“Our History,” which stretches over 5,000-square-feet of walls beneath the court’s third-floor atrium, highlights key moments in El Paso history and features more than 50 iconic figures. The mural was unveiled in 1995, just a few years after the then-new courthouse was completed.

“It was commissioned, so we had to compete to get the work,” Callejo said. “I saw a unique opportunity to play with the lights and shadows from the large windows where others might have seen a challenge. I think that was my edge.”

Citing the key artists of the Mexican Muralism Movement (Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros) as his role models, Callejo points to his own life experiences as the greatest influence behind his murals: “They’re a reflection of me and those around me at certain points in time.”

The El Paso County Commissioners Court on Monday issued a resolution proclaiming Aug. 23, 2024, as a day to celebrate “Our History” and honor Callejo’s “beautiful work of art by incorporating technology to bring the mural to life.”

Art, history and technology converge as El Paso-born artist Carlos Callejo’s expansive 5,000-square-foot mural, “Our History” in the county courthouse has been transformed into an interactive 3D experience that includes animations, narration and music. Through an app, visitors can engage with the cultural narratives depicted in the mural.