Her murals have not only enhanced the aesthetics of these facilities but have also inspired the community.

“When I was painting the murals at Warford, kids were walking by, gasping in awe,” Torres said. “To inspire even one kid to create art and know that they can do it professionally melts my heart.”

“Having art in public places is important because I feel like when I was a kid, I didn’t get to go to museums or experience art professionally at all,” Torres said. “I feel like if I had had that, and I was able to see people painting on walls and being creative, I would have been inspired and known that I could have a creative career.”

As Torres continues her studies at UT Austin, where she is pursuing a degree in studio art, she hopes to keep exploring different forms of art and dreams of starting her own mural business.

“I love creating murals because they can transform a whole space,” she said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Reflecting on her artistic journey, Torres shared that art has always been a part of her identity.

“I always knew I wanted to be an artist, even when I was a kid,” she said. “In fifth grade, when my teachers asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always wrote down ‘artist.’ While everyone else wanted to be doctors or scientists, I felt different because I wanted to pursue art.”

Torres also emphasized the emotional connection she has with her work.

“I’m a very emotional person, and art is something through which I can express myself,” she said. “I love creating colorful, bright, beautiful murals. Art is really emotional for me.”

The city hopes to bring Torres back during school breaks to continue her work.

“We would love to see her artwork on other facilities and buildings all over Amarillo,” said Becky Dreyer, assistant director for Amarillo Parks and Recreation.

Dreyer noted the significance of Torres’s work in inspiring the next generation.

“She was excited to contribute to the community of Amarillo, knowing that her murals might encourage kids to look at art in different ways and realize they can contribute their artistic talents,” Dreyer said.

At Parks and Recreation, supporting the growth of young, talented staff is a priority, Dreyer added: “It’s important for us to encourage our young talent and give them opportunities for their artwork to be seen and appreciated by the community.”

Amarillo Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba expressed gratitude for Torres’s contributions.

“We are very blessed to have talented young people like Niara work for us,” Kashuba said. “We appreciate Niara sharing her artistic skills with the entire community of Amarillo.”

As Torres continues her artistic journey, her murals stand as a testament to the transformative power of art in public spaces.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Local artist transforms Amarillo public spaces with vibrant murals