Futbol Takeover E3: Futbol & Art; Live @ The Innovation Studio

>> Hi everyone. My name is Maria Lujan, >> Hi everyone. My name is Maria Lujan, owner Lujan Concepts, and the host of owner Lujan Concepts, and the host of owner Lujan Concepts, and the host of the Football Takeover. A show where we the Football Takeover. A show where we the Football Takeover. A show where we focus on the intersection of business, focus on the intersection of business, focus on the intersection of business, culture, community, and football. culture, community, and football. culture, community, and football. Um so remember, this is live. So you can Um so remember, this is live. So you can Um so remember, this is live. So you can leave your comments, your questions, and leave your comments, your questions, and leave your comments, your questions, and um chat with us. So um chat with us. So um chat with us. So you know what I'm going to do? I am you know what I'm going to do? I am you know what I'm going to do? I am actually going to get on Facebook right actually going to get on Facebook right actually going to get on Facebook right now because I know um now because I know um now because I know um I know we have a lot of people that uh I know we have a lot of people that uh I know we have a lot of people that uh have been tuning in. So first of all, have been tuning in. So first of all, have been tuning in. So first of all, thank you very much for doing that. And thank you very much for doing that. And thank you very much for doing that. And um yeah, I'm excited because today I get um yeah, I'm excited because today I get um yeah, I'm excited because today I get to talk about two of my favorite things, to talk about two of my favorite things, to talk about two of my favorite things, football and art. And I have really, football and art. And I have really, football and art. And I have really, really special guests that um really special guests that um really special guests that um that that that I'm I'm I'm just excited. I'm excited to I'm I'm I'm just excited. I'm excited to I'm I'm I'm just excited. I'm excited to uh have this conversation with them and uh have this conversation with them and uh have this conversation with them and to also explore some of the things that to also explore some of the things that to also explore some of the things that they've been up to, how they um they've been up to, how they um they've been up to, how they um how they got into the space, but then how they got into the space, but then how they got into the space, but then also what has been going on, especially also what has been going on, especially also what has been going on, especially these past 3 weeks that have been very these past 3 weeks that have been very these past 3 weeks that have been very exciting, I think, for all of us. So um exciting, I think, for all of us. So um exciting, I think, for all of us. So um yeah, let's get to it. Before actually, yeah, let's get to it. Before actually, yeah, let's get to it. Before actually, before we go into our guests, we are before we go into our guests, we are before we go into our guests, we are launching a new segment launching a new segment launching a new segment called The Pulse because we want to know called The Pulse because we want to know called The Pulse because we want to know what's happening around town. And so our what's happening around town. And so our what's happening around town. And so our field correspondent, Valentina Reina, is field correspondent, Valentina Reina, is field correspondent, Valentina Reina, is um is launching that with a quick video um is launching that with a quick video um is launching that with a quick video of her adventure this past weekend. Um of her adventure this past weekend. Um of her adventure this past weekend. Um so yeah, let's roll the video.

>> We're here at Katie Beer Garden on the >> We're here at Katie Beer Garden on the watch party for Colombia and Ghana. watch party for Colombia and Ghana. watch party for Colombia and Ghana. Let's see what people think. >> I GOT 3-0 COLOMBIA.

>> I GOT 3-0 COLOMBIA. >> OH, a lot of 3-0 people. >> OH, a lot of 3-0 people. >> OH, a lot of 3-0 people. >> Yeah, 3-0 Colombia. It's amazing. I love >> Yeah, 3-0 Colombia. It's amazing. I love >> Yeah, 3-0 Colombia. It's amazing. I love it. I love the horns and the people is it. I love the horns and the people is it. I love the horns and the people is yelling, screaming. Everybody got their yelling, screaming. Everybody got their yelling, screaming. Everybody got their faces painted. It's fire. >> Colombia, Colombia, yo soy Venezolano, >> Colombia, Colombia, yo soy Venezolano, pero Colombia. Vamos arriba. VAMOS pero Colombia. Vamos arriba. VAMOS pero Colombia. Vamos arriba. VAMOS ARRIBA, COLOMBIA. ARRIBA, COLOMBIA. ARRIBA, COLOMBIA. >> [screaming] >> [screaming] >> [screaming] >> GO, COLOMBIA!

>> SO, I know Valentina had lots of fun out >> SO, I know Valentina had lots of fun out in Katy for that watch party, and this in Katy for that watch party, and this in Katy for that watch party, and this was Friday. Um it was a great game, but was Friday. Um it was a great game, but was Friday. Um it was a great game, but unfortunately, I mean, we we all unfortunately, I mean, we we all unfortunately, I mean, we we all witnessed this uh witnessed it um you witnessed this uh witnessed it um you witnessed this uh witnessed it um you know, with yesterday's game. Colombia is know, with yesterday's game. Colombia is know, with yesterday's game. Colombia is now out of the race, and um yeah, but now out of the race, and um yeah, but now out of the race, and um yeah, but you know what? Memories were had, you know what? Memories were had, you know what? Memories were had, experiences were had, and I think that experiences were had, and I think that experiences were had, and I think that at the end of the day um Colombia did at the end of the day um Colombia did at the end of the day um Colombia did such a great job, and we will remember such a great job, and we will remember such a great job, and we will remember this run. So, now we just need to this run. So, now we just need to this run. So, now we just need to prepare for the next 4 years. prepare for the next 4 years. prepare for the next 4 years. And I just want to say really quickly, And I just want to say really quickly, And I just want to say really quickly, this weekend was actually very, very sad this weekend was actually very, very sad this weekend was actually very, very sad for me because Brazil, Mexico, and for me because Brazil, Mexico, and for me because Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, my top three, all went home. Colombia, my top three, all went home. Colombia, my top three, all went home. So, um So, um So, um I'm wearing the Brazil uh t-shirt today I'm wearing the Brazil uh t-shirt today I'm wearing the Brazil uh t-shirt today because because because um I still want to honor the fact that, um I still want to honor the fact that, um I still want to honor the fact that, you know, they were they were part of my you know, they were they were part of my you know, they were they were part of my top three, and um that's the way the game goes. that's the way the game goes. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> So, uh well, let's get right into our >> So, uh well, let's get right into our >> So, uh well, let's get right into our guests. Um guests. Um guests. Um So, I've I've had the honor and pleasure So, I've I've had the honor and pleasure So, I've I've had the honor and pleasure of knowing our guest for for many, many of knowing our guest for for many, many of knowing our guest for for many, many years, and um have been, you know, at years, and um have been, you know, at years, and um have been, you know, at the front row witnessing just the the front row witnessing just the the front row witnessing just the evolution and just so much growth and evolution and just so much growth and evolution and just so much growth and amazing, amazing accomplishments over amazing, amazing accomplishments over amazing, amazing accomplishments over the years, and um this is very exciting.

the years, and um this is very exciting. the years, and um this is very exciting. So, I wanted to make sure that we read So, I wanted to make sure that we read So, I wanted to make sure that we read the full bio because the full bio because the full bio because there are a lot of accomplishments, and there are a lot of accomplishments, and there are a lot of accomplishments, and I think that it's important that we that I think that it's important that we that I think that it's important that we that we mention that. So, Betirri is a we mention that. So, Betirri is a we mention that. So, Betirri is a Houston-based visual artist known for Houston-based visual artist known for Houston-based visual artist known for merging the worlds of art and football merging the worlds of art and football merging the worlds of art and football into a unique visual language that into a unique visual language that into a unique visual language that celebrates movement, identity, and celebrates movement, identity, and celebrates movement, identity, and community. He was born in Mexico, community. He was born in Mexico, community. He was born in Mexico, trained in architecture and painting at trained in architecture and painting at trained in architecture and painting at the University of Houston. Go Coogs. the University of Houston. Go Coogs. the University of Houston. Go Coogs. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And his work captures the essence of the >> And his work captures the essence of the >> And his work captures the essence of the beautiful game through his signature beautiful game through his signature beautiful game through his signature bodyless figures in motion. He has bodyless figures in motion. He has bodyless figures in motion. He has collaborated with organizations such as collaborated with organizations such as collaborated with organizations such as Major League Soccer, the Museum of Fine Major League Soccer, the Museum of Fine Major League Soccer, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and the city of Houston Arts Houston, and the city of Houston Arts Houston, and the city of Houston using his practice to bring cultural using his practice to bring cultural using his practice to bring cultural awareness and community engagement awareness and community engagement awareness and community engagement through football. His initiative, The through football. His initiative, The through football. His initiative, The Ball Rising Through Culture, and Ball Rising Through Culture, and Ball Rising Through Culture, and programs like Monday Night Football, programs like Monday Night Football, programs like Monday Night Football, have created spaces where sport, art, have created spaces where sport, art, have created spaces where sport, art, and storytelling intersects. So, um and storytelling intersects. So, um and storytelling intersects. So, um well, we're going to find out about all well, we're going to find out about all well, we're going to find out about all the great things that have happened as the great things that have happened as the great things that have happened as uh we have hosted the 2026 FIFA World uh we have hosted the 2026 FIFA World uh we have hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup because Betirri has played a key Cup because Betirri has played a key Cup because Betirri has played a key role in shaping the city's cultural role in shaping the city's cultural role in shaping the city's cultural narrative using art to unite communities narrative using art to unite communities narrative using art to unite communities and honor the global impact of the game, and honor the global impact of the game, and honor the global impact of the game, and he has had a very special and uh big and he has had a very special and uh big and he has had a very special and uh big role in how the city has um has welcomed role in how the city has um has welcomed role in how the city has um has welcomed everybody through football and art. So, everybody through football and art. So, everybody through football and art. So, Betirri, thank you for being here today.

