In Edgewood, near the Rhode Island Avenue metro station is this amazing, two-story mural called “From Edgewood to the Edge of the World.” It was created in the summer of 2009 through a partnership between the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the youth summer employment program, and Albus Cavus. It’s visible from both the red line metro and the new Met Branch Bike Trail, and of course to pedestrians using the shopping center. Love all that color on an otherwise bland retaining wall! More about the mural from the Washington Post.

A subtle little painting of a mountain range and river valley below, spotted on a wall in Dupont Circle. Reminds me a bit of an Alaskan landscape…

How can you not enjoy walking through this colorful alleyway at 1344 U St. NW? On the left-hand side of the image we see part of artist Joel Bergner’s mural, “Afro-Colombian Mural: Currulao y Desplazamiento”, which pays tribute to the Afro-Colombian culture in DC (especially around the U Street area) and also around the world. Through this three-story painting, the artist hoped to educate the public about human rights issues and the displacement of people related to the armed Colombian conflict. Here’s another angle of this work. Bergner also coordinates Action Ashe, which, according to its website is a project whose mission is “to create social change and celebrate culture through public art.”

Below is a video of the mural inauguration, which “opened” on September 12, 2009.

Just one more of the many recognizable murals found on 18th Street in Adams Morgan. According to Cultural Tourism DC , this one was painted from a photo by restaurant owner André Neveux in 1980.
The figure is cabaret singer Aristide Bruant, as painted by the famous Parisian Toulouse-Lautrec.

This photograph was one in a set of “black-white-color” images that Matt created in his set of framed photography for the hallways of Union Row.

quaker – blue, originally uploaded by m hoek.

   
Playing with photoshop has proven to be a good way to work off the post-turkey day tryptophan and Jim Beam induced hangover.

   
This painted billboard is on Florida Ave NW between 8th St and Georgia Ave. I think these old painted signs are beautiful. Unfortunately, they are likely going the way of the dodo as modern advertising relies heavily on printed signs that can be continuously update to match their newest ad campaign. These harshly weathered paintings contribute to our city’s visual history and carry a certain “gravitas” that even the best designed modern billboard can not replicate. Modern retailers and restauranteurs should embrace the art of hand-painted murals and invest in one for their business. It will show a commitment to the neighborhood and enhance the block’s appearance.