A sprawling new 5,000 square ft. mural lies at the crossroads right next to Colmar Manor’s historic dueling grounds. It features two children praying on each side, facing a sign in the middle that reads “STOP THE VIOLENCE.”

Representatives from town, county and state government, artists and community members all gathered Sept. 29 for the unveiling and ribbon cutting of Colmar Manor’s Streets of Solidarity Road Mural at the corner of 38th and Newark Streets.

“When I became mayor of Colmar Manor, I knew that I wanted to see a street mural in our town,” said Colmar Manor Mayor Monica Casañas in a speech before the cutting. “Art not only beautifies, but it also tells a story.”

The mural is meant to act as a testament to how communities can use the transformative power of art to turn their past into something positive for the future, Casañas said in her speech. Placed beside the old dueling grounds, the mural rejects the violence the area once stood for and turns it into a celebration of nonviolence and cooperation, she went on to say.

An $81,500 state grant made this project possible, one of four in the county, two of which went to municipalities.

Casañas’s administration worked with town officials, Operation ARTS Foundation Inc., We Are Limitless Studios and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development over months to develop the project. Overall, nine artists and over 60 residents, volunteers and interns helped shape and paint the mural.

Operation ARTS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focusing on encouraging better business practices and autonomy for artists according to Chyna Mae, the president of the foundation who spoke at the unveiling. We Are Limitless Studios specializes in public art and message-motivated murals according to their CEO and cofounder Brandon Bell, who was also present at the event.

Mae, Bell and Operation ARTS Foundation Inc. secretary Renee Ackerson were the principal designers of the mural.

“It’s an honor to be here today. We wouldn’t have been able to do this without you, so thank you so much to everyone for being here,” Mae said during her speech.

Also present at the unveiling was Prince George’s County Council Member At-Large Jolene Ivey, who congratulated the town for the mural and all that it represented for the community.

“This mural has transformed the space into one that is safer, more beautiful and a beacon of Colmar Manor’s commitment to unity, hope and resilience,” Ivey said.

She then presented an official citation on behalf of the council to Casañas and Colmar Manor Town Council Members Melinda Mendoza, Alison Pages and Sophia Emeritz.

Other notable attendees included state delegates of the 47th district Julian Ivey and Diana Fennell as well as state senator of the 47th district Malcolm Augustine and Prince George’s County Planning Board President Darryl Barnes. Each gave short remarks congratulating the town for the mural.

The portion of the street that the mural takes up is blocked off for cars until Friday.