Tree of Life

Margarita Cabrera was born in Monterrey, Mexico and relocated to the United States with her family looking for better opportunities when she was only 10 years old. Her work is centered on social- political issues within communities addressing different aspects of immigration, violence, and the economic relationship between the United States and Mexico.

This massive work of art towers 40 feet tall and stretches 80 feet wide. The Tree of Life, or Árbol de Vida, is the base of over 750 clay sculptures made by over 700 individuals. These individuals had very little art experience and had to work closely with Margarita Cabrera This piece of art visually tells the story of Misión Espada and the importance it played in the early days of the ranching industry. Mission San Francisco de la Espada is currently identified as the only Spanish colonial mission in the United States which maintains contact with its original ranching operation: Rancho de las Cabras. The legacy of ranching in Texas can be attributed to the initial efforts of the mission ranches.

Location: (South section of River Walk)