Betirri, thank you for being here today. Betirri, thank you for being here today. >> Hi, Maria. Thank you for having me. It's >> Hi, Maria. Thank you for having me. It's >> Hi, Maria. Thank you for having me. It's an honor to be here. Thank you. an honor to be here. Thank you. an honor to be here. Thank you. >> Well, I'm very excited because >> Well, I'm very excited because >> Well, I'm very excited because um um um you know, like I said, it's been many, you know, like I said, it's been many, you know, like I said, it's been many, many years, and it has been so many many years, and it has been so many many years, and it has been so many accomplishments. You've done so many accomplishments. You've done so many accomplishments. You've done so many things. things. things. You have been to so many World Cups as You have been to so many World Cups as You have been to so many World Cups as well. well. well. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> But, you know, the thing is that your >> But, you know, the thing is that your >> But, you know, the thing is that your name has always been directly associated name has always been directly associated name has always been directly associated with soccer, with football. And so, how with soccer, with football. And so, how with soccer, with football. And so, how did you merge those two worlds, and why? did you merge those two worlds, and why? did you merge those two worlds, and why? >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. I think it goes back to my childhood I think it goes back to my childhood I think it goes back to my childhood where um both were my passions or are my where um both were my passions or are my where um both were my passions or are my passions and I either was playing passions and I either was playing passions and I either was playing football or I was drawing or painting. football or I was drawing or painting. football or I was drawing or painting. Uh when I was 8 to 10 years old, I Uh when I was 8 to 10 years old, I Uh when I was 8 to 10 years old, I developed asthma so I could I couldn't developed asthma so I could I couldn't developed asthma so I could I couldn't keep training and playing football. So I keep training and playing football. So I keep training and playing football. So I went to my room and went to my room and went to my room and kept drawing and painting. kept drawing and painting. kept drawing and painting. So after that uh when um it was time to So after that uh when um it was time to So after that uh when um it was time to decide what to do as as a professional, decide what to do as as a professional, decide what to do as as a professional, um um um I didn't know that art was possible. I I I didn't know that art was possible. I I I didn't know that art was possible. I I didn't know that it was a career or didn't know that it was a career or didn't know that it was a career or profession that I could have pursued. So profession that I could have pursued. So profession that I could have pursued. So I did architecture and architecture was I did architecture and architecture was I did architecture and architecture was really uh what helped me a lot to bring really uh what helped me a lot to bring really uh what helped me a lot to bring vision to what I'm doing right now. So I vision to what I'm doing right now. So I vision to what I'm doing right now. So I applied my architecture skills into now applied my architecture skills into now applied my architecture skills into now my art um where I decided to use my art um where I decided to use my art um where I decided to use football as my main source of football as my main source of football as my main source of inspiration.

inspiration. inspiration. >> No, and I mean, you know, that first the >> No, and I mean, you know, that first the >> No, and I mean, you know, that first the collection, the bodyless football collection, the bodyless football collection, the bodyless football series, I mean, that was series, I mean, that was series, I mean, that was was what What was the genesis and how was what What was the genesis and how was what What was the genesis and how like how did that evolve because like how did that evolve because like how did that evolve because we've seen a major evolution in your we've seen a major evolution in your we've seen a major evolution in your art. art. art. >> Yes. So >> Yes. So >> Yes. So like I said, I think from my childhood like I said, I think from my childhood like I said, I think from my childhood uh when I look back at at my drawings uh when I look back at at my drawings uh when I look back at at my drawings and I was just drawing and I was just drawing and I was just drawing the the brands, the players, the the the the brands, the players, the the the the brands, the players, the the emblems without really uh not having a emblems without really uh not having a emblems without really uh not having a I think I I a concept and that's what I I think I I a concept and that's what I I think I I a concept and that's what I applied uh learning architecture school applied uh learning architecture school applied uh learning architecture school that whenever you create something in that whenever you create something in that whenever you create something in either in either um way or or um either in either um way or or um either in either um way or or um branch of the creative field, uh you branch of the creative field, uh you branch of the creative field, uh you have to have a concept in order to make have to have a concept in order to make have to have a concept in order to make it strong. So what I did was um it strong. So what I did was um it strong. So what I did was um I applied this I applied this I applied this uh surrealism into sports which was uh surrealism into sports which was uh surrealism into sports which was taking out the bodies and the flesh of taking out the bodies and the flesh of taking out the bodies and the flesh of the of the figures of the players and the of the figures of the players and the of the figures of the players and that switched the focus on the paintings that switched the focus on the paintings that switched the focus on the paintings to more towards the the essence, the to more towards the the essence, the to more towards the the essence, the colors, the jerseys of the uniforms. Uh colors, the jerseys of the uniforms. Uh colors, the jerseys of the uniforms. Uh Uh it started to transcend over time Uh it started to transcend over time Uh it started to transcend over time because uh people seeing these paintings because uh people seeing these paintings because uh people seeing these paintings were not really focusing on on the on were not really focusing on on the on were not really focusing on on the on the on the players anymore. They were the on the players anymore. They were the on the players anymore. They were looking at the the the the teams, which looking at the the the the teams, which looking at the the the the teams, which was my my main concept. That's really was my my main concept. That's really was my my main concept. That's really really what I want to do. I know that really what I want to do. I know that really what I want to do. I know that football is a commercial um subject, so football is a commercial um subject, so football is a commercial um subject, so I wanted to make it more cultural, more I wanted to make it more cultural, more I wanted to make it more cultural, more bring more to towards the art field. Um bring more to towards the art field. Um bring more to towards the art field. Um so, I think that helped a lot. I started so, I think that helped a lot. I started so, I think that helped a lot. I started selling my paintings, started to get uh

selling my paintings, started to get uh selling my paintings, started to get uh commissions for murals. And just by also commissions for murals. And just by also commissions for murals. And just by also learning about other artists, um what learning about other artists, um what learning about other artists, um what they were doing, like maybe the they were doing, like maybe the they were doing, like maybe the Renaissance artists doing the frescos in Renaissance artists doing the frescos in Renaissance artists doing the frescos in Italy, uh I was doing Italy, uh I was doing Italy, uh I was doing pretty much something similar with my pretty much something similar with my pretty much something similar with my murals in in in football. murals in in in football. murals in in in football. Um so, Um so, Um so, yeah, I it goes back to my childhood and yeah, I it goes back to my childhood and yeah, I it goes back to my childhood and then how I kept just evolving as an then how I kept just evolving as an then how I kept just evolving as an artist, as a as a human. artist, as a as a human. artist, as a as a human. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. No, I I remember like being at some of No, I I remember like being at some of No, I I remember like being at some of your exhibits, and it was really your exhibits, and it was really your exhibits, and it was really interesting to see people like go up to interesting to see people like go up to interesting to see people like go up to to some of the paintings, they're like, to some of the paintings, they're like, to some of the paintings, they're like, "Oh, I remember that. That is so-and-so "Oh, I remember that. That is so-and-so "Oh, I remember that. That is so-and-so and this and like so, you know, even and this and like so, you know, even and this and like so, you know, even though you do capture that, there's though you do capture that, there's though you do capture that, there's especially this the soccer fans, the especially this the soccer fans, the especially this the soccer fans, the football fans, I mean, they know football fans, I mean, they know football fans, I mean, they know exactly, you know, which um exactly, you know, which um exactly, you know, which um which moment you're capturing. So, it which moment you're capturing. So, it which moment you're capturing. So, it it's really cool to see that. it's really cool to see that. it's really cool to see that. >> Thank you. Yeah, no, and uh some of my >> Thank you. Yeah, no, and uh some of my >> Thank you. Yeah, no, and uh some of my first paintings because I actually just first paintings because I actually just first paintings because I actually just what I did is I saw some uh plays of the what I did is I saw some uh plays of the what I did is I saw some uh plays of the 2008 Euro Cup and or or from 2010 um 2008 Euro Cup and or or from 2010 um 2008 Euro Cup and or or from 2010 um Copa América and uh 2009, I'm sorry, and Copa América and uh 2009, I'm sorry, and Copa América and uh 2009, I'm sorry, and um I was just taking out bodies and um I was just taking out bodies and um I was just taking out bodies and faces and people would still recognize faces and people would still recognize faces and people would still recognize that play.

that play. that play. Uh but I was thinking, I I think I need Uh but I was thinking, I I think I need Uh but I was thinking, I I think I need to make it more generic and and and do to make it more generic and and and do to make it more generic and and and do the reverse. So, really focus on on on the reverse. So, really focus on on on the reverse. So, really focus on on on the on the teams, on the rivals. Why the on the teams, on the rivals. Why the on the teams, on the rivals. Why Argentina Brazil it's a big rival in Argentina Brazil it's a big rival in Argentina Brazil it's a big rival in football, why football, why football, why uh France and England is another one. uh France and England is another one. uh France and England is another one. So, um I So, um I So, um I I started kind of a more studying about I started kind of a more studying about I started kind of a more studying about the history of the teams, the rivals, the history of the teams, the rivals, the history of the teams, the rivals, and just the culture in general. So, and just the culture in general. So, and just the culture in general. So, that's my purpose with painting creating that's my purpose with painting creating that's my purpose with painting creating art around football. art around football. art around football. >> Oh, that's so cool. And >> Oh, that's so cool. And >> Oh, that's so cool. And and so, let's get right into World Cup and so, let's get right into World Cup and so, let's get right into World Cup because I think, you know, that has because I think, you know, that has because I think, you know, that has definitely been a big part of of you and definitely been a big part of of you and definitely been a big part of of you and and your um and your um and your um again, your evolution. So, your World again, your evolution. So, your World again, your evolution. So, your World Cup journey started a long time ago, but Cup journey started a long time ago, but Cup journey started a long time ago, but what led to that first World Cup what led to that first World Cup what led to that first World Cup opportunity? opportunity? opportunity? >> So, now that I can look back and and see >> So, now that I can look back and and see >> So, now that I can look back and and see how everything happened is it's really how everything happened is it's really how everything happened is it's really when you decide when I decided to pursue when you decide when I decided to pursue when you decide when I decided to pursue art professionally, I didn't know what art professionally, I didn't know what art professionally, I didn't know what path what was the path. It is very path what was the path. It is very path what was the path. It is very common for artists like you don't know common for artists like you don't know common for artists like you don't know what what's next. So, when I started what what's next. So, when I started what what's next. So, when I started seeing that my paintings were taking seeing that my paintings were taking seeing that my paintings were taking off, I was selling my paintings, off, I was selling my paintings, off, I was selling my paintings, but it took a lot of effort and and it but it took a lot of effort and and it but it took a lot of effort and and it wasn't easy to just sell my paintings.

