Author: MelindaEtzold

If you are a native El Pasoan you probably remember the giant smoke towers that used to stand on the edge of the border freeway known as the Asarco Stacks. In 1910 El Paso’s lead smelting was expanded to also smelt copper and the well known  Asarco stacks we remember were established. Ore’s were brought in from mines in Mexico to be smelted and refined  at Asarco. In the 80’s and 90’s our family lived in a home in Kern Place with a great view of the stacks. I can still remember the early morning whiff of sulfur in the air on processing days. While there are pages and pages of reports on the negative impacts Asarco had on the environment, pollution levels, and contamination of soil in our surrounding neighborhoods… there is still a part of my brain that feels like our skysape is missing a piece now that they are gone. As we commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the stacks coming down, I wanted to take a moment to remember the enormity of those mighty towers, to acknowledge the economic growth and contributions to the railroad the plant brought to El Paso, to remember the thousands of workers who labored there over the nearly 100 years it was an active smelter, and most of all, to remember the families who experienced tragedy because of the pollution it caused. They may not be visible in the sky above our Sun City any longer but the impact they had on our city will be a part of El Paso’s history forever. read more about Asarco here: history of Asarco 

Watch a video of the stacks falling: video

Purchase a copy of my Asarco painting here: buy a print

The end of April signifies many things. Spring is in full swing, flowers are blooming, temperatures are steadily climbing toward Summer peaks, and school is almost out! After all, April showers bring May flowers. Did you know Teacher Appreciation Week is May 8-12th this year? Why not give your favorite teachers a special bouquet that will last far longer than the next grading period? Below I have one example of my many floral pieces all available online, or in my home studio for purchase. I chose this piece to highlight, which was completed in Acrylic on Canvas originally; because pink roses symbolize gratitude and admiration. They’re the perfect choice for the people you appreciate most, like your friends, siblings or teachers. Pink roses can also represent femininity and elegance, which also makes them perfect for events like engagement parties, proms and baby showers for a baby girl. If you are interested in purchasing this painting, or you would like it printed on custom stationary please message me directly. Thanks and happy shopping!

Hi, and welcome to my blogspace! I am Melinda Etzold the creative soul behind the colorful, enchanting, and whimsical images you will find on this page and in my shop. I have been married to my husband David for over 37 years, and together we have 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren. Art has always been something that I was drawn too. Much like a melody you hear on the radio that inhabits your feet before you realize you are tapping along to the beat. In the same way art is something that drew me in as a way for me to share with the world a window into how my mind captures images. Color is something I use with relative confidence and in abundance because color brings me joy. I hope that as you get to know me and follow my art creations that they will bring you joy too.

Love, Melinda