BREATHE
Davis Strategic Development
An alleyway mural designed to create curiosity, energy and a moment of pause in Downtown Salisbury.
Salisbury, Maryland
Large-Scale Exterior Alleyway Mural
Downtown Placemaking + Property Activation
TURNING AN ALLEYWAY INTO AN EXPERIENCE
Alleyways are often treated as spaces people simply pass through. In partnership with Davis Strategic Development, WALS transformed this Downtown Salisbury alley into something visitors would notice, explore and remember.
BREATHE brings bold color, movement and an unexpected sense of energy into the space. The artwork creates an intriguing visual experience while offering a simple reminder to slow down, pause and take a breath.
WORKING WITH THE EXISTING BUILDING
The mural was designed to work with the architecture rather than cover every inch of the available wall.
The building’s existing dark surface became part of the composition, providing negative space around the artwork and helping the vibrant shapes and lettering stand out. This approach allowed the mural to feel naturally connected to the property while preserving the character of the alleyway.
CREATING CURIOSITY THROUGH PUBLIC ART
BREATHE was created to feel fun, exciting and slightly unexpected.
As visitors move through the alley, the artwork reveals itself across the wall, turning an ordinary pathway into a place that encourages photographs, exploration and conversation. The mural shows how public art can transform even a narrow or overlooked part of a property into a recognizable destination.
A COLLABORATIVE INSTALLATION
The mural was brought to life by Brandon Bell, Deserea Martin, Kayla Allen and Shykiem Handy.
Working together across the alleyway wall, the team translated the original design into a large-scale installation while maintaining the clean shapes, vibrant colors and visual movement that give BREATHE its personality.
STRENGTHENING THE IDENTITY OF A PLACE
BREATHE demonstrates that meaningful transformation does not always require covering an entire building.
By identifying the right wall, developing artwork around the architecture and considering how people move through the space, an underused alleyway became part of Downtown Salisbury’s visual identity.
The finished mural gives visitors another reason to explore the area, engage with the property and experience the city differently.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project: Breathe
Client and Project Partner: Davis Strategic Development
Project Type: Alleyway Mural and Creative Placemaking
Location: Downtown Salisbury, Maryland
Creative Direction & Design: Brandon Bell
Muralists: Brandon Bell, Kayla Allen, Deserea Martin, and Shykiem Handy
Services Provided: Creative Direction, Custom Mural Design, Creative Placemaking, and Professional Installation
COULD YOUR PROPERTY CONTRIBUTE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL TO THE COMMUNITY?
WALS works with businesses, developers, municipalities and organizations to transform visible walls and shared spaces into meaningful public-art experiences.
From identifying the right opportunity and developing the concept to coordinating artists, equipment and installation, we can guide the project from its earliest idea through completion.
HAVE A WALL OR PUBLIC SPACE IN MIND?
Whether you are planning a single mural, improving a commercial property or exploring a larger placemaking initiative, WALS can help turn your idea into a project that feels connected to its location and meaningful to the people who experience it.