Ogden-based artist Leon Araujo aka Noise Explosion is creating a legacy in the local art scene with bold and beautiful murals along the Wasatch front, honoring his love for the local community and his cultural heritage.

Boom! Just like that, Noise Explosion exploded on the scene… or at least, his artwork suddenly made a splash on walls and structures all over the city and state. Leon Araujo Jr. uses the artist handle Noise Explosion on his social media channels, and he has been quite a busy artist in the last few years. An artist who’s been busy brightening business, and community spaces, as well as my own drives across Ogden with his mural commissions.

His first mural commission was in March 2022 for Soul City Coffee on Washington Boulevard in Ogden, a fun piece that captures the establishment’s musical roots and passion for beany fruits.

Since then, Araujo’s work has been popping up all over and under the place. From multiple sides of Café La Vos to the outdoor dining areas at WB’s Eatery, both in Ogden, and even livening up tunnel trips down in the South Jordan community development of Daybreak.

The most recent project was a bit different from his past projects; this time, Araujo invited the whole community to join him in the painting process of his design. The event, on August 13, drew over 75 participants in the painting of the mural that now adorns the side of Little Rainbow Candy Store, a historic building located at 3201 Washington Boulevard in Ogden.

When pressed to pick a favorite, Araujo admitted it was the mermaid mural, one of two he has completed in Daybreak. When asked what his dream project would be he says he simply wants to do a mural on a smooth surface for a change.

Araujo is more than a mural artist; he is without a doubt a community collaborator, and not just for the community paint project. He volunteers his time and efforts as an active member of the Ogden City Arts Advisory Committee collaborating with both committee and community members to enhance the Nine Rails Creative District and the greater local arts community. For his efforts towards Ogden’s local art scene, he was presented with an Ogden City Mayor’s Award for Emerging Artist in 2022.

Araujo is also a champion of culture. He was born in Toluca, Estado de Mexico, Mexico, and even though he moved to the United States at a young age he has stayed connected to his heritage—a heritage Araujo honors through his art.

He leverages his background, both as a self-taught artist and as a member of the Latinx/Hispanic community, by giving speeches to Latinx/Hispanic youth. His message is that they can follow the path of their passions and dreams and be successful enough at it to make a living. He encourages them to pursue their dream projects, like searching for that flawless facade while still dabbing sketches onto stucco, or expanding on skill sets and services, as he has done with his digital visual art offerings.

Araujo’s openness to collaboration and self-development has been instrumental to his success as a working artist and he hopes his story helps the younger generation paint a brighter future for themselves.

In our time together there was one thing evident; Leon Araujo is passionate about art and making his dreams become an actionable part of his pursuit of happiness. He has accomplished this by identifying his passions, squaring those with his value system, and actively engaging his community. Ogden is lucky to have such a spirited individual inspiring the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs, and I am thankful that his art has jazzed up my drive.

Follow Noise Explosion (IG and Facebook @noiseexplosion) to stay updated on Leon Araujo’s upcoming projects and events. For information about his services and art, visit his official site Noel Creative House.