Uruguayan Artist Beautifies Tyler following Pandemic

Featured Photo: Artist Ingrid Horner, a native of Uruguay, poses with one of her paintings. Photo courtesy of Ingrid Horner.

TYLER, TX – A local artist reignites her passion for art, following the weeks of lockdown and aftermath of COVID-19.

Ingrid Horner, a former consultant, decided if she was going to have to stay home she would convert a room in her home to finally do what she loves—art.

“All my life I wanted to paint,” said Horner. “When the pandemic hit, I converted a room in the house to be more serious and finally do what I love.”

Horner’s drive to create connects with the “Keep Tyler Beautiful” and reviving downtown initiatives, where local artists have been invited to paint murals throughout the city.

“The thing I love about Tyler is that they give opportunities to people of all skill levels and ages, some as young as 13 or 14,” said Horner. “That’s wonderful for them to start that early.”

Horner has been able to network with artists all over the city, building relationships and entering art shows together.

“It’s wonderful—I’m 60 years old,” said Horner. “I just started late in my life doing what I am really passionate about. You know, I guess it’s just a testament to not let your dreams die.”

Horner has contributed to the alley mural, art downtown, and to several parks all across the city.

One of her contributions was converted to a canvas piece and will be on display at the Arcadia Art Show on October 1, 2021. The event is from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and is free to the public. (121 N Spring Avenue, Tyler, TX).  

Horner won the “People’s Choice Award” for her previous entry. Horner now pursues art full-time. Her husband had retired from the military after 27 years of service, living from the West to East coast and even serving in Japan.

The couple met in Utah in the early 90s, where Horner came to the United States on a work visa from Uruguay. They are now both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Horner being introduced to the church by missionaries in Uruguay when she was only four years old.      

Horner graduated from the LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, UT (now Ensign College) with a degree in fashion merchandising. The two started their life in the United States together and have been here ever since. Ingrid moves forward with her faith and feels called to art from God. Horner was always sketching illustrations and classifies her style as geometric abstract.

Many of her pieces around Tyler feature unique lettering, spelling out “Let Us Play,” at Hillside Park or “Downtown Tyler” in the city visitor’s center.  

When she was painting a mural in Bergfield Park, a group of young moms from Horner’s church recognized the artist and commented on the transformation.

“What she was able to do with the building was incredible,” says fellow church member Valerie Anderson. “We were so impressed with her work.”

Horner was on site for six weeks in the Historic Azalea District, painting flowers on the restroom building. Her art elevates the park and earned the praise from neighbors. 

“I had neighbors come out from their homes across the street and tell me that they liked it,” said Horner. “That’s nice for people who live there and have to see it all the time.”

Horner continues to pursue projects across Tyler, learning of opportunities on their local social media outlets.

“I love that the city gives so many opportunities to beautify the community,” Horner said. “I paint because I love it. I think that it’s always a learning opportunity too. You meet all sorts of people. Everyone wants to talk to you. It’s really neat to see. You learn so much about the community.”

For more information, see Ingrid Horner Art on Facebook and on Instagram