New sculpture unveiled in Brownsville represents ‘a memory, a time, and a tradition’

The artist said his work is a 'reflection of the present that builds towards the future'

A large black sheet covered the La Familia sculpture created by Adán Parades, who resides in Oaxaca, Mexico and who and was present in Brownsville on Friday as sounds of conversations were heard among the many in attendance.

The sculpture was unveiled at Buena Vida Arts and Cultural Park.

Mitte Foundation President RJ Mitte delivered the opening remarks about the gift, which the Mitte Cultural District Foundation presented to the city of Brownsville and sister city Matamoros.

Over 50 were in attendance, including many city and county dignitaries from both Brownsville and Matamoros along with local residents, all waiting in anticipation for Paredes to describe his creation.

“The ensemble of La Familia represents a memory, a time, and a tradition. The reflection of the present that builds towards the future,” Paredes said before the official sculpture unveiling.

Cheers and applause were heard throughout the park as the large black sheet slowly moved over the sculpture as the morning sun glistened on the reflective artwork.

The ceremony concluded with traditional Mexican dances by Revival of Cultural Arts in partnership with Costumes of the Americas.

Sculptor and ceramist artist Adan Paredes stands next to his sculpture La Familia during an official sculpture unveiling ceremony at Buena Vida Arts and Cultural Park in Brownsville on Friday, Sep. 30, 2022. (Miguel Roberts | The Brownsville Herald)
Sculptor and ceramist artist Adan Paredes, from left, unveils his sculpture La Familia with the help of those in attendance during an official sculpture unveiling ceremony at Buena Vida Arts and Cultural Park in Brownsville on Friday, Sep. 30, 2022. (Miguel Roberts | The Brownsville Herald)
Revival of Cultural Arts (ROCA) dancers perform traditional Mexican dances in front of La Familia sculpture by Adan Paredes during an official sculpture unveiling ceremony at Buena Vida Arts and Cultural Park in Brownsville on Friday, Sep. 30, 2022. (Miguel Roberts | The Brownsville Herald)
Revival of Cultural Arts (ROCA) dancers perform traditional Mexican dances in front of La Familia sculpture by Adan Paredes during an official sculpture unveiling ceremony at Buena Vida Arts and Cultural Park in Brownsville on Friday, Sep. 30, 2022. (Miguel Roberts | The Brownsville Herald)
Sculptor and ceramist artist Adan Paredes stands next to his sculpture La Familia during an official sculpture unveiling ceremony at Buena Vida Arts and Cultural Park in Brownsville on Friday, Sep. 30, 2022. (Miguel Roberts | The Brownsville Herald)
Revival of Cultural Arts (ROCA) dancers perform traditional Mexican dances in front of La Familia sculpture by Adan Paredes during an official sculpture unveiling ceremony at Buena Vida Arts and Cultural Park in Brownsville on Friday, Sep. 30, 2022. (Miguel Roberts | The Brownsville Herald)
Sculptor and ceramist artist Adan Paredes describes and explains the meaning of his sculpture La Familia during an official sculpture unveiling ceremony at Buena Vida Arts and Cultural Park in Brownsville on Friday, Sep. 30, 2022. (Miguel Roberts | The Brownsville Herald)