wasn't easy to just sell my paintings. wasn't easy to just sell my paintings. So, I was thinking that was 2012 2013 So, I was thinking that was 2012 2013 So, I was thinking that was 2012 2013 and 2014 was coming for the World Cup in and 2014 was coming for the World Cup in and 2014 was coming for the World Cup in Brazil. So, I I thought Brazil. So, I I thought Brazil. So, I I thought what if I bring my paintings to all what if I bring my paintings to all what if I bring my paintings to all these football fans? these football fans? these football fans? That would be like the epicenter for for That would be like the epicenter for for That would be like the epicenter for for for space for football fans and and have for space for football fans and and have for space for football fans and and have them just see the painting. So, I did them just see the painting. So, I did them just see the painting. So, I did everything everything everything to make that happen. I sold my my to make that happen. I sold my my to make that happen. I sold my my painting back then El Clasico to the it painting back then El Clasico to the it painting back then El Clasico to the it was it was the most expensive painting was it was the most expensive painting was it was the most expensive painting that I sold, but that that way I was that I sold, but that that way I was that I sold, but that that way I was able to cover my expenses, my travel able to cover my expenses, my travel able to cover my expenses, my travel expenses, everything and I was able to expenses, everything and I was able to expenses, everything and I was able to um um um to make that happen in in Brazil. So, I to make that happen in in Brazil. So, I to make that happen in in Brazil. So, I was in Rio de was in Rio de was in Rio de Rio de Janeiro in this kind of a fan Rio de Janeiro in this kind of a fan Rio de Janeiro in this kind of a fan fest fest fest area, but for locals and they gave me area, but for locals and they gave me area, but for locals and they gave me the VIP area to have my paintings and the VIP area to have my paintings and the VIP area to have my paintings and that was the best experience that I've that was the best experience that I've that was the best experience that I've had. Um and and yeah, so I thought I had. Um and and yeah, so I thought I had. Um and and yeah, so I thought I think this is I sold some of my think this is I sold some of my think this is I sold some of my paintings and prints and I I saw the paintings and prints and I I saw the paintings and prints and I I saw the energy energy energy the excitement. So I was thinking I the excitement. So I was thinking I the excitement. So I was thinking I think I need to do this every World Cup.

think I need to do this every World Cup. think I need to do this every World Cup. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Yeah, and we're we're seeing it on >> Yeah, and we're we're seeing it on >> Yeah, and we're we're seeing it on screen that you know that you you were screen that you know that you you were screen that you know that you you were there for there for there for for Brazil. You were there for for for Brazil. You were there for for for Brazil. You were there for for Russia for Qatar. And so what impact Russia for Qatar. And so what impact Russia for Qatar. And so what impact have those World Cups had like on your have those World Cups had like on your have those World Cups had like on your vision and your goals for 2026? vision and your goals for 2026? vision and your goals for 2026? >> Well, yeah, that's >> Well, yeah, that's >> Well, yeah, that's >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> not an easy question to answer but I >> not an easy question to answer but I >> not an easy question to answer but I think in general think in general think in general every World Cup experience has been very every World Cup experience has been very every World Cup experience has been very different. Just the challenging of different. Just the challenging of different. Just the challenging of bringing artwork to a specific country bringing artwork to a specific country bringing artwork to a specific country it's it's different also. So I need to it's it's different also. So I need to it's it's different also. So I need to get ready 1 year ahead of every World get ready 1 year ahead of every World get ready 1 year ahead of every World Cup Cup Cup just to see where I was going to display just to see where I was going to display just to see where I was going to display the paintings. What were the logistics the paintings. What were the logistics the paintings. What were the logistics on bringing the paintings to each on bringing the paintings to each on bringing the paintings to each country? For example in 2018 for Russia, country? For example in 2018 for Russia, country? For example in 2018 for Russia, you couldn't ship the paintings just you couldn't ship the paintings just you couldn't ship the paintings just straight to Russia because they have straight to Russia because they have straight to Russia because they have this rule that they cannot accept art this rule that they cannot accept art this rule that they cannot accept art if you just ship it. So I had to bring if you just ship it. So I had to bring if you just ship it. So I had to bring it with me.

it with me. it with me. Qatar was different as well. So every Qatar was different as well. So every Qatar was different as well. So every World Cup has been very different but World Cup has been very different but World Cup has been very different but when when when we found out in 2022 that the World Cup we found out in 2022 that the World Cup we found out in 2022 that the World Cup was coming to Houston, I decided I was coming to Houston, I decided I was coming to Houston, I decided I thought I think I need to get ready 2 thought I think I need to get ready 2 thought I think I need to get ready 2 years ahead years ahead years ahead because it's coming home. I need to be a because it's coming home. I need to be a because it's coming home. I need to be a good host and be ready and bring this to good host and be ready and bring this to good host and be ready and bring this to the next level with my art. So I kind of the next level with my art. So I kind of the next level with my art. So I kind of also also also switched my mindset on just being the switched my mindset on just being the switched my mindset on just being the artist of displaying my artwork and it artist of displaying my artwork and it artist of displaying my artwork and it was more of the host and leader of okay, was more of the host and leader of okay, was more of the host and leader of okay, what can we do to prepare the city? what can we do to prepare the city? what can we do to prepare the city? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. No, and and I think you have definitely No, and and I think you have definitely No, and and I think you have definitely you definitely embraced that role. And I you definitely embraced that role. And I you definitely embraced that role. And I think it was very important because Um think it was very important because Um think it was very important because Um you know, every city you know, every city you know, every city every city is very different and so every city is very different and so every city is very different and so being able to have like those champions being able to have like those champions being able to have like those champions within each city that can really like within each city that can really like within each city that can really like uplift what's happening in different uplift what's happening in different uplift what's happening in different sectors of it uh just make such a big sectors of it uh just make such a big sectors of it uh just make such a big difference because I know that you know difference because I know that you know difference because I know that you know this year you definitely had a couple of this year you definitely had a couple of this year you definitely had a couple of big projects that big projects that big projects that became part of the became part of the became part of the I guess I guess I guess the portfolio, right? For for this World the portfolio, right? For for this World the portfolio, right? For for this World Cup. Can you tell us a little bit about Cup. Can you tell us a little bit about Cup. Can you tell us a little bit about those?

those? those? >> Yes. Uh >> Yes. Uh >> Yes. Uh >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> So, it started with this um Monday Night >> So, it started with this um Monday Night >> So, it started with this um Monday Night Football uh initiative where we relieved Football uh initiative where we relieved Football uh initiative where we relieved uh past World Cup games through films. uh past World Cup games through films. uh past World Cup games through films. And I that was going to be for 1 year. And I that was going to be for 1 year. And I that was going to be for 1 year. We extended it for 2 years to cover all We extended it for 2 years to cover all We extended it for 2 years to cover all the World Cups from 1950 all the way to the World Cups from 1950 all the way to the World Cups from 1950 all the way to 2022. 2022. 2022. And then um between that time uh I was And then um between that time uh I was And then um between that time uh I was going to this East End Creative Meetups. going to this East End Creative Meetups. going to this East End Creative Meetups. And uh And uh And uh I offered my studio to have one of these I offered my studio to have one of these I offered my studio to have one of these uh meetups. And uh the people from the uh meetups. And uh the people from the uh meetups. And uh the people from the East End they said they said in 2025 East End they said they said in 2025 East End they said they said in 2025 um we're we're going to be looking for um we're we're going to be looking for um we're we're going to be looking for an artist to do a World Cup mural in the an artist to do a World Cup mural in the an artist to do a World Cup mural in the East End. Are you interested? And I said East End. Are you interested? And I said East End. Are you interested? And I said that would be my dream to do. So, yes. that would be my dream to do. So, yes. that would be my dream to do. So, yes. Uh once they saw my work in my studio. Uh once they saw my work in my studio. Uh once they saw my work in my studio. And um I didn't know that it was going And um I didn't know that it was going And um I didn't know that it was going to be such a big wall. to be such a big wall. to be such a big wall. Uh and that was the first challenge, but Uh and that was the first challenge, but Uh and that was the first challenge, but that um that project which is the East that um that project which is the East that um that project which is the East End Gateway mural that I had the End Gateway mural that I had the End Gateway mural that I had the opportunity to create uh along with six opportunity to create uh along with six opportunity to create uh along with six other great artists. I was with this other great artists. I was with this other great artists. I was with this kind of a apprenticeship program with kind of a apprenticeship program with kind of a apprenticeship program with them. They helped me uh paint the entire them. They helped me uh paint the entire them. They helped me uh paint the entire mural. And the process was different. Uh mural. And the process was different. Uh mural. And the process was different. Uh we used polytab cloth which is um we used polytab cloth which is um we used polytab cloth which is um parachute cloth. Um and the reason was parachute cloth. Um and the reason was parachute cloth. Um and the reason was because the location of the wall is is because the location of the wall is is because the location of the wall is is is very close to the rail, the metro is very close to the rail, the metro is very close to the rail, the metro rail. So, it was dangerous to paint rail. So, it was dangerous to paint rail. So, it was dangerous to paint directly into the wall. We had to use an directly into the wall. We had to use an directly into the wall. We had to use an indoor space Magpies and Peacocks uh indoor space Magpies and Peacocks uh indoor space Magpies and Peacocks uh here in the East End here in the East End here in the East End uh to to work on all these panels, Um uh to to work on all these panels, Um uh to to work on all these panels, Um do this entire project in about 2 months

