San Antonio’s Southside is home to a very special community of creators, hard workers, and people that inspire–many of which own small businesses in and around the Southside. The Southside Makers and Shakers blog series showcases these unique businesses and their owners. Each addition to the series offers new insight into the community and the gente that make the Southside so unique.
This month, we’re featuring Louis Vega Treviño, a Southside native, artist, and muralist whose work brings color, energy, and healing to spaces across San Antonio. Most recently, Louis created a mural as part of University Health’s SaludArte: Art of Healing program, contributing vibrant, uplifting art to the community.
Tell us about yourself and what you do
Ever since I was a child, I’ve been driven to create, always with a pen and paper ready at a moment’s notice. I began my artistic journey on a very small scale, using cocktail napkins as my canvas. Art supplies can be expensive when you’re starting out, and napkins are cheap, sometimes even free. Over the years, I’ve built a large napkin collection that has grounded me throughout my journey.
Like many artists, I worked a variety of jobs before becoming a full-time artist to support my family. But something in my heart told me to keep going and to never give up on what made me happy: creating art.
Now at 53, I’m still doing what I love. If you had told me years ago that I’d still be making art today, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.
What would you consider your first big break as an artist?
My first big break came when I had a show at Blue Star, where I displayed between three and four thousand napkins. That exhibition opened the door to relationships with buyers and collectors and gave me the confidence to keep pursuing my passion. It was the first time I realized that something as small and simple as a napkin could have a powerful impact when viewed as part of a larger body of work.
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- Napkin Design Series by Louis Vega Treviño
I also worked on the Incarnate Word Chapel as part of an artist team, which was another important milestone for me. That experience allowed me to collaborate with other creatives and see how art could live within architectural spaces, shaping how people experience a place. It made me more aware of how art interacts with its surroundings, something that continues to influence my work today.
My message to children is to “follow your heart and follow your dreams. You never know where they will take you.”
How would you describe your artistic style?
Geometry is at the heart of my work. It’s everywhere; it’s life itself. My art reflects a balance of structure and spontaneity, order and emotion. I’m not shy about using color. My art is an outlet, and I want that outlet to be as positive and vibrant as possible. Bright colors have power; they can shift energy and uplift emotions. I rarely use dark colors in my work because I want my art to remain vibrant, bright, and engaging to viewers. My goal is always to invoke positive emotions.
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- Glow Chips by Louis Vega Treviño
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- Continental by Louis Vega Treviño
What was your experience like participating in University Health’s SaludArte: Art of Healing program?
I’m a firm believer that art has the power to heal. I use art to express my emotions and as an outlet; it’s like a second language. When I first saw the opportunity to create a mural on the Southside, I couldn’t pass up the chance to share what art has done for me with others. It felt full circle to bring my work back to the community where I grew up.
The mural, titled United, is based on one of my original napkin drawings and is everything I dreamed of. To see something that started as a tiny sketch transformed into a large-scale mural on the side of the University Health Vida Clinic is surreal. This is my first large-scale public piece, and I’m proud that it’s permanently installed on the Southside.
‘United’ mural by Louis Vega Treviño at University Health Vida clinic
It brings me joy to provide a sense of positivity in a health-focused space. Health is serious, but art can lighten the environment. I want my mural to bring hope and healing and to help people see something beautiful even in the middle of their challenges. I may not be able to personally help everyone through their battles, but I can offer my art as a source of light, love, and connection.
“From 5×5 napkins to a massive mural, I’ve learned that you can’t take your passion or your work for granted. Every piece is part of the journey.”
How does the mural reflect the Southside community?
To me, the Southside represents joy, nostalgia, and pride. The colors in United reflect what the Southside stands for: vibrant, connected, and full of life. I want the mural to celebrate that beauty and remind people not to underestimate the Southside. It’s home to so many talented and driven individuals.
How can people find your work?
Connect with me on Instagram and visit my website to keep up with upcoming exhibits.