MuralsDC Project Brightens Up DC Neighborhoods

Artworks and murals are taking over spaces that are at risk or were disfigured by graffiti in Washington, D.C.

Started in 2007, the project MuralsDC is funded by the D.C. Department of Public Works. Under the project, 75 murals have been created at various locations across the city. Most of the mural artists come from the D.C. area. 

“This initiative aims to positively engage District youth by teaching proper professional art techniques, providing supplies, and a legal means to practice and perform their artistic skill in a way that promotes respect for public and private property and community awareness,”  MuralsDC website said.

Cita Sadeli, one of the local artists, worked in Columbia Heights on a floral designed mural at the Unity Health Care building on 14th Street.

“The mural spotlights the cultural diversity of the area. This area of Washington D.C. in Columbia Heights doesn’t have a lot of large-scale murals, so we have rich florals and bright colors to convey a sense of hope and a sense of a brighter future,” said Sadeli.

Another artist, Nessar Jahanbin, completed his work on Albert Einstein’s mural. “It’s a famous picture of him at a blackboard. Instead of the chalk, he’s holding a spray can and he’s writing graffiti that says E = mc2,” said Jahanbin.