Artist: Antonio Martinez

Location: 100 W Jackson Street, Carbondale, IL

Materials: Existing wall and paint

Installation date: 2025

The Bienvenidos Carbondale mural, located on the east-facing wall of Dona Camila’s grocery and taqueria business, is a playful multi-paneled, vibrant, colorful design inspired by traditional papel picado and Dia de Muertos folk art.

Two of the highly symbolic five panels honor the Latino laborers employed by the agricultural and construction industries, while also alluding to the promise of attaining higher education credentials, whether for themselves or their children.

Two additional panels highlight animals that define the identity of the region. Each of these animals is depicted as a mystical spirit animal ( Alebrijes), with simplified skeletal frames, a burning and eclipsing sacred heart, and a medley of decorative floral designs positioned throughout their body.

The larger central panel holds the welcoming message, “Bienvenidos Carbondale”, along with a few jovial skeletal figures playing guitars to the left and right side of a train, which is a reference to Carbondale’s music scene and the city’s historical origin as a central train depot.

Lastly, two large butterflies hold special cultural meaning for Latino and other indigenous communities that endure perilous challenges as they migrate to and from homes for the sake of seeking solace, prosperity, and longevity. Bienvenidos Carbondale is a mural that celebrates humanity and the cultural vibrancy within the region.