Julio Mendoza or Jwlç (pronounced like “Jewels”) as he is artistically and affectionately known, is a Denver-based International Artist and Muralist whose style is defined greatly by his Mexican Heritage and Latino culture. For Julio it is the greatest gift to be inspired by one’s own traditions, food, people and colors. His goal is to keep his culture’s traditions alive for generations to come. Julio Mendoza was born in El Paso, Texas , and was raised in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico until he was 11 years old. At the age of 11, his family moved to Denver, Colorado. He has spent the majority of his years living in the Westwood area of Denver since then. It was in his neighborhood of Westwood, where he painted his first mural. Julio feels a tremendous sense of gratitude toward his roots in Westwood and has grown artistically thanks to the support of the community there.