This September, we partnered with Operation Arts, the Town of Colmar Manor, and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to complete one of our most meaningful installations yet — the Streets of Solidarity Ground Mural in Colmar Manor, MD.

Spanning over 5,000 sq. ft., this work transformed the historic Dueling Grounds — once a site where disputes were settled by gunfire — into a bold symbol of peace, unity, and resilience.

Created through months of community input, this mural reflects the heart of creative placemaking: residents, artists, and local leaders coming together to reclaim space, reshape meaning, and tell a new story rooted in hope.

Led by artists Brandon Bell, Chyna Mae, and Renee Ackerson, and brought to life by nine emerging artists and over 55 volunteers, this project is more than paint — it’s a statement.

Even after centuries, this area has continued to witness its share of modern-day “duels.”
Our shared goal was to use color, collaboration, and creativity to inspire change — to remind those who pass through that conflict can give way to connection.

This mural serves as both a memorial and a message — a vibrant reminder that creativity can interrupt cycles of harm and transform history into hope.

As Mayor Monica Casañas shared, “Through art, we are creating a legacy of unity, resilience, and hope.”

The ribbon-cutting and community celebration took place September 29, 2025, marking not just the reopening of a street — but the renewal of a shared story.