BIENVENIDOS: The Murals and Work of Jose Vazquez

The University YMCA’s Art @ the Y Gallery is proud to present BIENVENIDOS: The Murals and Work of Jose Vazquez. We celebrated the spirit of Welcome at the exhibition opening on Thursday, September 10, with live mariachi music, a performance by UHS Ballet Folklorico de los Tigres, food from Maize, and remarks from artist Jose Vazquez. Watch the opening livestream here.

Murals are not only about bright colors and beautiful imagery, they can be powerful community tools. This exhibition is a glimpse into how an artist working with local people on mural projects can showcase the beauty and diversity of community and the positive impact that can have on everyone involved.

Jose Vazquez is a Mexico-born, Chicago-raised artist, muralist, illustrator, and concept artist whose work spans public art, fine art, and digital media. For more than three decades, he has created artwork that transforms public spaces through bold color, dynamic composition, and community storytelling.

Vazquez began his artistic career in Chicago's graffiti movement, where he became an original member of the renowned DC5 Crew, helping establish it as one of the city's most respected graffiti collectives. He is now an established muralist throughout the region. You can find his work at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Unit 4 School District, and more, including an upcoming project in downtown Urbana.

The exhibition opening kicked off this year’s Welcoming Week 2026 celebration. To learn more about Welcoming Week, please visit: nawc.universityymca.org/programs/welcoming-week

In conjunction with the exhibit, Vazquez spoke at the Friday Forum + Conversation Café on Friday, September 25 in the University Y’s Latzer Hall.