do this entire project in about 2 months do this entire project in about 2 months and it was it was a challenge but that and it was it was a challenge but that and it was it was a challenge but that has been the combination of my career has been the combination of my career has been the combination of my career because because because uh, it really included everything that uh, it really included everything that uh, it really included everything that I've been working on. So the art, the I've been working on. So the art, the I've been working on. So the art, the football community, football community, football community, now mentorship. So a lot of these now mentorship. So a lot of these now mentorship. So a lot of these different things that I'm very proud of different things that I'm very proud of different things that I'm very proud of and just happy that it happened it and just happy that it happened it and just happy that it happened it happened at the right time. And and now happened at the right time. And and now happened at the right time. And and now also the post Houston I had the also the post Houston I had the also the post Houston I had the opportunity to activate opportunity to activate opportunity to activate 8X X atrium with 8X X atrium with 8X X atrium with huge banners of my work as well, 17 huge banners of my work as well, 17 huge banners of my work as well, 17 banners in there and now they're they're banners in there and now they're they're banners in there and now they're they're still in there. still in there. still in there. We're going to have actually an event We're going to have actually an event We're going to have actually an event next week with another presentation that next week with another presentation that next week with another presentation that I will be releasing I will be releasing I will be releasing which are these football figures. So which are these football figures. So which are these football figures. So I brought brought them here. These are I brought brought them here. These are I brought brought them here. These are the So I'm including the the So I'm including the the So I'm including the So what I'm doing also with this is So what I'm doing also with this is So what I'm doing also with this is merging the the Houston culture. So merging the the Houston culture. So merging the the Houston culture. So because in in the US we have all other because in in the US we have all other because in in the US we have all other major sports so we have baseball, we major sports so we have baseball, we major sports so we have baseball, we have American football.

have American football. have American football. Put them into football and then I have Put them into football and then I have Put them into football and then I have the oil worker, the construction worker, the oil worker, the construction worker, the oil worker, the construction worker, the attorney, just different icons of the attorney, just different icons of the attorney, just different icons of Houston, the chef, the barista. So all Houston, the chef, the barista. So all Houston, the chef, the barista. So all these icons that represent Houston into these icons that represent Houston into these icons that represent Houston into the football table. So we're going to the football table. So we're going to the football table. So we're going to have those next week at the at the post. have those next week at the at the post. have those next week at the at the post. We're going to present those. So yeah, We're going to present those. So yeah, We're going to present those. So yeah, those are some of the activations that I those are some of the activations that I those are some of the activations that I had the opportunity to work on this this had the opportunity to work on this this had the opportunity to work on this this summer. summer. summer. >> Oh my goodness. No I mean I know you >> Oh my goodness. No I mean I know you >> Oh my goodness. No I mean I know you were very busy. were very busy. were very busy. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> You were very very busy. So what would >> You were very very busy. So what would >> You were very very busy. So what would you say has been the most memorable you say has been the most memorable you say has been the most memorable moment thus far? moment thus far? moment thus far? >> I I I wow, many many moments. >> I I I wow, many many moments. >> I I I wow, many many moments. I think just the mural the East End I think just the mural the East End I think just the mural the East End Gateway mural because what it really Gateway mural because what it really Gateway mural because what it really brought in terms of scale, community, brought in terms of scale, community, brought in terms of scale, community, getting to meet these six artists who getting to meet these six artists who getting to meet these six artists who helped me with this project was amazing. helped me with this project was amazing. helped me with this project was amazing. We developed this routine of just coming We developed this routine of just coming We developed this routine of just coming every every week to to paint on this every every week to to paint on this every every week to to paint on this project. It was surreal. So, I just, um, project. It was surreal. So, I just, um, project. It was surreal. So, I just, um, when I was actually working on it, I when I was actually working on it, I when I was actually working on it, I couldn't believe it, the whole process couldn't believe it, the whole process couldn't believe it, the whole process that I was working on that. And now that I was working on that. And now that I was working on that. And now looking at the wall, the Metrorail, and looking at the wall, the Metrorail, and looking at the wall, the Metrorail, and and have the mural installed, it's also and have the mural installed, it's also and have the mural installed, it's also surreal because, surreal because, surreal because, I think it's it's becoming this I think it's it's becoming this I think it's it's becoming this destination where if you can take the destination where if you can take the destination where if you can take the Metrorail, you can see it in motion, Metrorail, you can see it in motion, Metrorail, you can see it in motion, that that project. So, that, I think all that that project. So, that, I think all that that project. So, that, I think all these different elements that that form these different elements that that form these different elements that that form this project, I think that made it very this project, I think that made it very this project, I think that made it very very cool.

very cool. very cool. >> Wow, that's really cool. And that >> Wow, that's really cool. And that >> Wow, that's really cool. And that Eastern Mural is actually the largest Eastern Mural is actually the largest Eastern Mural is actually the largest one for World Cup, right? one for World Cup, right? one for World Cup, right? >> Yes, it is the widest. It's 200 230 ft >> Yes, it is the widest. It's 200 230 ft >> Yes, it is the widest. It's 200 230 ft long by 20 ft. Yeah, and long by 20 ft. Yeah, and long by 20 ft. Yeah, and >> I I still don't know how you did it. >> I I still don't know how you did it. >> I I still don't know how you did it. >> Yeah, well >> Yeah, well >> Yeah, well >> Like how you and the team did it. >> Like how you and the team did it. >> Like how you and the team did it. >> Yeah, it was Yeah, it was a lot of work, >> Yeah, it was Yeah, it was a lot of work, >> Yeah, it was Yeah, it was a lot of work, but yeah, I but yeah, I but yeah, I these six other artists, um, these six other artists, um, these six other artists, um, uh, Ernesto, Mariela, Justino, uh, Ernesto, Mariela, Justino, uh, Ernesto, Mariela, Justino, Mike, Sonia, Brian, Mike, Sonia, Brian, Mike, Sonia, Brian, yeah, they helped me a lot. And then at yeah, they helped me a lot. And then at yeah, they helped me a lot. And then at the end of the the last week, we had the end of the the last week, we had the end of the the last week, we had other volunteers also helping, other other volunteers also helping, other other volunteers also helping, other artists. So, yeah, it was a lot of work, artists. So, yeah, it was a lot of work, artists. So, yeah, it was a lot of work, but uh, that was that was the but uh, that was that was the but uh, that was that was the the what I want to do, this I mean, the what I want to do, this I mean, the what I want to do, this I mean, I kind of now like these challenges of I kind of now like these challenges of I kind of now like these challenges of of, um, of, um, of, um, just having results for good things and just having results for good things and just having results for good things and beautifying the city. So, beautifying the city. So, beautifying the city. So, at the end also, it's going to be at the end also, it's going to be at the end also, it's going to be what I'm looking at is it's it's to what I'm looking at is it's it's to what I'm looking at is it's it's to create this impact to grow the culture create this impact to grow the culture create this impact to grow the culture of soccer here in in Houston. of soccer here in in Houston. of soccer here in in Houston. Because now, I mean, we we we just Because now, I mean, we we we just Because now, I mean, we we we just witnessed what happened what happened witnessed what happened what happened witnessed what happened what happened the last three weeks.

the last three weeks. the last three weeks. It's huge, um, and the idea is to make It's huge, um, and the idea is to make It's huge, um, and the idea is to make it to keep it growing here in it to keep it growing here in it to keep it growing here in the United States. the United States. the United States. >> Yeah, no, that's for sure. That's for >> Yeah, no, that's for sure. That's for >> Yeah, no, that's for sure. That's for sure. sure. sure. Well, um, Well, um, Well, um, I hope that everybody has learned a I hope that everybody has learned a I hope that everybody has learned a little bit about Beto and and his work little bit about Beto and and his work little bit about Beto and and his work and and all of that. And so, what we're and and all of that. And so, what we're and and all of that. And so, what we're going to do, because there's still more going to do, because there's still more going to do, because there's still more conversation left, um but first we're conversation left, um but first we're conversation left, um but first we're going to take a really quick break going to take a really quick break going to take a really quick break before we bring on our next guest. Uh before we bring on our next guest. Uh before we bring on our next guest. Uh because there are there's also a project because there are there's also a project because there are there's also a project that kind of has brought everybody that kind of has brought everybody that kind of has brought everybody together. So, um yeah. Let's just watch together. So, um yeah. Let's just watch together. So, um yeah. Let's just watch this. this. this. >> East Aldine, are you ready to play? >> East Aldine, are you ready to play? >> East Aldine, are you ready to play? Registrations are open for East Aldine Registrations are open for East Aldine Registrations are open for East Aldine District's Futbol Para Todos program. District's Futbol Para Todos program. District's Futbol Para Todos program. We're hosting free soccer camps this We're hosting free soccer camps this We're hosting free soccer camps this summer for kids 6 to 15 years old. For summer for kids 6 to 15 years old. For summer for kids 6 to 15 years old. For more information, visit more information, visit more information, visit eastaldine.futbol. >> So, now there's three of us. >> So, now there's three of us. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Um all right. So, I I do want to make a >> Um all right. So, I I do want to make a >> Um all right. So, I I do want to make a proper introduction because here to my proper introduction because here to my proper introduction because here to my to my left, I have Elizabeth Umanzor.

