Enter Preciliana Sandoval. A fixture among talented area artists and a Mesilla icon, Preciliana knew exactly how to add pizzazz to my blah walls. “I love being an extension of a homeowner’s imagination,” she says. “What I do is come in and interpret what the homeowner is trying to express, using color and pictures instead of words.”

That imagination and vision was also what attracted one Mesilla homeowner to commission Preciliana for several pieces throughout her home. "Not only does Preciliana have extraordinary artistic skills,” notes Alison Tinsley, whose eclectic Southwest home exudes Mexican themes throughout, “she has a rare vision that combines whimsy, sophistication and folk art to produce a totally unique creation. She is also a delight to work with - fast, cheerful and very receptive to your ideas."

For centuries, murals have been used as a vehicle for cultural expression; a way to express your history or your values. Art historians can trace the lineage of the mural back 30,000 years to cave paintings that have fortunately been preserved for thousands of generations to learn from and interpret. While the mural on my wall will not likely be around for thousands of generations, it was a way to express to guests what I find special about where I live: the desert in its warm beauty, which can be enjoyed both indoors and out. In the end, it is a unique expression that transformed a small space into a big statement… all without saying a word.