Raíces Brillantes [Brilliant Roots] Mural

A radiant visual journey celebrating heritage, resilience, and belonging

Latino/Hispanic contributions in Nevada

Raíces Brillantes [Brilliant Roots] stands as a vibrant testament to the lived experiences and enduring contributions of Nevada’s Latino/Hispanic community. Spanning three interior walls of Edmund J. Cain Hall (by the Latino Research Center’s Suite 100), the mural invites viewers into a world where personal identity, cultural pride, and collective history come alive through bold imagery and heartfelt symbolism.

A group of nine individuals stands in front of a black banner that reads "Latino Research Center" in white text at the University of Nevada, Reno. The banner features three framed images and is partially overlaid by a colorful mural above, which includes a blue Volkswagen Beetle and abstract artistic elements.

Meet the artist

Edwin Martinez-Escobar is a United States Veteran, Reno-based muralist who is known for his vibrant colorful style and his signature portraiture depicting historical Latino/Hispanic figures can be seen throughout northern Nevada, beautifying urban landscapes.

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From the Artist

I moved (immigrated) from Mexico City to northern Nevada at the age of nine. Living amongst Mexico’s rich culture, from indigenous roots to Spanish heritage, and being exposed to many other cultural influences from around the world, awakened my love and passion for art.

—Edwin Martinez-Escobar

Artist Edwin Martinez-Escobar stands on a red SkyJack lift while painting a vibrant indoor mural. The artwork features a stylized blue-haired face, a green and yellow abstract burst, and a horse silhouette with desert plants, all set against a gradient yellow-to-red background.

Bringing stories to life

The mural weaves together powerful motifs: an elderly woman amid butterflies, a vibrant flower sprouting life, a graduate receiving support from an elder, a wolf, the desert cacti, a souring eagle, the American flag, a classic Volkswagen Beetle (Vocho) the Maldonado brothers of Virginia City, the Red Rock Canyon of Las Vegas, and much more.

These elements collectively celebrate heritage, perseverance, aspiration, and the dynamic spirit of the Latino/Hispanic community across Nevada. Even more, Martinez-Escobar poured personal meaning into the work— the graduating figure is his sister, Brenda—a loving surprise that moved her to tears and infuses the mural with familial and communal warmth.

Connecting tradition and vision

From ancient symbols of Mother Earth and migratory journeys, to modern representations like space exploration, the mural traverses cultural landscapes and generational paths. These are the demonstrative of the many sectors that the Latino/Hispanic community in Nevada continues to influence. The artist’s careful inclusion of Latin American national birds, calla lilies, miners, and other regional markers ensures that multiple cultural narratives are honored and represented in an inclusive and respectful manner.

A colorful mural featuring an eagle, mountains, a helmeted figure with celestial bodies, industrial scenes, and marine life, viewed by people inside a sunlit room.

A gift of community support and vision

This mural is a direct reflection of community collaboration. Sponsored entirely by foundations and generous donors—including NV Energy Foundation, Corwin Buick GMC, the Cain Family, Courageous Corazón Foundation, and Drs. Ron Aryel and Stacey Knobler, Juana Reynoza-Gómez, Ivet Contreras, Gabby Moreno, and Robert Glenn. the work emerged through shared commitment to visibility and unity. The project also marked a pivotal moment in the Latino Research Center’s (LRC) journey. As the LRC celebrated two decades of impact—through research advocacy, student success initiatives, and outreach—the mural captures that milestone in vivid visual storytelling.