to my left, I have Elizabeth Umanzor. to my left, I have Elizabeth Umanzor. She is a Salvadoran-American muralist She is a Salvadoran-American muralist She is a Salvadoran-American muralist and fine artist based in Houston, Texas. and fine artist based in Houston, Texas. and fine artist based in Houston, Texas. She creates vibrant, nature-inspired She creates vibrant, nature-inspired She creates vibrant, nature-inspired murals that celebrate wildlife, culture, murals that celebrate wildlife, culture, murals that celebrate wildlife, culture, and community, transforming public and community, transforming public and community, transforming public spaces into meaningful works of art. Her spaces into meaningful works of art. Her spaces into meaningful works of art. Her work has been commissioned by cities, work has been commissioned by cities, work has been commissioned by cities, nonprofits, schools, and organizations, nonprofits, schools, and organizations, nonprofits, schools, and organizations, and is rooted in a passion for and is rooted in a passion for and is rooted in a passion for conservation, connection, and creating conservation, connection, and creating conservation, connection, and creating places where people feel inspired. places where people feel inspired. places where people feel inspired. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Uh thank you so much for being here >> Uh thank you so much for being here >> Uh thank you so much for being here today, and I'm today, and I'm today, and I'm again, I you know what? I I think I I I again, I you know what? I I think I I I again, I you know what? I I think I I I I want to I want to say this because um I want to I want to say this because um I want to I want to say this because um I've actually been a fan of both of them I've actually been a fan of both of them I've actually been a fan of both of them before um before um before um actually before meeting you, but right actually before meeting you, but right actually before meeting you, but right when I met you, because uh I just see when I met you, because uh I just see when I met you, because uh I just see the work that they're doing, I see the the work that they're doing, I see the the work that they're doing, I see the passion behind it. I um passion behind it. I um passion behind it. I um you know, again, I just I I see all of you know, again, I just I I see all of you know, again, I just I I see all of this and and then the way that you know, this and and then the way that you know, this and and then the way that you know, they really do bring community into the they really do bring community into the they really do bring community into the work that you do and so it's just it's work that you do and so it's just it's work that you do and so it's just it's beautiful and I think it's definitely beautiful and I think it's definitely beautiful and I think it's definitely something to to celebrate.

something to to celebrate. something to to celebrate. So Liz, So Liz, So Liz, tell us a little bit about you know, tell us a little bit about you know, tell us a little bit about you know, what led you to becoming an artist what led you to becoming an artist what led you to becoming an artist full-time because full-time because full-time because well, well, well, what you did before and and how you what you did before and and how you what you did before and and how you >> Yeah, so [clears throat] I've always you >> Yeah, so [clears throat] I've always you >> Yeah, so [clears throat] I've always you know, loved art since I was a kid know, loved art since I was a kid know, loved art since I was a kid elementary school art class was my elementary school art class was my elementary school art class was my favorite class. favorite class. favorite class. I went on to college to study art I went on to college to study art I went on to college to study art education and I became education and I became education and I became an art teacher and I worked in an art teacher and I worked in an art teacher and I worked in elementary school for like maybe 2 years elementary school for like maybe 2 years elementary school for like maybe 2 years and and and during the pandemic is when I started during the pandemic is when I started during the pandemic is when I started seeing just so many art or just seeing just so many art or just seeing just so many art or just entrepreneurs in general pursuing their entrepreneurs in general pursuing their entrepreneurs in general pursuing their dreams and I'm like, "Wow, if they can dreams and I'm like, "Wow, if they can dreams and I'm like, "Wow, if they can do it, then I can do it, too." So I felt do it, then I can do it, too." So I felt do it, then I can do it, too." So I felt like that the pandemic period is what like that the pandemic period is what like that the pandemic period is what pushed me to make that, you know, take pushed me to make that, you know, take pushed me to make that, you know, take that risk to be a full-time artist and that risk to be a full-time artist and that risk to be a full-time artist and now this is my fifth year as a full-time now this is my fifth year as a full-time now this is my fifth year as a full-time artist. artist. artist. >> Oh my god, I mean that that's 5 years, >> Oh my god, I mean that that's 5 years, >> Oh my god, I mean that that's 5 years, that's that's that's >> I can't believe it either. >> I can't believe it either. >> I can't believe it either. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> That's not that's not something that is >> That's not that's not something that is >> That's not that's not something that is done so easily, done so easily, done so easily, but I think a lot of it also has to do but I think a lot of it also has to do but I think a lot of it also has to do with the fact that you have a very with the fact that you have a very with the fact that you have a very unique style.

unique style. unique style. You do you do I mean it and it's and You do you do I mean it and it's and You do you do I mean it and it's and it's a body of work that it's a body of work that it's a body of work that um um um that you can like you know, just like that you can like you know, just like that you can like you know, just like with Botehri, like you know, what a with Botehri, like you know, what a with Botehri, like you know, what a Botehri piece is, you know, what a Liz Botehri piece is, you know, what a Liz Botehri piece is, you know, what a Liz I call her Liz. I call her Liz. I call her Liz. Piece is. So tell us a little bit about Piece is. So tell us a little bit about Piece is. So tell us a little bit about that style about your style. that style about your style. that style about your style. >> I would call it vibrant realism. I >> I would call it vibrant realism. I >> I would call it vibrant realism. I wouldn't call it just specifically wouldn't call it just specifically wouldn't call it just specifically realism because I try not to like of realism because I try not to like of realism because I try not to like of course I use photographs but I'm not course I use photographs but I'm not course I use photographs but I'm not trying to copy a photograph exactly the trying to copy a photograph exactly the trying to copy a photograph exactly the way it is. So I incorporate colors that way it is. So I incorporate colors that way it is. So I incorporate colors that are probably not natural to you know, are probably not natural to you know, are probably not natural to you know, whatever subject I'm painting and I try whatever subject I'm painting and I try whatever subject I'm painting and I try to incorporate I'm a huge nature lover. to incorporate I'm a huge nature lover. to incorporate I'm a huge nature lover. I scuba dive, I travel, I bird watch, so I scuba dive, I travel, I bird watch, so I scuba dive, I travel, I bird watch, so that heavily influences my art style. that heavily influences my art style. that heavily influences my art style. >> Yeah, I know. And you're seeing it on >> Yeah, I know. And you're seeing it on >> Yeah, I know. And you're seeing it on screen. I mean, you have some pieces and screen. I mean, you have some pieces and screen. I mean, you have some pieces and I just absolutely love those colors. I just absolutely love those colors. I just absolutely love those colors. And how you bring nature, but also And how you bring nature, but also And how you bring nature, but also you bring people, you know, like you and you bring people, you know, like you and you bring people, you know, like you and it's and it's so beautiful to to um to it's and it's so beautiful to to um to it's and it's so beautiful to to um to just be able to see all of it come just be able to see all of it come just be able to see all of it come together. Um and I mean, also together. Um and I mean, also together. Um and I mean, also if you follow her on Instagram, then you if you follow her on Instagram, then you if you follow her on Instagram, then you also see the places that she's been and also see the places that she's been and also see the places that she's been and how that, I think, inspires so much of how that, I think, inspires so much of how that, I think, inspires so much of your art.

your art. your art. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I love watching your stories. >> I love watching your stories. >> I love watching your stories. Um but yeah, so, you know, you've done Um but yeah, so, you know, you've done Um but yeah, so, you know, you've done murals, you've done commissions and murals, you've done commissions and murals, you've done commissions and worked with different brands. worked with different brands. worked with different brands. Do you have like a favorite moment, um Do you have like a favorite moment, um Do you have like a favorite moment, um piece or opportunity that that you've piece or opportunity that that you've piece or opportunity that that you've done? done? done? >> Yeah, one of my I would say so, I have a >> Yeah, one of my I would say so, I have a >> Yeah, one of my I would say so, I have a ton of favorite moments, but I would say ton of favorite moments, but I would say ton of favorite moments, but I would say my first major project was with the my first major project was with the my first major project was with the Houston Dynamo and I got hired to paint Houston Dynamo and I got hired to paint Houston Dynamo and I got hired to paint Héctor Herrera to welcome him into the Héctor Herrera to welcome him into the Héctor Herrera to welcome him into the team and that was a really tight team and that was a really tight team and that was a really tight deadline and it was I mean, I got it deadline and it was I mean, I got it deadline and it was I mean, I got it done. It was a rainy week, done. It was a rainy week, done. It was a rainy week, but yeah, I got it done up until the day but yeah, I got it done up until the day but yeah, I got it done up until the day of the event and I got to meet Héctor of the event and I got to meet Héctor of the event and I got to meet Héctor Herrera. He came to see the mural and it Herrera. He came to see the mural and it Herrera. He came to see the mural and it was definitely worth it. was definitely worth it. was definitely worth it. >> Yeah, I know. We I mean, you definitely >> Yeah, I know. We I mean, you definitely >> Yeah, I know. We I mean, you definitely have You've done a lot of stuff in have You've done a lot of stuff in have You've done a lot of stuff in sports. sports. sports. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You've done a couple of different pieces >> You've done a couple of different pieces >> You've done a couple of different pieces now. now. now. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> So, um I know that we're, you know, >> So, um I know that we're, you know, >> So, um I know that we're, you know, we're showing some of the the pieces we're showing some of the the pieces we're showing some of the the pieces that you have done um on there because I that you have done um on there because I that you have done um on there because I think that it's really cool how think that it's really cool how think that it's really cool how again, you're really incorporating your again, you're really incorporating your again, you're really incorporating your style, your your vision, but then style, your your vision, but then style, your your vision, but then you know, like soccer. On this one, you know, like soccer. On this one, you know, like soccer. On this one, soccer and then I think the next one is soccer and then I think the next one is soccer and then I think the next one is the um the Hector Herrera. That's the the um the Hector Herrera. That's the the um the Hector Herrera. That's the one. Yeah.

