Artist Jesse Treviño in his studio, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017.
Alma E. Hernandez, For the San Antonio Express NewsSan Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, local officials, and members of the community are sending their condolences to the family of Chicano artist Jesse Treviño, who died from his battle with cancer on Monday, February 13. He was 76.
Treviño is the artist behind art installations and murals that have become a huge part of San Antonio's identity. He is most known for the iconic "La Veladora of Our Lady of Guadalupe" mosaic on the Westside at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. He's also well-known for the nine-story mosaic mural "The Spirit of Healing" on the side of Christus Santa Rosa Children's Hospital.
"Spirit of Healing," a hand-cut, tiled mural by artist Jesse Treviño on the wall of the Children's Hospital of San Antonio.
Kin Man Hui, Staff / San Antonio Express-NewsYou can also find his work in Chapa Lion Mural on the old Chapa drugstore and "Little Laredo" on the side of Casa Navarro.
When the news of his passing was announced, many locals shared their reactions on Twitter. Nirenberg called Treviño an "American hero," adding that "the wounds of the Vietnam War, which took so many of his friends and neighbors from the Westside of San Antonio, never left him, but he used those scars to bring healing to millions of people."
San Antonio Congressman Joaquin Castro tweeted, "I’m saddened to hear of Jesse Treviño's passing. He was a beloved artist from San Antonio's Westside who used his talent to create signature pieces of art that have undoubtedly become embedded in our city's culture. He will be deeply missed, and his family is in my prayers."
"Jesse Treviño's art has displayed the unique cultural richness of our beloved, San Antonio. May he rest in peace," District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo tweeted.
Texas State Senator (District 26) José Menéndez praised Treviño for being an "amazing artist" who San Antonio was fortunate to have. He wrote, "He adorned our city with iconic art pieces that capture our community & have become part of our city's history."
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