New Public Mural Project Taking Flight In Maplewood

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Springfield Avenue Maplewood recently announced the selection of six local artists to be part of its upcoming public art installation.

According to Springfield Avenue Maplewood (SAM), murals will be painted on six utility boxes on Springfield Avenue – adding a bit of “creativity and beauty” to the block.

The six selected artists are: Emalohi Iruobe, Emily Konopinski, Magie McGowan with Brian McGowan, Mary Arevalo, Natalie Crandall, and Sumana Ghosh-Witherspoon.

The mural project is sponsored by the Springfield Avenue Maplewood Business District working together with Maplewood Township. Ricciardi Brothers at 1915 Springfield Avenue donated paint, supplies and expertise.

Here’s how the project came together, according to Springfield Avenue Maplewood:

“SAM issued an RFP for artists at the end of 2024, originally looking to commission four murals. Over a dozen local and regional artists submitted proposals with mural concepts, which were evaluated by a committee of SAM Board members, Township representatives, and unaffiliated arts and culture professionals. The mural project is funded 100% by SAM’s fundraisers, namely the Craft Beer Tasting fundraiser in the fall and the Wine Tasting fundraiser in the spring. Due to the success of SAM’s 2024 Craft Beer fundraiser, SAM was able fund the commission of two additional murals, bringing the total to six. While no theme was indicated in the RFP, the guidelines called for all the murals to incorporate the three primary SAM logo colors into the design. This stipulation allows a color continuity among the murals, while also allowing the artists to put their own unique imprint on Springfield Avenue.”

The murals will be installed in April and May, organizers said: just in time for Springfield Avenue’s annual MayFest.

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