one. Yeah. one. Yeah. >> that was 5 years ago. >> that was 5 years ago. >> that was 5 years ago. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> So, I feel like you can see the diff- >> So, I feel like you can see the diff- >> So, I feel like you can see the diff- like the I feel like I found my art like the I feel like I found my art like the I feel like I found my art style now. style now. style now. And I feel like that looks And I feel like that looks And I feel like that looks different. different. different. >> No, that is so cool. So, what has been >> No, that is so cool. So, what has been >> No, that is so cool. So, what has been one of your one of your one of your lessons along the way? lessons along the way? lessons along the way? >> Uh just being able to problem-solve on >> Uh just being able to problem-solve on >> Uh just being able to problem-solve on the spot, like whether it's design the spot, like whether it's design the spot, like whether it's design issues, client problems, or on- on-site issues, client problems, or on- on-site issues, client problems, or on- on-site problems, like with the boom lift, the problems, like with the boom lift, the problems, like with the boom lift, the weather, what if the terrain is not weather, what if the terrain is not weather, what if the terrain is not even, the paint's not sticking. So, just even, the paint's not sticking. So, just even, the paint's not sticking. So, just problem-solving and learning to like ro- problem-solving and learning to like ro- problem-solving and learning to like ro- like just go with it. like just go with it. like just go with it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Oh my gosh. So, it's funny that you talk >> Oh my gosh. So, it's funny that you talk >> Oh my gosh. So, it's funny that you talk about the about the about the the lift. the lift. the lift. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I had no idea that you had I mean, it >> I had no idea that you had I mean, it >> I had no idea that you had I mean, it has to be like the perfect um has to be like the perfect um has to be like the perfect um what do you what do you call it? Like what do you what do you call it? Like what do you what do you call it? Like perfectly aligned? Or si no, like it perfectly aligned? Or si no, like it perfectly aligned? Or si no, like it just it stops working. just it stops working. just it stops working. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That is that was >> That is that was >> That is that was that was a a lesson that I learned as that was a a lesson that I learned as that was a a lesson that I learned as well. And I I do not have this talent. I well. And I I do not have this talent. I well. And I I do not have this talent. I would was just there helping out with um would was just there helping out with um would was just there helping out with um with a mural and um and [clears throat] with a mural and um and [clears throat] with a mural and um and [clears throat] actually more just watching. But, yeah, actually more just watching. But, yeah, actually more just watching. But, yeah, it was very interesting to see, you it was very interesting to see, you it was very interesting to see, you know, how that can become such a a big know, how that can become such a a big know, how that can become such a a big issue, but you know, you get through it.

issue, but you know, you get through it. issue, but you know, you get through it. And I've always wondered about that, And I've always wondered about that, And I've always wondered about that, like when you're when you're painting a like when you're when you're painting a like when you're when you're painting a mural, like what um mural, like what um mural, like what um you know, there's weather, there's sun, you know, there's weather, there's sun, you know, there's weather, there's sun, it's Houston, cuz you've done a lot here it's Houston, cuz you've done a lot here it's Houston, cuz you've done a lot here in Houston. in Houston. in Houston. How do you how do you get through it? How do you how do you get through it? How do you how do you get through it? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Well, I feel like I attribute that to >> Well, I feel like I attribute that to >> Well, I feel like I attribute that to like just being Salvadoran. Yeah. like just being Salvadoran. Yeah. like just being Salvadoran. Yeah. It's hot over there like my mom's from It's hot over there like my mom's from It's hot over there like my mom's from Usulután, so I feel like I'm used to the Usulután, so I feel like I'm used to the Usulután, so I feel like I'm used to the heat. Um but I just, you know, put on a heat. Um but I just, you know, put on a heat. Um but I just, you know, put on a big hat and big hat and big hat and the heat doesn't bother me that much. the heat doesn't bother me that much. the heat doesn't bother me that much. >> Yeah. Man. Well, and talking about El >> Yeah. Man. Well, and talking about El >> Yeah. Man. Well, and talking about El Salvador, you've also done some stuff Salvador, you've also done some stuff Salvador, you've also done some stuff outside of the country and outside of the country and outside of the country and >> in El Salvador. So, can you tell us a >> in El Salvador. So, can you tell us a >> in El Salvador. So, can you tell us a little bit about the projects that you little bit about the projects that you little bit about the projects that you have done over there? have done over there? have done over there? >> Yeah, I've done three murals so far. My >> Yeah, I've done three murals so far. My >> Yeah, I've done three murals so far. My first one being in Quezaltepeque, which first one being in Quezaltepeque, which first one being in Quezaltepeque, which is near to near San Salvador, and that is near to near San Salvador, and that is near to near San Salvador, and that was just all me at my grandma's house. I was just all me at my grandma's house. I was just all me at my grandma's house. I painted a portrait of my uncle who painted a portrait of my uncle who painted a portrait of my uncle who passed away. Uh the second project I did passed away. Uh the second project I did passed away. Uh the second project I did was with Friends of El Salvador. They was with Friends of El Salvador. They was with Friends of El Salvador. They hired me to do a mural at one of their hired me to do a mural at one of their hired me to do a mural at one of their schools that they were renovating.

schools that they were renovating. schools that they were renovating. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And that's in San Miguel. I don't know >> And that's in San Miguel. I don't know >> And that's in San Miguel. I don't know if I mentioned that. In San Miguel. The if I mentioned that. In San Miguel. The if I mentioned that. In San Miguel. The third one I just did recently, I think third one I just did recently, I think third one I just did recently, I think just like a 2 months ago in San Salvador just like a 2 months ago in San Salvador just like a 2 months ago in San Salvador in Panchimalco for their Flores in Panchimalco for their Flores in Panchimalco for their Flores Festival, something like that. Yeah, and Festival, something like that. Yeah, and Festival, something like that. Yeah, and I painted some native I painted some native I painted some native It might be It's the Ocelot one. It might be It's the Ocelot one. It might be It's the Ocelot one. Um Um Um But yeah, I painted native animals But yeah, I painted native animals But yeah, I painted native animals native to El Salvador. native to El Salvador. native to El Salvador. >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. No, and that's that those are very No, and that's that those are very No, and that's that those are very beautiful. I beautiful. I beautiful. I I'm still hoping that I can that we can I'm still hoping that I can that we can I'm still hoping that I can that we can coincide on a trip to El Salvador, so coincide on a trip to El Salvador, so coincide on a trip to El Salvador, so then that way, you know, I can be there then that way, you know, I can be there then that way, you know, I can be there for one of the future murals. [laughter] >> Well, today we're talking about football >> Well, today we're talking about football and art. And I mean, we've already and art. And I mean, we've already and art. And I mean, we've already talked about some of the murals and and talked about some of the murals and and talked about some of the murals and and pieces that you have done for Dynamo. pieces that you have done for Dynamo. pieces that you have done for Dynamo. Um you know, but you've also been part Um you know, but you've also been part Um you know, but you've also been part of, you know, the World Cup. So, how did of, you know, the World Cup. So, how did of, you know, the World Cup. So, how did that opportunity come about? that opportunity come about? that opportunity come about? >> Well, I saw it on Instagram, but you did >> Well, I saw it on Instagram, but you did >> Well, I saw it on Instagram, but you did also send me the also send me the also send me the the link through Facebook, and I was the link through Facebook, and I was the link through Facebook, and I was like, I need to apply to that cuz I was like, I need to apply to that cuz I was like, I need to apply to that cuz I was telling Betiria, I was like, I really telling Betiria, I was like, I really telling Betiria, I was like, I really want to do something for FIFA. And then want to do something for FIFA. And then want to do something for FIFA. And then I saw that opportunity. I applied to it.

I saw that opportunity. I applied to it. I saw that opportunity. I applied to it. And I didn't know the likelihood of me And I didn't know the likelihood of me And I didn't know the likelihood of me getting accepted just because there's so getting accepted just because there's so getting accepted just because there's so many amazing artists here in Houston. many amazing artists here in Houston. many amazing artists here in Houston. So, when I got the acceptance, I was So, when I got the acceptance, I was So, when I got the acceptance, I was elated. I was like, oh my god, I can't elated. I was like, oh my god, I can't elated. I was like, oh my god, I can't believe this once-in-a-lifetime cuz I believe this once-in-a-lifetime cuz I believe this once-in-a-lifetime cuz I don't think the World Cup is going to don't think the World Cup is going to don't think the World Cup is going to happen here again happen here again happen here again in a really long time. So, yeah, that's in a really long time. So, yeah, that's in a really long time. So, yeah, that's how that happened. how that happened. how that happened. >> No, I think that, you know, we have >> No, I think that, you know, we have >> No, I think that, you know, we have definitely been been lucky to be a host definitely been been lucky to be a host definitely been been lucky to be a host city and to like feel the excitement to city and to like feel the excitement to city and to like feel the excitement to have all of these different have all of these different have all of these different projects and different projects and different projects and different just events going on. And Beti, so you just events going on. And Beti, so you just events going on. And Beti, so you led this project and how was it on your led this project and how was it on your led this project and how was it on your end end end you know, leading something so big for you know, leading something so big for you know, leading something so big for such a important organization and such a important organization and such a important organization and and just knowing the the impact that it and just knowing the the impact that it and just knowing the the impact that it would have. would have. would have. >> Mhm. Yes. So, when I was finishing this >> Mhm. Yes. So, when I was finishing this >> Mhm. Yes. So, when I was finishing this Eastern Gateway mural, I had a meeting Eastern Gateway mural, I had a meeting Eastern Gateway mural, I had a meeting with the World Cup committee just to go with the World Cup committee just to go with the World Cup committee just to go over some details on what I was painting over some details on what I was painting over some details on what I was painting because FIFA has a lot of different because FIFA has a lot of different because FIFA has a lot of different restrictions. So, when they saw that I restrictions. So, when they saw that I restrictions. So, when they saw that I was working on that one, they said, was working on that one, they said, was working on that one, they said, "Okay, now we have to start decorating "Okay, now we have to start decorating "Okay, now we have to start decorating the city." Which was maybe a month the city." Which was maybe a month the city." Which was maybe a month before the World Cup started or a month before the World Cup started or a month before the World Cup started or a month and a half. So, and a half. So, and a half. So, they we kind of uh they we kind of uh they we kind of uh worked on what would be the best to to worked on what would be the best to to worked on what would be the best to to make a bigger impact in the city. So, make a bigger impact in the city. So, make a bigger impact in the city. So, the decision was to make seven murals at the decision was to make seven murals at the decision was to make seven murals at each cultural district in Houston. And each cultural district in Houston. And each cultural district in Houston. And then two more murals were added in two then two more murals were added in two then two more murals were added in two other districts.

