They call themselves Jovenes sin Nombres, Spanish for youths without names.

The group of 20 or so Latin American youths spent Saturday putting the finishes touches on colorful mural, consisting of nine plywood panels, designed to introduce the Latino culture to Pittsburgh. It was unveiled last night during an exhibit at the AVA Lounge in East Liberty.

"It represents a coming together of the community, not just the Latinos in Pittsburgh, but the entire community," said one of the group's members, Leandro Gil-Silva, 19, of Squirrel Hill. He and his parents moved here from Argentina nearly 10 years ago. "We're painting for a better tomorrow, a better way of living for all of us."

The mural is called "Pintando para un sueño," which means painting for a dream. One panel depicts migrating birds flying over one of Pittsburgh's many bridges.

Another shows two children resting under a tree of life, suggesting the connection of all cultures.

Stephany McMullen, 21, a native of Venezuela who lives in Oakland, said the group includes young adults from countries such as Chile, Mexico and Nicaragua. Their goal is to show the importance of other cultures.

"We want people to know that we're here in Pittsburgh, and we want to be part of the community," she said.

The mural will be permanently mounted later this week at the Latino Family Center in Squirrel Hill.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)