Tepeyac Celebrates the Restoration of El Milagro Mural by David Ocelotl Garcia in Denver’s RiNo Art District

On February 7, the Tepeyac Community Health Center family gathered with neighbors, artists, and local leaders to celebrate the unveiling of the newly restored El Milagro (“The Miracle”) mural by nationally renowned artist and Denver native David Ocelotl Garcia. The mural is located on the back of the Bob Ragland Library and stands as a vibrant tribute to Tepeyac’s history, cultural roots, and the community support that made our growth possible. 

The celebration took place at the RiNo ArtPark at Arkins Park, drawing dozens of community members, prominent local artists, and civic leaders. The event highlighted Denver’s thriving public art scene and the deep connection between community healing, cultural expression, and accessible healthcare. 

A special blessing ceremony was performed by Grupo Tlaloc, a spiritual Mexica/Azteca dance group dedicated to preserving Indigenous culture and ancestral traditions across generations. Their presence grounded the celebration in reverence, history, and cultural continuity. 

A Mural That Tells Tepeyac’s Story 

Through his signature style, known as abstract imaginism, Ocelotl Garcia visually narrates Tepeyac’s journey from its founding to its present-day impact. The mural reflects three distinct stages of organizational growth while honoring the Chicano and Mexicana heritage that is deeply woven into Tepeyac’s identity and the surrounding Denver community. 

“This mural doesn’t just belong to Tepeyac. It belongs to the community that founded us and has supported us for more than 30 years,” said Tepeyac CEO Jim Garcia. “This restoration honors our community’s collective strength and spirit. It is a powerful affirmation that our stories matter and will continue to inspire future generations.” 

From a Volunteer Clinic to a Full-Service Community Health Center 

Founded in 1994, Tepeyac began in an 800-square-foot home near Kalamath Street, renovated by more than 100 community volunteers. The original clinic was entirely volunteer-run and offered primary care and health education services to families in need. 

Today, thanks to continued community support, Tepeyac operates a 24,000-square-foot, full-service community health center serving more than 9,000 patients annually. We provide affordable, culturally responsive primary care, behavioral health, dental services, and pharmacy access—delivered with dignity, language access, and respect for every patient.  

This sense of belonging and collective care is central to El Milagro, which features dozens of figures representing community members, patients, families, and healers. Each one reflecting the belief that healthcare and culture are inseparable. 

A Lasting Addition to Denver’s Public Art Landscape 

The restored El Milagro mural is now a permanent part of Denver’s public art collection and will continue to inspire residents and visitors alike as a symbol of community resilience, healing, and creative expression. 

Special thanks to Denver Walls for funding this restoration, Denver Arts & Venues Public Art for bringing the mural into the city’s permanent collection, and the RiNo Art District for planning and hosting this meaningful celebration.