Artist Juan Velazquez spent several weeks painting a mural of Our Lady of Guadalupe on a building in Texas. But after completing the work, he received unexpected news: the building’s owner—who had initially approved the project—now wants to cover it completely.
On his Instagram account, Velazquez explained that it all began when a client who had just rented the property in Garland hired him to transform the space with a mural inspired by Our Lady of Guadalupe.
“Before renting it, he showed them his plans, including an artificial intelligence-generated design explaining that he wanted to paint a mural, and they didn’t say anything,” Velazquez said.
Using that initial image as inspiration, the artist created his own design for the “La Esquinita Panadería y Taquería” storefront, featuring Our Lady of Guadalupe alongside the phrase, “Pray for us.”
After three weeks of work—and with the help of artists Armando Aguirre, Gustavo Briseño, Travis Avila, and Guerrero Tatz—the mural was finally completed.
“Now that the mural is finished—after working on it for three weeks through intermittent rain, and after I had to step away for a week due to the death of a family member—the owner is saying the mural is not allowed and that they are going to paint over it,” Velazquez explained.
Through social media, Velazquez asked followers to share the story in support of his client and to help prevent the mural of the Virgin of Guadalupe from being removed.
Meanwhile, restaurant owners Jamie and Alberto Zamora told CBS News that the building management had been aware of the project from the beginning, since details were shared with them through emails and text messages in March.
They explained that the mural was intended not only to beautify the building, but also to represent the faith and cultural identity of the Hispanic community.
“It symbolizes love, protection, and tradition for our Hispanic culture,” Jamie said.
The future of the mural remains uncertain. However, Velazquez’s post has sparked a wave of support across social media.