Crafting Community: Cristina Salas Brings Mosaic Art to Mercado

Published on January 31, 2025

Mercado is on its way to becoming a vibrant community hub, and an intricate mosaic installation by Cristina Salas is at the heart of this transformation. After a competitive selection process, the community chose Salas, Ecuadorian-born and New York-based artist Cristina Salas to design and create this unique piece to decorate the space.

Mercado, located at the intersection of Cleveland Street and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, is a new community gathering space that features a central grass area, raised landscaped planter sections, a large shade canopy, and a mosaic art installation designed to bring vibrant pops of color throughout the plaza.

Cristina Salas, known for her intricate mosaic murals and dynamic fiber art, brings a distinctive touch to this project. Piece by piece, her mosaic is coming to life, showcasing her creativity and craftsmanship while reflecting the essence of the community.

Salas describes each mosaic she creates as a journey of connecting pieces, colors, and stories. For the Mercado installation, she drew inspiration from the energy and diversity of the people who will gather in the space.

Check out the process photos for a glimpse into her meticulous work, from the selection of colorful tiles to the careful placement of each fragment. These snapshots not only highlight her dedication but also provide a preview of the beauty to grace Mercado.

The Mosaic is set to be complete in February, 2025

Follow Cristina Salas to see more of her stunning art and stay updated on her journey: