business
Exhibit celebrates El Paso, Juárez sign painters’ overlooked artistry
By Daniel Perez at El Paso Matters
· July 5, 2026
· 7 min read
Anne Giangiulio moved to the Borderland in 2004 to teach graphic arts at the University of Texas at El Paso . One of her strongest memories from that time was the abundance of hand-painted signs on businesses around the city, especially around Segundo Barrio.
Giangiulio, a native of Philadelphi...
Key takeaway One of her strongest memories from that time was the abundance of hand-painted signs on businesses around the city, especially around Segundo Barrio.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The upcoming exhibit at the El Paso Museum of History, "El Otro Muralismo: Historical and Contemporary Sign Painting in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez," brings attention to the often-overlooked artistry of local sign painters. This celebration of vernacular signage has significant implications for El Paso's cultural identity and its connection to Mexico. The hand-painted signs that dot the city's landscape, particularly in areas like Segundo Barrio, are more than just functional advertisements - they represent a unique blend of traditional techniques and modern experimentation. By highlighting the work of these local artists, the exhibit and accompanying book, "Rotulistas: Sign Painters of El Paso," will help preserve the history and cultural context of this distinctively El Pasoan art form, and provide a new appreciation for the city's rich visual heritage. This exhibit will be a valuable addition to the city's cultural scene.
About this story
Original reporting by El Paso Matters . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit El Paso Matters . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: El Paso Matters ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Anne Giangiulio moved to the Borderland in 2004 to teach graphic arts at the University of Texas at El Paso. One of her strongest memories from that time was the abundance of hand-painted signs on businesses around the city, especially around Segundo Barrio.
Giangiulio, a native of Philadelphi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by El Paso Matters and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Daniel Perez at El Paso Matters. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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