Freddy Diaz: From Bridges to Murals, A Detroit Story

It was a Wednesday afternoon and we found ourselves at Mi Puebla Express in Southwest Detroit—a cozy spot with insanely good tacos, fresh ingredients and guacamole that might just change your life. It felt like the perfect place to meet an artist whose work pulses with the heart and soul of this city: Freddy Diaz.

Freddy walked in like a burst of sunshine, his energy instantly filling the space. We had felt his passion over Zoom, but in person? It was next-level. With an easy smile and a warm embrace, he greeted us like old friends. Before we could even think about grabbing our wallets, he was already playfully insisting on covering lunch, laughing as he shared that he and “his lady” are always in a friendly battle over who picks up the tab.

Born and raised in Southwest Detroit, Freddy’s story is woven into the fabric of the community. His parents, who immigrated from Mexico, worked tirelessly—first on farms in South Carolina and eventually in Detroit—to build a better future for their family. That spirit of hard work and perseverance became the foundation of Freddy’s own journey.

As a teenager, Freddy was mesmerized by the graffiti artists he saw around town, watching them transform old buildings, bridges and forgotten corners into vibrant, larger-than-life expressions of creativity. One artist in particular, Jordan Vaughn, left a lasting impact, showing him that art could be more than just a pastime—it could be a voice. Freddy picked up a spray can and started painting bridges, leaving his mark on the city. But, while painting an underpass (which turned out to be federal property), Freddy soon found himself facing a year-long sentence that forced him to pause and reflect on his path.

It was during his required community service that an unexpected encounter changed everything. While cleaning bathrooms at a manufacturing company, Freddy met Frank, a CEO of a notable company in Detroit. Frank was curious, asked questions and saw something in Freddy—a spark, a potential. Instead of looking past him, Frank extended an opportunity. He gave Freddy a job, mentorship and the kind of support that can change the course of a life. To this day, Frank remains a mentor, always reminding Freddy of how far he’s come and how much further he can go.

Fueled by resilience and raw talent, Freddy immersed himself in the art world, learning from established Detroit artists and refining his craft. What began as rebellious street art evolved into murals that tell stories, honor histories and ignite conversations. Today, Freddy isn’t just painting walls—he’s uplifting young artists, securing collaborations with the Detroit Pistons, and making sure that the next generation has the guidance he once wished for.

And now, he’s bringing his magic to Kintsugi Village. Freddy is gearing up to create a breathtaking mural that will capture the essence of Corktown and Southwest Detroit, paying homage to the history of the old St. Vincent Middle School and the rich cultural threads that make this city so special.

His story is one of resilience, transformation and the undeniable power of community. From painting bridges in the shadows to creating large-scale public art that shapes the city’s landscape, Freddy Diaz is proof that creativity—when nurtured—can become something truly unstoppable.

We’re excited to see his creative vision come to life at Kintsugi Village! If you have stories, memories or photos from growing up in Corktown/Southwest or your time at St. Vincent Middle School, we’d love for you to share them at hello@kintsugivillage.org—your experiences could help shape the mural.