Acclaimed Texas public artist will work with the Brownsville community to create a new landmark welcoming travelers to the airport.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (September 2, 2026) — The Call for Artists Selection Committee has selected Texas public artist Oscar Alvarado to create a landmark artwork at the intersection of Boca Chica Boulevard and Billy Mitchell Boulevard, marking a major gateway for travelers approaching Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO).
Alvarado was selected following a regional Call for Artists open to artists who currently or previously lived in South Texas or the Rio Grande Valley. The process sought an artist who could pair significant public art experience with an understanding of the community, history and culture that make the region distinctive.
A San Antonio-based artist with personal and family ties to Brownsville, Alvarado has been creating public art for more than 25 years. Beginning with a residency at the Art Museum of South Texas in Corpus Christi in 1999, Alvarado has since created more than 80 tons of public art and completed commissions throughout Texas, including large-scale sculptures, mosaics, murals and other site-specific installations.
“Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley have been part of my life since I was a kid, so I’m honored to have the opportunity to create something that belongs to this community,” said Alvarado. “Public art is strongest when it grows out of the community around it. I’m looking forward to listening to those who know Brownsville best and creating something together that reflects its rich history, culture and character, and gives people a real sense that they have arrived somewhere special, a true sense of place.”
Community participation will be an important part of the project’s next phase. Alvarado will work with the airport, Selection Committee, City of Brownsville and community stakeholders to gather local stories, history and perspectives to help inform the artwork before developing a final concept.
“From the beginning, we wanted this project to be created for Brownsville and shaped by the community who understand what makes this region special,” said Faisal Khalifa, Interim Airport Director. “That started with a Call for Artists focused on artists with ties to our community, and it will continue by bringing the community into the creative process. Oscar brings tremendous experience, but just as importantly, he brings a willingness to listen. We’re excited to see those local stories and perspectives come together in a landmark that welcomes people home and introduces visitors to Brownsville.”
The new artwork will be located approximately 1.8 miles from the airport at the intersection of Boca Chica Boulevard and Billy Mitchell Boulevard, a highly visible gateway for travelers. Alvarado has begun research for the project and will develop the final concept following additional community input.
“We have an opportunity to create something that people will experience every day, whether they’re heading out on a trip, coming home or welcoming someone to Brownsville,” said Lorena Cardona, Marketing and Business Development Manager at BRO. “We want the community to see themselves in this landmark, which is why your voices will be so important as Oscar moves from research into design.”
The selected design will be fabricated and installed at the site, complemented by landscaping developed in coordination with the City of Brownsville. Additional information about the project and opportunities for community participation will be announced as the design process moves forward.
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ABOUT OSCAR ALVARADO:
Oscar Alvarado is a San Antonio-based public artist with more than 25 years of experience creating large-scale, site-specific artwork. Since beginning his public art practice in 1999, he has completed commissions throughout Texas spanning sculpture, mosaics, murals, benches and other public-space installations. His work is rooted in collaboration, craftsmanship and the history and culture of the communities in which it is created. Learn more at OscarArtist.com.
ABOUT BRO:
Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) is located in the heart of Brownsville in the Rio Grande Valley, serving Texas and Mexico. Located minutes from downtown Brownsville and South Padre Island, BRO provides convenient access to major destinations through partnerships with Aerus, American Airlines, and United Airlines. Serving a regional population of 1.43 million and key demand drivers including SpaceX, Rio Grande LNG, and a thriving tourism economy, the airport continues to invest in modern facilities, passenger amenities, and new air service to support the region’s growing economy and vibrant community. The 91,000-square-foot terminal features full international capability and is designed for future expansion as passenger traffic grows. For more information, visit: www.FlyBRO.com.
Lorena Cardona
Marketing and Business Development Manager, BRO
Lorena.E.Cardona@BrownsvilleTX.gov