DC street art. Just the thought of it makes me happy. I love art; I love to walk. Give me both and I am one happy lady.
Which is why I didn’t hesitate to sign up for a two-hour walking tour of Murals of our City in the U Street corridor of Washington DC on a lovely spring afternoon.
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Murals of Our City
My guide was Ella Schiralli from Adventures for Creative Tourists. First we stop at an alley on U Street. The side of the building was painted a vibrant cobalt blue. It featured the smiling faces of Winnifred and William Lee, founders of Lee’s Flower Shop (a multi-generational family business). Exotic pink and yellow florals bloomed on the bricks. The mural reached to the roof and featured a pink-petal flower on the chimney.
MuralsDC Project
It is one of 85 murals that make up the MuralsDC Project, which is overseen by the D.C. Department of Public Works’ Graffiti Prevention Initiative. “Each mural tells a unique story about its neighborhood. MuralsDC is a visual documentation of Washington, DC’s rich history,” according to the website. “MuralsDC was created in 2007 to replace illegal graffiti with artistic works, revitalize sites within communities in the District of Columbia, and to teach young, aspiring artists the art of aerosol painting. This initiative aims to positively engage District youth by teaching proper professional art techniques, providing supplies, and a legal means to practice and perform their artistic skill in a way that promotes respect for public and private property and community awareness.”
MuralsDC turns DC into an outdoor art gallery. While the murals can be seen in 46 different D.C. neighborhoods reaching 88,000 residents, we focused solely on 15 murals located in the U Street neighborhood.
Black Broadway
During your self-guided tour, you will reach an area known as “Black Broadway” due to its concentration of jazz clubs. In fact, there is a striking white-on-black mural off U Street which spells out BLACK BROADWAY in block letters.
The historical marker explains how “not too long ago black artist, performers, and patrons created this place called Black Broadway, risen from the ground ascending to monumental heights the entire world witnessed in awe! Every day… every night. Black Broadway is sacred and must be preserved forever.”
DC’s Aneiekan Udofia
The muralist who claims the most work on display in this neighborhood is a portrait painter named Aniekan Udofia. He signs all his DC street art with a distinctive flair. The diversity of his work astounded me. He has created towering murals of Duke Ellington, Frederick Douglass, and George Washington.
Murals of legendary writers and artists stand guard over D.C. and the Hall of Famers mingle on the exterior wall of Ben’s Chili Bowl. I researched his website and learned that he now works for national clients. His murals are located across D.C.
Ben Ali Way
While I didn’t have time to eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl, I spent at least 10 minutes trying to recognize each famous person on Ben Ali Way. This side street is located on the right exterior of the restaurant. You will feel hit like a boxer’s punch when you turn the corner.
COLOR on Steroids.
The lengthy brick wall has been reborn as an outdoor art gallery, basically the Outdoor Black National Portrait Gallery.
From Barack and Michelle Obama to former Mayor Marion Barry, this mural is a who’s who of Black politicians, actors, musicians, singers, newscasters, and athletes. And there is still room left on the wall for more famous friends of the city who have yet to be painted. And a quick search of Instagram can bring up photos of celebrities posing with their mural painting.
CHELOVE
I think my favorite mural is All My Hopes & Dreams, located at Cloak & Dagger at 1359 U Street NW. Cita Sadeli (known as CHELOVE) painted it. The mural debuted in April 2019. She is a muralist/designer/art director. Her work “straddles the urban art, illustration, and interactive design worlds.”
The colorful two-story mural depicts a young Black woman gazing at a flower through rose-colored glasses. Look closely, and you’ll notice multiple doors surrounding her head, symbolizing the many choices and opportunities facing urban youth. CHELOVE uses a vibrant palette of blues, yellows, and pinks to convey optimism, growth, and possibility. The mural perfectly captures the spirit of U Street, a neighborhood that has long celebrated creativity, resilience, and self-expression.
FAQs about U Street Street Art
Where can I see street art in Washington, DC?
The U Street Corridor is one of the best places to see street art in Washington, DC. Other popular areas include Shaw, NoMa, Union Market, and Anacostia.
Who painted the Ben’s Chili Bowl mural?
Local artist Aniekan Udofia created the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl mural, “The Torch.”
How long does it take to see the U Street murals?
Most visitors can complete a self-guided mural walk in 60 to 90 minutes.
Is the U Street mural walk free?
Yes. All murals are located outdoors and can be viewed free of charge.
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