Horizontal Mural Art: A Life Saver!

From the Knott Foundation Newsletter

Local community artists and volunteers assembled at a very early 5:30 a.m. on June 26 to paint a horizontal mural at the intersection of Harford Road and Montebello Terrace in the Beverly Hills and Lauraville neighborhoods of Baltimore City. 

Horizontal murals, which are painted directly on the street, may have benefits beyond aesthetics.  "Bright, vibrant artwork in busy street intersections may have a traffic calming effect," stated Greg Cantori, who supported the project with a discretionary grant.  "Murals like these in New York and Portland have successfully engaged the community with their 'public right of ways.'  They are painted next to schools or in busy neighborhood intersections to encourage drivers to pay more attention to their surroundings, while hopefully appreciating the art as well."

The project represents the hard work of numerous partners, including Whitney Frazier, lead artist, New Lens, Hamilton Lauraville Main Street, and the Baltimore City Department of Transportation.  We hope to see more horizontal murals this summer and fall.  Congratulations to all who were involved!