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‘I’m poor, but I’m a billionaire at heart,’ 37-year-old dealing with homelessness artist shares Jesus masterpiece off freeway

The artist says he’s uncertain it will ever end ‘because we don’t know what he looks like.’

HOUSTON – There was a Jesus sighting along the northbound feeder lanes of U.S. 59 near Gessner Road Friday morning. The painting was challenging for any driver to miss. Even more difficult is the task of creating it.

“I don’t think I will ever master it because we don’t know how he looks,” said Miguel Montemayor.

The 37-year-old unsheltered man is from San Antonio but grew up in Sharpstown. It is the area he calls home today, adding, “Southwest Houston Texas, the hood, the neighborhood, the streets.”

Navigating life on the streets is challenging, but painting is an outlet.

Miguel Montemayor painting Jesus (KPRC 2)

“I get tired, but then I get right into it because that is my way of releasing stress, anxiety, problems, I’m at peace right here,” said Montemayor.

Nonetheless, it hasn’t stopped him from painting the same image over the last six months telling us, “I’m poor, but I’m a billionaire at heart.”

He tells KPRC 2 he began the painting, “On my Ford Econoline van, [my] work van.” said Montemayor.

But his van broke down. So, he moved his painting to a new canvas.

He said, “[it’s a] picture that will never have an ending to it.”

There is one component of his artwork that will come to an end, the Astros. Montemayor said the Astros logo on the bottom right of the painting is a frosting logo he had to add along with Jesus.

His message to Houstonians is, “Don’t let your families, enemies, strangers, yourself materialism get in the way of robbing your peace and joy.”


About the Authors
Mario Díaz headshot

Journalistic bulldog focused on accountability and how government is spending your dollars. Husband to Wonder Woman, father to a pitcher and two Cavapoos. Prefers queso over salsa.

Jason Nguyen headshot

As an Emmy award-winning journalist, Jason strives to serve the community by telling in-depth stories and taking on challenges many pass over. When he’s not working, he’s spending time with his girlfriend Rosie, and dog named Dug.

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