other districts. other districts. But the idea was to yeah, have one But the idea was to yeah, have one But the idea was to yeah, have one artist per cultural district and have a artist per cultural district and have a artist per cultural district and have a World Cup mural in in in each district. World Cup mural in in in each district. World Cup mural in in in each district. So, So, So, the challenge was again timeline. We had the challenge was again timeline. We had the challenge was again timeline. We had to have to have to have the RFP in a couple of days. Um the RFP in a couple of days. Um the RFP in a couple of days. Um put it out there for artists to apply. put it out there for artists to apply. put it out there for artists to apply. Locally, we had Locally, we had Locally, we had good amount for the artists for the time good amount for the artists for the time good amount for the artists for the time that we that we had. Um and then the that we that we had. Um and then the that we that we had. Um and then the selection was selection was selection was through the cultural districts and the through the cultural districts and the through the cultural districts and the World Cup committee. They selected each World Cup committee. They selected each World Cup committee. They selected each artist and I'm so happy that they chose artist and I'm so happy that they chose artist and I'm so happy that they chose Liz for the for the museum district. So, Liz for the for the museum district. So, Liz for the for the museum district. So, they they they we partnered with the Children's Museum we partnered with the Children's Museum we partnered with the Children's Museum and the wall was amazing. So, I think we and the wall was amazing. So, I think we and the wall was amazing. So, I think we agreed her style and agreed her style and agreed her style and >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> I love the the little drawing of the >> I love the the little drawing of the >> I love the the little drawing of the kids playing football. So, that was very kids playing football. So, that was very kids playing football. So, that was very very neat of you doing there. very neat of you doing there. very neat of you doing there. And just excited that we were able to And just excited that we were able to And just excited that we were able to make it happen because each artist had make it happen because each artist had make it happen because each artist had um just maybe 2 weeks to make it happen, um just maybe 2 weeks to make it happen, um just maybe 2 weeks to make it happen, but we had rain but we had rain but we had rain between that those days. So, it was a between that those days. So, it was a between that those days. So, it was a lot for you guys.

lot for you guys. lot for you guys. I remember yeah, the lift problem and I remember yeah, the lift problem and I remember yeah, the lift problem and just different different things that just different different things that just different different things that >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> are part of sometimes these projects. >> are part of sometimes these projects. >> are part of sometimes these projects. So, just super proud of Liz and the So, just super proud of Liz and the So, just super proud of Liz and the other artists that other artists that other artists that were able to to complete the project in were able to to complete the project in were able to to complete the project in a in a timeline. a in a timeline. a in a timeline. >> Yeah, and so what >> Yeah, and so what >> Yeah, and so what what inspired you for that specific what inspired you for that specific what inspired you for that specific piece? piece? piece? >> Yeah, so I was assigned the Museum >> Yeah, so I was assigned the Museum >> Yeah, so I was assigned the Museum District and I wanted to just District and I wanted to just District and I wanted to just encapsulate what the Museum District has encapsulate what the Museum District has encapsulate what the Museum District has to offer. So, there's different elements to offer. So, there's different elements to offer. So, there's different elements in the mural that represent the Museum in the mural that represent the Museum in the mural that represent the Museum of Natural Science like the fossil, the of Natural Science like the fossil, the of Natural Science like the fossil, the gemstones the gemstone room in the gemstones the gemstone room in the gemstones the gemstone room in the Museum of Science is my favorite room. Museum of Science is my favorite room. Museum of Science is my favorite room. The butterflies and birds have to do The butterflies and birds have to do The butterflies and birds have to do with Hermann Park, you know, the with Hermann Park, you know, the with Hermann Park, you know, the beautiful parks in the Museum District. beautiful parks in the Museum District. beautiful parks in the Museum District. The Art Museum is represented by the The Art Museum is represented by the The Art Museum is represented by the watercolor palette. The kids drawing of watercolor palette. The kids drawing of watercolor palette. The kids drawing of course homage to the Children's Museum course homage to the Children's Museum course homage to the Children's Museum and then yeah, there's like a little and then yeah, there's like a little and then yeah, there's like a little space portion at the top too. So, just space portion at the top too. So, just space portion at the top too. So, just trying to encapsulate everything that trying to encapsulate everything that trying to encapsulate everything that makes up the Museum District. makes up the Museum District. makes up the Museum District. >> Yeah, no and that's beautiful. We're >> Yeah, no and that's beautiful. We're >> Yeah, no and that's beautiful. We're seeing it up on screen and I mean it's seeing it up on screen and I mean it's seeing it up on screen and I mean it's it's so pretty.

it's so pretty. it's so pretty. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You know, because you really have >> You know, because you really have >> You know, because you really have captured that. I think we are very lucky captured that. I think we are very lucky captured that. I think we are very lucky to have such a vibrant art and cultural to have such a vibrant art and cultural to have such a vibrant art and cultural spaces in in Houston and the Museum spaces in in Houston and the Museum spaces in in Houston and the Museum District. I mean it's it's one of the District. I mean it's it's one of the District. I mean it's it's one of the best. I I think you know, everybody best. I I think you know, everybody best. I I think you know, everybody always says like it just always says like it just always says like it just it it rivals New York and it might it it rivals New York and it might it it rivals New York and it might actually be better than New York. I actually be better than New York. I actually be better than New York. I think it is. think it is. think it is. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Just like our theater district as well >> Just like our theater district as well >> Just like our theater district as well and so and so and so yeah, no it's it's it's really cool to yeah, no it's it's it's really cool to yeah, no it's it's it's really cool to be able to you know, see your your work be able to you know, see your your work be able to you know, see your your work and and I love that. I love that. and and I love that. I love that. and and I love that. I love that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So, as things are wrapping up on the >> So, as things are wrapping up on the >> So, as things are wrapping up on the World Cup, Um, World Cup, Um, World Cup, Um, what are you guys looking forward to in what are you guys looking forward to in what are you guys looking forward to in these next couple of days that are left? these next couple of days that are left? these next couple of days that are left? I mean, we have maybe what, about 10 I mean, we have maybe what, about 10 I mean, we have maybe what, about 10 days left? days left? days left? Um, Um, Um, the competition has been, you know, has the competition has been, you know, has the competition has been, you know, has has been has been has been pretty pretty pretty wild. I think that's that's the best wild. I think that's that's the best wild. I think that's that's the best word to use. word to use. word to use. I'm still a little sad. I'm still a little sad. I'm still a little sad. Um, Um, Um, you know, but what what are you guys you know, but what what are you guys you know, but what what are you guys looking forward to? Be it here in the looking forward to? Be it here in the looking forward to? Be it here in the city or be it on TV through the games.

city or be it on TV through the games. city or be it on TV through the games. What what are y'all looking forward to? What what are y'all looking forward to? What what are y'all looking forward to? >> I can go first. >> I can go first. >> I can go first. Um, well, initially I was going I was Um, well, initially I was going I was Um, well, initially I was going I was rooting for Cape Verde and I just rooting for Cape Verde and I just rooting for Cape Verde and I just because they're such a tiny country and because they're such a tiny country and because they're such a tiny country and it's just so meaningful for them to be it's just so meaningful for them to be it's just so meaningful for them to be the first time in the FIFA World Cup. the first time in the FIFA World Cup. the first time in the FIFA World Cup. So, I was sad when they, you know, got So, I was sad when they, you know, got So, I was sad when they, you know, got eliminated. But now I'm rooting for eliminated. But now I'm rooting for eliminated. But now I'm rooting for Norway. Norway. Norway. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Just because I don't know, Haaland is I >> Just because I don't know, Haaland is I >> Just because I don't know, Haaland is I don't know, he's such a character. don't know, he's such a character. don't know, he's such a character. >> He is. I've actually been watching his >> He is. I've actually been watching his >> He is. I've actually been watching his YouTube videos YouTube videos YouTube videos >> and they're he >> and they're he >> and they're he he's just having fun, right? Like I love he's just having fun, right? Like I love he's just having fun, right? Like I love that. I I think he doesn't take himself that. I I think he doesn't take himself that. I I think he doesn't take himself seriously. He's just like, you know seriously. He's just like, you know seriously. He's just like, you know what? Let me go, have fun, explore, what? Let me go, have fun, explore, what? Let me go, have fun, explore, sure. You know, I'll stay inside the box sure. You know, I'll stay inside the box sure. You know, I'll stay inside the box and I'll be the one that continues to and I'll be the one that continues to and I'll be the one that continues to make those goals. I mean, yeah, it's make those goals. I mean, yeah, it's make those goals. I mean, yeah, it's >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, that's a good pick. >> Yeah, that's a good pick. >> Yeah, that's a good pick. >> Yeah. [laughter] Yeah, I know. I I >> Yeah. [laughter] Yeah, I know. I I >> Yeah. [laughter] Yeah, I know. I I believe that um, I mean, just talking to believe that um, I mean, just talking to believe that um, I mean, just talking to many different people, I think we're all many different people, I think we're all many different people, I think we're all looking for fresh things now at this looking for fresh things now at this looking for fresh things now at this World Cup. We don't want the same. So, World Cup. We don't want the same. So, World Cup. We don't want the same. So, I'm really looking forward to either I'm really looking forward to either I'm really looking forward to either maybe maybe maybe England England England just because of the history that they just because of the history that they just because of the history that they have. Uh, but yeah, Norway as well. I have. Uh, but yeah, Norway as well. I have. Uh, but yeah, Norway as well. I think Haaland is a character, a good think Haaland is a character, a good think Haaland is a character, a good character, and he's a good player. He's character, and he's a good player. He's character, and he's a good player. He's amazing. So, I think having Norway will amazing. So, I think having Norway will amazing. So, I think having Norway will be just a new team, new championship, be just a new team, new championship, be just a new team, new championship, new champion.

