Massive mural transforms street corner into a celebration of Indio's history and culture

Artist Adam Enrique Rodriguez was selected out of a group of 19 artists to create his massive “Nuestra Vida” mural celebrating Indio’s history and culture.

The City of Indio will officially unveil a massive new mural reflecting its “City of Festivals” spirit next Wednesday, Feb. 18, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the southwest corner of Avenue 45 and Jackson Street.

Created by artist and Indio native Adam Enrique Rodriguez, “Nuestra Vida” transforms the exterior north wall of the International Auto Sales and Mobility building into a vibrant day-to-night scene along the length of the wall transition that wraps around the structure.

The artwork spans all 100 feet of the wall and features iconic local imagery, including native cactus and palms, desert landscapes, and references to the Riverside County Fairgrounds and Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals set against a backdrop of festival lights, fireworks and concert stages.

The composition also incorporates cultural elements deeply rooted in Indio’s history, such as papel picado, lotería cards, and a piñata.

Rodriguez, who graduated from Indio High School in 2008, described the commission as the realization of a personal goal.

“Having the opportunity to create a mural in my hometown has been a lifelong dream of mine,” Rodriguez wrote in his original proposal to the city. “I believe working alongside the community where I grew up is a crucial aspect to my creative process.”

The city allocated a total budget of $50,000 for the artwork and an additional $10,000 for lighting. Rodriguez’s design was selected from 19 proposals reviewed by the Public Arts Commission in January 2025.

The property owner of the building expressed a clear preference for Rodriguez’s concept during the selection phase, citing its alignment with the vision for the space. To ensure longevity, the mural has been sealed with an industrial-grade anti-graffiti coating to protect it from weathering and vandalism.

The public art unveiling will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 3:30 p.m. at 44925 Jackson Street, Suite C. Learn more about the event here.