HOUSTON – Art and culture are what make Houston neighborhoods unique.
On Wednesday, KPRC 2′s Our Town series was in the Acres Homes community to showcase what makes that area special.
Throughout the morning, Digital Reporter Moriah Ballard joined Houston artist, Ace Phoenix, who created a mural depicting different angles within the Acres Homes community.
Ace says the four corners of the mural show different key components that make that community what it is today.
In the top left corner, she gave a nod to the ‘44, which is another name for that neighborhood. She included Burns BBQ on the other end, which is a famous landmark for the Acres Homes community.
Toward the bottom, Ace was able to highlight one of the main things Acres Homes is known for... the acreage. According to historical records, when people started moving to that area, they had to buy acres instead of lots. The mural shows the greenery along with an image of Bluebonnets, the Texas state flower.
After our Our Town series, KPRC 2 will be gifting the final product to the neighborhood during our free resource fair at the Acres Homes Chamber of Commerce.
About the artist | Ace Phoenix
According to her website, Ace has taken her artistic journey to new heights every step of the way. That journey started on her grandmother’s kitchen floor at 4 years old, when she was drawing happy faces in a hymn book to crushing it years later in the makeup industry winning countless awards and then creating mural masterpieces for the Super Bowl Host Committee for Houston’s hosting of the big game.
In fact, the name Ace Phoenix derives from her self-proclaimed alter ego. “It is the only name that is fitting to my gritty journey into the world of art.” states the artist. No matter what she faces, time and time again she has proven that through the fire she will come out on top.
Art isn’t just a talent this young mother carries, rather a way of life. “Art is my prayer. It is how I express my deepest sentiments, and speak when words do no favor.”
She opted out of living the traditional American life her parents wanted for her, dropping out of high school, getting her GED, then dropping out of college to pursue a career in hair and makeup. Ace Phoenix has navigated her success guided by creativity, dedication and tenacity.