This blog is part of a series where we shine a light on the helping hands that made some of our Mexico projects possible. From culinary chefs cooking and distributing meals for migrants to local creatives using their art to inspire peace in their neighborhoods—progress would not be possible without the helping hands of local heroes who step up to bring change to their communities and make Search’s projects a reality.
Matthew Martinez, also known as The Dream Monster, found his passion for art from a young age. At just 13 years old, he began graffiting, but his artistic journey really took a turn when he moved to Los Angeles and started painting with friends. It was during these moments that The Dream Monster was born—his trademark furry doodle that continues to grow with him.
Art for Happiness
Matthew’s goal has always been simple: to bring joy. “My art is about making people happy and wanting to share it.” He sees The Dream Monster as a reflection of his inner positivity—the best part of himself.
Matthew has been creating art for as long as he can remember. As a child, he often stayed indoors due to allergies while his classmates played outside. During these times, he began to draw, and soon, others began asking for his sketches. At just six or seven years old, he started trading his drawings for snacks, building the foundation for a life immersed in creativity.
Today, The Dream Monster has been around for 20 years, growing and evolving with time.
The World Peace Day Mural
When he first heard about the opportunity to create a mural for World Peace Day with Search for Common Ground in El Paso, Texas, his mind was immediately awash with possibilities.
“It was an opportunity to take my work to a bigger scale, to inspire others. Working with a nonprofit like Search was exciting. Many artists dream of doing projects like this. Knowing I could contribute, even in a small way, was amazing.”
When asked how he sees peace, he explained that for him it is something essential yet fragile. “I think we need to seek peace—whether politically or through art. I just wish there was more peace in this world.”
Matthew firmly believes there is a need for more projects like the peace mural in the El Paso region. “There are so many talented artists here, […] so many spaces that need art. I wish nonprofits would get involved in more projects like this. I can only imagine how exciting it would be for other artists to have these opportunities.”
Although Matthew already knew that organizations worked to bring hope in difficult times, seeing it in action left a lasting impact.
“Organizations worldwide are trying to bring light into the darkness. What I love about Search is that [their work is] about people, and that’s easy to connect with. Seeing how they ask people about their perspectives on peace is incredible. It shows they truly care about people and the world.”
Seeing the completed mural was an emotional moment. “Projects like this can help bring a community together. Even now, when I visit the mural, I’m amazed by its size, cleanliness, and energy. Months later, it still gives me a positive and uplifting feeling, and I hope others feel the same when they see it.”
A Turning Point for Matthew and The Community
Living in Juárez, Mexico, or El Paso, U.S. offers a unique cross-cultural experience, where two countries share traditions and values despite being divided by a border. The residents often see the two cities as one. The mural, painted at the historic Del Norte Court Motel in El Paso, brought together people from Juárez, El Paso, and Las Cruces, symbolizing unity across three cities, three states, and two countries. Positioned near the border, the mural is visible to those crossing from Mexico into the U.S., serving as a reminder that despite national differences, the shared pursuit of peace unites us all.
Reflecting on this opportunity, Matthew also acknowledges that painting the mural was a significant moment in his career. “This was a huge opportunity for me, and I didn’t take it lightly. It became a turning point in my career, pushing me to the next chapter.”
