Murals are making inroads into communities once again in ways that are meaningful and constructive, not only decorative.

An outgrowth of the illegal graffiti and Street Art movements, this new mural renaissance has once again engaged with the community rather than functioning as a means of protest or defiance. In our minds, art can serve many important roles in the communication of principles, ideas, values – and each expression in public space contains an opportunity for better, stronger, connections among community members.

Here in Erie, Pennsylvania a senior member of the community has been given an honor by Dominican born artist, muralist & designer EVOCA1, who painted a soaring portrait of Rudy Daniels on the side of Methodist Towers, where he lives. Blind since age 20 from a gunshot wound, the 71 year old has been a positive and familiar fixture on area streets and sidewalks and businesses for quite some time.

A project endorsed by the mayor, with local artists assisting with the mural using materials purchased in the community, honoring a neighborhood member? Here is one sincerely positive outcome to a global mural movement that grew into something quite positive.

A shout out to curator Iryna Kanishcheva, organizer Patrick Fischer, and Erie Arts & Culture for making this project happen.

Recent stories with EVOCA1 on BSA:

“Além da Rua” Festival Sails the Sea by the Port of Pecém, Brazil

EVOCA1 Addresses Addiction in Providence, RI