Pavo Real Recreation Center

Artaic worked in tandem with El Paso based 3D artist, Rene Nevarez, to bring this mosaic to life in the recently renovated Pavo Real Recreation Center in El Paso, Texas. The mosaic graces the main corridor of the recreation center and depicts a repeat motif of peacock feathers in our 1″ Glazed Porcelain tile. Spanning 1,500 square feet and featuring nine rich shades of blue, turquoise, yellow, green, and gold, this mosaic brings a dynamic and joyful energy to the corridor.

Rene Nevarez drew inspiration for the peacock feather motif from the name of the rec center itself, Pavo Real, which translates to peacock. He incorporated yellow and gold rays to elicit the feeling of warmth from the El Paso sun, while the shapes present in the design mimic a Native American headdress, a homage to the nearby Tigua Indian Reservation.

In the words of artist Rene Nevarez, “We aimed to create a design that not only reflected the rich culture and history of El Paso but also instilled a sense of … inspiration for all who enter the center. He adds that, “The working title, Camino Real, or the ‘royal road,’ is an acknowledgment of the Camino Real which ran through El Paso centuries ago. When visitors walk through the rec center, the gold highlighted hallway will illustrate this idea of a regal pathway to great purpose and accomplishment.”

Design by Rene Nevarez

Photography by Brian Wancho