Public Arts Through Story Telling

(Washington, DC) The story of the Edgewood Mural is told through its characters: the 45 young artists of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities ' Youth Summer Employment Program, five directing artists, DC muralists, and the entire Edgewood community. This week, the Edgewood Mural project team stretched themselves and reached out further into the community to engage more storytellers. On Monday, the young artists participated in a spokesperson training session to put words to their art. They shared the messages they hope the mural will communicate.

"We are creating unity: uniting different DC neighborhoods, uniting young artists with experienced professionals, and uniting communities in their spaces," said Artist Pose 2.

Artist Quest Skinner stated her hope that the Edgewood Mural, "Showcases these young artists' unique talents, dreams, and expressions. I really want these young artists to leave with new gateways and bridges to their future." The mural team sees art as empowerment through the expression of self, and unity can be fostered through joint creativity. The mural is a synergistic effort between self and community, inner and outer. For the Edgewood Mural project, public art is not only the goal. The art is also the frame for the intangible results, such as inspiration to a young child, a flash of vibrant color in the eyes of a cyclist along the new Metropolitan Branch Trail, or a smile on the face of WMATA rider who sees the mural from the Red Line train.

On Tuesday, July 21, the Edgewood Mural project team presented its vision for art and engagement at the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C, which considers a wide range of policies and programs affecting their neighborhoods, including traffic, parking, recreation, street improvements, and more. Ten Commissioners and 30 local residents heard more about how public art can lift up residents’ lives and contribute to safer and healthier streets. “In our experience bringing murals and public art to communities, we see that communities maintain and enjoy the public spaces. Parents bring their kids, and the spaces become more active and safe,” said Peter Krsko, Director of the public arts nonprofit Albus Cavus, which is leading the Edgewood Mural effort.

Another way to bring more attention and engagement is to bring more artists. On August 15, Albus Cavus will host an all-day “mural jam” with 100 DC muralists who will bring their art to an adjoining wall, and extend the mural another 200 feet. The Edgewood Mural runs along the new Metropolitan Branch Trail.

"We want to liven up the community and get everyone to appreciate art more. The mural is about expressing ourselves and exposing the community to our talents," Participant Brooke Hargrove said. “The Edgewood Mural is creating stronger communities through empowering young DC artists to paint their generations' spirit into public spaces and create something that shows a little bit of our souls.”

This week, listen to Edgewood Mural artists Peter Krsko, Pose 2, and Mike Money on WAMU’s Metro Connection with Host David Furst.