Mural at Conway and Prince George’s Avenues
About the Mural
Muralist Michael Kirby has been selected to paint a mural on the poured concrete retaining wall in the City-owned right-of-way at Conway and Prince George’s Avenues. The entire wall is approximately 253-feet-long, and its height ranges from 1-foot-tall at the shortest section to 9-feet-tall at the tallest section. Non toxic silicate potassium paint is being used; the pigments (natural earth oxides) used in this type of paint are lightfast, and the paint is not affected by air pollution or acid rain. Murals painted with potassium silicate paint in the late 1800s in Germany and Switzerland have survived handsomely to the present day.
The mural is an exploration of the fantastical realm of what might exist below the ground and behind the retaining wall where the mural is to be painted. The concepts were developed after conversations with neighbors revealed two central themes: Takoma Park’s connection to nature and the large number of children and families moving into the Forest Park neighborhood.
Current Project Status
The mural’s design was accepted by the City in August 2016, following an onsite meeting with community members. Work on the mural began in the fall and was completed in 2017.
As work progresses, residents are encouraged to stop by and suggest icons that represent specific or unique aspects of the neighborhood or the community. Images of these icons would be incorporated into the mural to the extent possible. Examples of possible icons include other animals, a peace sign, the nuclear free symbol, a roster or a bicycle. These hidden “Easter Eggs” would be scattered throughout the mural.
Project Lead & Contact Info
Sara Anne Daines
Housing and Community Development Director
Phone: 301-891-72224
Email: SaraD@takomaparkmd.gov
Mural Details
Project Info & Timeline
- Completion date: October 2017
- Takoma Park’s role in project: Lead
- Departments involved: Housing & Community Development
Budget & Funding Source
Budget: $20,000
Funding Source: City of Takoma Park FY16 budget
Links & Notes
Ordinance #2016-01 Awarding Contract for Conway and Prince George’s Avenues Public Art Project
Council Voting Session – January 13, 2016
Muralist Michael Kirby Website
Location of the mural:
