UHCL Alumna Creates FIFA World Cup Mural Celebrating Houston

Long after the final whistle sounds, Elizabeth Umanzor ('19) hopes visitors remember more than the matches.

Through a vibrant mural created as part of Houston's FIFA World Cup festivities, the University of Houston-Clear Lake alumna is inviting people to discover Houston's Museum District through its parks, museums, native wildlife and spirit of exploration. Located at Children's Museum Houston, the mural celebrates one of the city's most visited cultural destinations while encouraging guests to experience everything the district has to offer.

For Umanzor, the opportunity arrived unexpectedly.

After responding to a competitive artist call, she learned late one evening that her design had been selected.

"I screamed and I immediately called my brother because he's a soccer fanatic," she said. "It's a big deal to be working for FIFA. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The excitement quickly gave way to action. She had just a few days to develop her concept before beginning work. A week of rain and a seven-day production schedule created an intense timeline, but she welcomed the challenge.

Rather than creating a mural centered solely on soccer, Umanzor wanted the artwork to tell a story that would remain relevant long after the tournament concluded.

"I wanted to represent what the Museum District has to offer," she said. "I wanted to incorporate the FIFA World Cup into it, but I didn't want to make the entire mural just about soccer."

Instead, she filled the mural with details that celebrate Houston. Native Texas flowers, butterflies and Houston's official bird, the yellow-crowned night heron, appear alongside references to Children's Museum Houston, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Hermann Park and NASA. Small FIFA-inspired details, including the World Cup trophy and soccer-themed elements, are woven throughout the mural without overwhelming the larger story.

That approach reflects the philosophy that guides all of her public art.

"My responsibility as an artist is to always make my murals site-specific to wherever they're going to be," Umanzor said. "I want someone looking at the mural to recognize something they see here in Houston."

She hopes visitors leave with more than admiration for the artwork.

"I hope they feel inspired to explore the Museum District," she said. "I hope they feel a sense of curiosity."

For the 2019 UHCL graduate, the FIFA commission represents another milestone in a career that continues to grow. Last year, she completed the commemorative mural celebrating the 15th anniversary of UHCL at Pearland. Today, she works full time as an artist, creating murals across Texas and preparing for her largest project yet, a mural in Idaho for a nonprofit developing affordable housing.

Looking back, she never imagined her career would lead to opportunities like this.

"I never thought I would be able to make a living making art, painting huge murals, working for the FIFA World Cup," she said.

Over the past several years, nature has become the defining thread in her work. Native birds, flowers and wildlife have evolved into signature elements that connect each mural to the community where it lives.

"I've definitely found my niche," she said. "I absolutely love nature, and I want my art to be about that."

Although the mural was commissioned as part of the FIFA World Cup, Umanzor hopes its impact extends well beyond the tournament. If it remains in place for years to come, she hopes families continue discovering Houston's Museum District through the stories woven into every flower, bird and brushstroke.

"I still can't believe all of that happened," she said. "I'm super ecstatic and grateful for the opportunity."