WELCOMING
In 2009 New Hope Housing, Inc. commissioned artist Carmen Lomas Garza to design 4 metal cutout murals for its renovated S.R.O. (Single Room Occupancy) building for low-income residents at Brays Crossing in Houston, Texas.
New Hope Housing accepted the challenge from the city of Houston to purchase a rundown motel and turn it into housing for single residents who could look forward to living with dignity in a welcoming, and safe home.
Garza designed and cut 4 paper cutouts at one-sixth scale size. The paper cutouts were scanned and used as the matrix to cut ½ inch thick steel panels to make 4 murals each measuring 14 x 48 feet. These murals were installed on the front of each building facing the freeway, providing a welcoming for the residents, and an exhibition to passing motorists.