BIOGRAPHY
Courtney Enriquez is a native of Austin, Texas, with deep family roots in nearby San Marcos, where her parents, Joe and Bobbie, were married before settling in Austin. From an early age, Courtney was encouraged by her mother to explore creative outlets like dance, drawing, and painting, alongside sports such as softball and volleyball.
Her passion for art began at Austin High School, where an elective art class sparked her interest. With the support of a dedicated teacher who encouraged her to compete in local and national student competitions, she earned a “Gold Key” Scholastic Award—an achievement that gave her the confidence to pursue art more seriously.
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A self-taught artist, Courtney received her first Art in Public Places commission from the City of Austin in 1998 for a piece titled "A Dream". Rey Gaytan and Sam Coronado, established and renowned local Austin artists, mentored and encouraged her to continue painting and drawing.
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Courtney’s public artworks include murals at Juan in a Million restaurant and along the Plaza Juan Raul parking lot. She also ran a studio where she created and sold upcycled and wearable art, original works, and offered community art classes.
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June of 2025, Courtney was honored with the ESB-MACC Award of Excellence: Emerging Artist, recognizing her contributions to Austin’s cultural and artistic landscape.
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Her travels to Cuba, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico continue to inspire her work, which reflects a rich blend of cultural experience and personal narrative.
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ARTIST STATEMENT
“My work is inspired by cultural, spiritual and lifetime memories and experiences.” I am known for my love of Mexican Loteria, which is full of color and cultural symbols. This century old game, a household staple with families of Mexican ancestry, has inspired families to gather, enriching relationships and building community bonds. My passion for vibrant color, creating and Christ is what I aspire to share in my artwork. Diversifying my color palette in murals, paintings, upcycling and crafting.
​​​COMMISSIONED ARTWORK:
"La Flor" (Building accents & logo) 2021, Media: Oil sign paints @Juan in a Million Restaurant in Austin, Texas
"Otomi" 2021, Media: Oil sign paints, @Juan in a Million Restaurant in Austin, Texas
"La Mexicana y Vaquero" (Restroom doors in yellow casita) 2016, Media: Acrylic, @Juan in a Million Restaurant in Austin, Texas
"El Catrin y La Dama" (Restroom doors in main restaurant) 2016, Media: Acrylic, @Juan in a Million Restaurant in Austin, Texas
"Juntos" 2011 (Patio area), Media: Acrylic, @Juan in a Million Restaurant in Austin, Texas
Arts in Public Places, "A Dream" 1998, Media: Acrylic Mural @DoveSprings Recreation Center in Austin, Texas​
:AWARDS, ​EXHIBITS AND SHOWCASES
"1991 Piece: "The Lily" Watercolor UIL/Austin ISD "Gold Key Award" Austin, Texas
"2023, 2024 and 2025 La Pena "Toma Mi Corazon" Austin, Texas
"2025 Piece: "El Sol" Mixed Media; "Voces de Luz" In celebration of International Women's Day @La Pena Austin, Texas
"2025 Piece: "La Luna" Mixed Media; La Mujeres de Aztlan-Mujeres Artistas Exhibition: Illuminando El Futuro San Antonio, Texas
2025: Honored with the ESB-MACC Award of Excellence: Emerging Artist in Austin, Texas
July 1-31st,2025 "Loteria", The Art of Courtney Enriquez; Solo Exhibition at La Pena Gallery in Austin, Texas
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INTERVIEWS and ARTICLES
LOTERIA: The Art of Courtney Enriquez (Gallery of Artwork); July 2025
VoyageAustin: Conversations with Courtney Enriquez; September 30,2025
PBS: AustinInsight with Courtney Enriquez; 10/16/2025 (Starts at 8:53 minute mark)
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