El Paso’s August 3rd Memorial Still in the Running for National Art Award

The August Third Memorial, honoring the 23 lives lost in the 2019 Walmart shooting, is still gaining national attention, and El Paso can help it rise even higher. Voting is still open in the People’s Choice category of the prestigious CODA Awards, and now is the time to double down.

What Are the CODA Awards and Why Are They Important?

The CODA Awards (Collaboration of Design + Art) celebrate the best public art projects in the world that successfully integrate commissioned artwork into interior, architectural, or public spaces. Earning a spot in the Top 100 is already a major accomplishment, but winning the People’s Choice category means national recognition driven by real community support.

It’s not just about art. It’s about honoring public memory and spotlighting how communities use creativity to process grief, build resilience, and celebrate each other. This is El Paso’s chance to show the country the power of public art rooted in real community healing.

El Paso Currently in Third Place Behind Houston and D.C.

As of this writing, the August Third Memorial is holding strong in third place, right behind two large-scale installations in Houston and Washington, D.C. Both of those projects have around 160 or more votes, while El Paso sits at 131.

To put that into perspective, most of the 100 nominated projects are averaging around 10 votes total. A few have reached the 30s or 40s. Among the top three, El Paso is making one of the strongest showings in the entire competition. The passion is there. We just need to push a little harder to take the lead.

How to Vote for the August Third Memorial

Voting is completely free and only takes a few seconds. Anyone can vote, regardless of location. Supporters can help elevate the memorial by visiting the official CODAworx website.

👉 Cast your vote here: https://codaworx.com/codaawards/top-100

Help El Paso Memorial Get the National Spotlight It Deserves

The August Third Memorial, designed by local artist Tino Ortega and located at Jim Crouch Park, is a heartfelt tribute to the victims and a space for the community to grieve, reflect, and heal. Ortega, also known for his “Love Letters to El Paso” mural series, created this piece as a gift to the community and a symbol of unity.

Let’s keep showing up, keep sharing, and keep voting. El Paso has heart, and this is our moment to prove it.