MURALS:
Connexion Mural by Michael Talbot and Lucy Nguyen
The ESMS and Connexion Mural Committee selected a proposal that celebrates the diversity of the East Somerville community. East Somerville is the most diverse neighborhood in Somerville, with over 35% of residents born outside of the United States, and with large Brazilian, Central American, and Haitian communities. Additionally, nearly 80% of East Somerville businesses are immigrant owned. Recently, Connexion added a free library in the window directly below the proposed mural. The library is in conjunction with All She Wrote Books, an intersectional, inclusive feminist and queer bookstore that supports, celebrates, and amplifies underrepresented voices through their thoughtfully curated selection of books spanning across all genres. As Connexion sits at the heart of East Somerville on Broadway, and is a gathering place for many, the mural will highlight the importance of community life and acceptance of all people.
"Ultimately, we want this facade to feel energetic, magical, and creative while portraying growth
and community."
Deano’s Pasta Mural by artist Michael Talbot
"My aim and approach with this mural was not just to highlight the business and what they do, but provide for the viewers an introspective dialogue to the statement ‘You are what you love.’
One of the main things that stood out to me about Deano’s Pasta is how dedicated they are to their process and promise of handmade and hand-packaged pasta. Going off of this, I figured I wanted to focus on a pair of hands at work.
Deano’s Pasta, being a generational family business that steadily passes on the traditions, practices, and knowledge to whoever is next in line, I felt like the word ‘Artisanal’ was an appropriate description and statement of authenticity, and as such I went with it as the title for this design.” - Michael Talbot
Download the 2021 East Somerville Guidebook which includes a Public Art Tour of East Somerville!
Broadway Brake Mural by Meagan O'Brien (2020)
This mural is extension of local artist Meagan O'Brien's Lombardi Mural at the underpass next door and features transportation iconography and wayfinding text. A BIG thanks to our volunteers and donors who have helped us reach our goal and complete this new mural!
Mount Vernon Restaurant Mural by Brian Hart 2019
This mural is funded in part by a Somerville Arts Council Grant and with support from Mount Vernon Restaurant and Pub. Murals brought to East Somerville by the Somerville Arts Council's Street Art Project
Calo Rosa Mural (Somerville Communications) 2019
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Mural at 52 Broadway
"This piece was created for the El Salvadoran and Central American friends in Somerville, its a portrait of my friend Bianca Rosalia surrounded by elements from the tropical flora native to ES.
As many other Central Americans, Bianca represents the resilience and commitment to thrive in a different environment.
It includes flora that is easy to recognize to Central Americans: Flor de izote, the national flower of ES, hojas de guineo that are use to cook and make tamales, and birds of paradise flowers.
This elements bring us back to the days where we where in our hometowns, in the mountains or the coast, playing with our friends surrounded by life full of color. Bianca is wearing Mayan "ruler" earplugs as a reminder to recognize where we came from to know who we are, bigger that any government, bigger than any frontier or division.
wherever we are, the colors and energy of the tropics will always come with us." - Calo
Murals created in 2018 as part of the Somerville Art's Council's Street Art program:
Angurria mural at 112 Broadway (Ola cafe) 2018
This mural is funded in part by a Somerville Arts Council Grant and with support from Mount Vernon Restaurant and Pub. Murals brought to East Somerville by the Somerville Arts Council's Street Art Project
Alexandre Keto mural at 102 Broadway (Gauchao Brazilian Cuisine) 2020
Keto's mural, "Doña Patria," captures the essence of a "roda de samba" (samba circle), a vital part of our cultural celebrations often enjoyed with a barbecue. The artwork features a couple, Mestre Sala e Porta Bandeira, central figures in carnival traditions, surrounded by musicians. This mural highlights the joy and vibrancy of our culture.
Keto believes that art is a powerful tool for direct intervention and can open new horizons in an accessible manner. By addressing social issues through art, Keto aims to create meaningful connections and foster knowledge within the community.
David Zayas mural at 44 Broadway (Taco Loco) 2018
Buenos Días" at 46 Broadway: Zayas' artwork delves into the human experience. "Buenos Días" depicts a traditional table arrangement adorned with fruits and vegetables, showcasing staples of Latin American cuisine. At the heart of the piece stands a rooster, symbolizing strength. The surrounding arrows represent life’s challenges. The rooster, depicted pulling an arrow from his body with his beak, embodies resilience and the ability to overcome adversity.
East Somerville Main Street community murals:
Meagan O'Brian Lombadi Mural
Commissioned by Federal Realty Investment Trust (Assembly Row)
In 2019 local artist Meagan O'Brian was commissioned to paint a mural to replace the printed mural that had deteriorated. Meagan included several East Somerville icons in her mural including the triple decker houses, Chuckie Harris Park, Mudflat ceramic studios and "hello" in Spanish, Hatian and Portugese representing our diverse community in East Somerville. In June 2019, Meagan included a "Community Paint Day" and invited members of the community to come out and help complete the mural.
