MuralsDC projects replace illegal graffiti with beautiful, artistic works

You’ve probably ridden or walked past the large, white windowless west-facing wall on Sherman Avenue at Barry Place a hundred times. You’ve never noticed it? 

That’s about to change, if it hasn’t already, thanks in part to two close friends of DC SCORES.

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and DC SCORES Summer ’09 Arts Specialist Asad “ULTRA” Walker were main players in seeing the mural project on this main north/south DC thoroughfare come to fruition.  The magnificent new mural on the side of the old Washington Refrigeration Supply Company building is part of the MuralsDC 2009 project. 

The program was started in 2007 by Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham in “an effort to replace illegal graffiti with artistic works, to revitalize sites within the community, and to teach young people the art of aerosol painting,” according to MuralsDC’s Web site. The initiative’s goal is “to positively engage the District’s youth by teaching proper art techniques, providing supplies, and a legal means to practice and perform their skill in a way that promotes respect for public and private property and community awareness.” 

A partnership between MuralsDC and a DC SCORES school seems imminent as the spring writing season, with its focus on service-learning, looms around the corner. “Site selection is based on areas of the District with high incidence of illegal graffiti as identified by the Department of Public Works and other agencies.”  

Other MuralsDC projects can be seen on 4th Street in Edgewood near Brookland at Bunker Hill Elementary School; at 615 Division Ave., NE near Aiton E.S., Burrville E.S., Arts & Tech Academy and Kelly Miller M.S.; and at 1320 Good Hope Rd., SE near Howard Road Academy. 

“Each mural reflects the character, culture and history of the neighborhoods in the District and interests from the business/residence owners,” so check out a MuralsDC finished project next time you are headed out to a DC SCORES soccer game or community event.

-- Written by Cory Chimka, Elementary School Program Director