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Frank Han, owner of A-1 Grocery, with newly unveiled
mural, “Metamorphosis.”
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A new mural, “Metamorphosis,” was recently unveiled in Deanwood, signaling hopes for a revitalized economy as well as reflecting neighborhood feelings about impending change.
Murals DC, founded by Dominic Painter and DC Councilmember Jim Graham in 2006, aims to replace illegal graffiti with artistic works, teach young people aerosol painting and contribute to neighborhood revitalization. The District's Department of PublicWorks seeks spots prone to illegal graffiti. Murals DC works with community members to ensure that new works reflect their neighborhoods.
Deanwood Heights Main Street (DHMS) nominated A-1 Grocery, 615 Division Ave., NE – in an area targeted for revitalization – for a DC Murals project. A-1 is opposite the soon-to-be-redeveloped Strand Theatre and a half-block from the Riverside Center and Marvin Gaye Park.
DHMS has been working with businesses and the District to improve beleaguered commercial strips – aiming for cleaner, safer and brighter streets. In addition, says executive director Debra Jones, DHMS works with businesses to better match their stock to neighborhood needs.
Frank Han, who has owned A-1 for nearly 13 years, and his nephew, Gansukh Puntsag, are pleased to host the new mural and delighted with recent infrastructure improvements – such as sidewalk and alley paving and new streetlight bulbs. In addition, they say, the Sixth Police District has been working hard for the community and is contributing to positive change.
Rik Freeman (mentor artist) and Tim Conlon (spraypaint specialist) worked with neighborhood students Maurice Hill, Donnell Davis, Carl Patrick, Devon Brown and Alayshia Hill to create “Metamorphosis.”
The location, according to Sylvia Brown (ANC 7C04), “emphasizes that the area is undergoing a change to a broader economy.”
Meanwhile, Wanda Aikens, executive director of the Ward 7 Arts Collaborative, told a group of young people participating in the unveiling:“This mural is a reminder that we live here and will continue to live here.” |
