Flexing My Wings
Flexing My Wings by Felix “Flex” Maldonado transforms the exterior of Rocket Fizz in Valparaiso into a radiant burst of color and motion.
Centered around a vividly detailed hummingbird, this mural captures the bird mid-hover, its feathers painted in bold blues, reds, golds, and greens against a rich pink-and-violet background. Flex’s crisp linework, layered color, and energetic style give the hummingbird a sense of movement, as if it might lift off the wall at any moment. Surrounding elements—tropical leaves, blooming flowers, and sweeping graffiti-inspired strokes—add warmth and energy to the scene.
Painted at the entrance to Rocket Fizz, the mural pairs naturally with the shop’s playful, colorful atmosphere. As visitors approach, the artwork frames the doorway and becomes part of the experience itself. Flexing My Wings celebrates color, motion, and joy, offering a bright and welcoming moment of public art in downtown Valparaiso.
Mural in progress
“I was so blessed that the back wall of our business was chosen for a mural. It has really added beauty to that area of the park, which was formerly kind of drab. Goodness, I just feel joy each time I enter through our back door or if I am walking through that part of the park/alley.”
Robyn Walsworth, Rocket Fizz
A proud native of East Chicago, IN, Felix “Flex” Maldonado is a self-taught artist with 35+ years experience in painting, drawing and graffiti art.
Felix is an artist in every sense of the word, and his passion and enthusiasm is evident in everything he makes. He received his BFA in Advertising in 1995 with a minor in Graphic Design from the American Academy of Art in Chicago.
In 2016, Felix ventured out on his own to open FLEX Creative LLC located in downtown Hammond, IN. One of his first client commissions was presented by the city of Gary, Indiana (and RDA) to create the now iconic, 4 story, “Jackson 5” mural- centrally located on 5th and Broadway Avenue. Felix continues to produce quality murals and gallery artwork worldwide.
About the mural location
Rocket Fizz is a one-stop shop for all of your soda pop and candy cravings with thousands of soda and candy items from all over America and the world. VCC thanks Rocket Fizz for hosting this mural behind Rocket Fizz facing the Bill Costas Family Plaza at 157 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN.
