An 8-by-18 foot mural tributing El Paso’s nickname, was made by Tino Ortega at the Chuco Relic store in Central El Paso. 

Tino Ortega is a young local artist who has used his incredible talent to make extraordinary and meaningful lifelike 3-D balloon murals around the city of El Paso. 

Ortega began his ‘Chuco’ mural in August of last summer honoring the Walmart shooting victims. 

Ortega’s latest addition of his artwork was inspired by one of El Paso’s most popular nickname, ‘El Chuco.’ 

The nickname is known to have several origins, however regardless of the origin El Pasoans embrace the nickname. 

Ortega wanted to honor those 23 victims of the unfortunate event in some way. 

Through his art the artist thought he could do something big and special. 

Ortega shared with KTSM and said, “The original idea was to have 23 balloons and I think we’re on our way to that which is nice. So slowly but surely.”

His murals don’t only share a message, but they bring out the community together while supporting Ortega’s artwork. 

Tino Ortega was interviewed by KVIA News and said, “I’m a daydreamer I guess. I see a blank wall and I want to paint it. I see just any blank wall and I’m like, ‘A mural would be good there.” 

His murals have gained popularity over the months and now are seen all through social media. 

With Ortega’s amazing tributing murals spotted all over El Paso, he makes the community come together as one and be united.