new champion. new champion. Uh, but we'll see. France is coming very Uh, but we'll see. France is coming very Uh, but we'll see. France is coming very strong, so strong, so strong, so we'll see what happens. But yeah, that's we'll see what happens. But yeah, that's we'll see what happens. But yeah, that's the excitement of the World Cup that you the excitement of the World Cup that you the excitement of the World Cup that you don't know what's going to happen. don't know what's going to happen. don't know what's going to happen. >> You don't know what's going to happen at >> You don't know what's going to happen at >> You don't know what's going to happen at all. And do you guys have any plans, um, all. And do you guys have any plans, um, all. And do you guys have any plans, um, you know, after World Cup? Any new art you know, after World Cup? Any new art you know, after World Cup? Any new art projects or you guys kind of taking a projects or you guys kind of taking a projects or you guys kind of taking a little bit of a rest? little bit of a rest? little bit of a rest? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Um, I have a mural coming up >> Um, I have a mural coming up >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> for the new There's this new climbing >> for the new There's this new climbing >> for the new There's this new climbing gym being built in the East End, so I'll gym being built in the East End, so I'll gym being built in the East End, so I'll be painting that mural this month. And be painting that mural this month. And be painting that mural this month. And then I have a mural coming up in the then I have a mural coming up in the then I have a mural coming up in the fall for this nonprofit in Idaho, and fall for this nonprofit in Idaho, and fall for this nonprofit in Idaho, and it'll be my first time in Idaho, so and it'll be my first time in Idaho, so and it'll be my first time in Idaho, so and it's a big wall, so I'm excited. it's a big wall, so I'm excited. it's a big wall, so I'm excited. >> Oh, wow. Very cool. >> Oh, wow. Very cool. >> Oh, wow. Very cool. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Um, so I working on working on a few >> Um, so I working on working on a few >> Um, so I working on working on a few proposals for murals, but I'm focused proposals for murals, but I'm focused proposals for murals, but I'm focused more on, um, so what used to be my more on, um, so what used to be my more on, um, so what used to be my studio, Casa Pink, we're converting that studio, Casa Pink, we're converting that studio, Casa Pink, we're converting that into space for events and um, yes, just into space for events and um, yes, just into space for events and um, yes, just like a unique experience event. So, like a unique experience event. So, like a unique experience event. So, working on on that with my wife and working on on that with my wife and working on on that with my wife and making it, um, just a destination for making it, um, just a destination for making it, um, just a destination for Houston.

Houston. Houston. >> I love that. And so, if you guys are >> I love that. And so, if you guys are >> I love that. And so, if you guys are ever in the East End and you see a pink ever in the East End and you see a pink ever in the East End and you see a pink house with a beautiful mural off of house with a beautiful mural off of house with a beautiful mural off of Sampson, Sampson, Sampson, that's Casa Pink. that's Casa Pink. that's Casa Pink. >> Thank you. Casa Pink. >> Thank you. Casa Pink. >> Thank you. Casa Pink. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I've had a lot of people who are like, >> I've had a lot of people who are like, >> I've had a lot of people who are like, "Wait, is that his studio? Is that Is "Wait, is that his studio? Is that Is "Wait, is that his studio? Is that Is that because it's pink?" And then I'm that because it's pink?" And then I'm that because it's pink?" And then I'm like, "Yeah, that like, "Yeah, that like, "Yeah, that >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, yeah, no, it's it's definitely it's >> So, yeah, no, it's it's definitely it's >> So, yeah, no, it's it's definitely it's a beautiful, beautiful spot and a place a beautiful, beautiful spot and a place a beautiful, beautiful spot and a place to go to go visit. Um, will you guys to go to go visit. Um, will you guys to go to go visit. Um, will you guys stay with me just for a couple more stay with me just for a couple more stay with me just for a couple more minutes as we wrap up because right now minutes as we wrap up because right now minutes as we wrap up because right now we're about to go into our Anya photo of we're about to go into our Anya photo of we're about to go into our Anya photo of the week. So, the first week that we the week. So, the first week that we the week. So, the first week that we were here, we interviewed or I were here, we interviewed or I were here, we interviewed or I interviewed um, Katie and, um, Katie interviewed um, Katie and, um, Katie interviewed um, Katie and, um, Katie Umana and she has been going to all of Umana and she has been going to all of Umana and she has been going to all of the, uh, World Cup games that are here the, uh, World Cup games that are here the, uh, World Cup games that are here in Houston as well as Dallas. And so, in Houston as well as Dallas. And so, in Houston as well as Dallas. And so, she sent us her photo of the week and if she sent us her photo of the week and if she sent us her photo of the week and if we can show it, it's actually one of my we can show it, it's actually one of my we can show it, it's actually one of my favorite players. favorite players. favorite players. >> Mhm.

>> Mhm. >> Mhm. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> So, this is Mo Salah, >> So, this is Mo Salah, >> So, this is Mo Salah, um, with the He's the, um, um, with the He's the, um, um, with the He's the, um, Egypt national team captain and this Egypt national team captain and this Egypt national team captain and this picture was from the round of 32 versus picture was from the round of 32 versus picture was from the round of 32 versus Australia at the Dallas Stadium. So, Australia at the Dallas Stadium. So, Australia at the Dallas Stadium. So, it was funny because Katie sent it to me it was funny because Katie sent it to me it was funny because Katie sent it to me through text message and I I was just so through text message and I I was just so through text message and I I was just so happy because he was looking straight at happy because he was looking straight at happy because he was looking straight at her. her. her. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I said she has the best seat in the >> I said she has the best seat in the >> I said she has the best seat in the house just being able to be on the house just being able to be on the house just being able to be on the sidelines and take some of such amazing sidelines and take some of such amazing sidelines and take some of such amazing photos. But yeah, this is our Anya photo photos. But yeah, this is our Anya photo photos. But yeah, this is our Anya photo of the week. of the week. of the week. And um, yeah, before before we wrap up, And um, yeah, before before we wrap up, And um, yeah, before before we wrap up, um, I just want to invite everybody to um, I just want to invite everybody to um, I just want to invite everybody to the Dynamo this weekend. So, um, as you the Dynamo this weekend. So, um, as you the Dynamo this weekend. So, um, as you know, there's international soccer know, there's international soccer know, there's international soccer happening through World Cup, but there's happening through World Cup, but there's happening through World Cup, but there's also international soccer that happens also international soccer that happens also international soccer that happens here in our backyard and so, here in our backyard and so, here in our backyard and so, uh, Shell Energy Stadium is hosting the uh, Shell Energy Stadium is hosting the uh, Shell Energy Stadium is hosting the Dynamo versus Olympia this, um, this Dynamo versus Olympia this, um, this Dynamo versus Olympia this, um, this Saturday and, um, if you guys want Saturday and, um, if you guys want Saturday and, um, if you guys want tickets, you can go to the website, uh, tickets, you can go to the website, uh, tickets, you can go to the website, uh, to the link that's there on the page.

to the link that's there on the page. to the link that's there on the page. But yeah, I think this is going to be a But yeah, I think this is going to be a But yeah, I think this is going to be a really exciting next couple of days when really exciting next couple of days when really exciting next couple of days when we see our local team, um, you know, we see our local team, um, you know, we see our local team, um, you know, play against one of the one of the best, play against one of the one of the best, play against one of the one of the best, uh, Honduran, very, very, um, storied, uh, Honduran, very, very, um, storied, uh, Honduran, very, very, um, storied, uh, team in Honduras. And then on the uh, team in Honduras. And then on the uh, team in Honduras. And then on the 15th, they're also going to be playing 15th, they're also going to be playing 15th, they're also going to be playing against America de Cali. So, a lot of against America de Cali. So, a lot of against America de Cali. So, a lot of international soccer not only on TV, but international soccer not only on TV, but international soccer not only on TV, but also here in Houston. So, so yeah, but also here in Houston. So, so yeah, but also here in Houston. So, so yeah, but thank you guys so much for being here. I thank you guys so much for being here. I thank you guys so much for being here. I really appreciate y'all coming, um, really appreciate y'all coming, um, really appreciate y'all coming, um, accepting the invitation. I hope you accepting the invitation. I hope you accepting the invitation. I hope you guys guys guys had fun cuz I did. had fun cuz I did. had fun cuz I did. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And, um, and everybody, please remember >> And, um, and everybody, please remember >> And, um, and everybody, please remember to tune in. We, um, we have the Football to tune in. We, um, we have the Football to tune in. We, um, we have the Football Takeover happening every Wednesday at Takeover happening every Wednesday at Takeover happening every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. And so, you can watch it, um, 10:00 a.m. And so, you can watch it, um, 10:00 a.m. And so, you can watch it, um, on social media and, yeah, make sure to on social media and, yeah, make sure to on social media and, yeah, make sure to tune in and, uh, leave us a comment. So, tune in and, uh, leave us a comment. So, tune in and, uh, leave us a comment. So, thank you so much and make sure to thank you so much and make sure to thank you so much and make sure to follow them as well. So, see y'all next follow them as well. So, see y'all next follow them as well. So, see y'all next time.