WILLIAMSBURG — The City of Williamsburg will welcome its third commissioned mural to Midtown Row next month.
In 2023, the city contracted with Branded Arts, a curation and project management firm, to select a qualified artist to develop and install the next mural, it said. After a lengthy selection process of reviewing artist portfolios, Barcelona-based artist Iker Muro was chosen. With a focus on abstract geometry, Muro has painted murals throughout the world, with recent projects in Chile, Cuba, and Hawaii.
The mural will be installed on the exterior wall of the Marshalls at 1252 Richmond Road, facing Monticello Avenue. The city notes it will be the largest mural to date.
“The Williamsburg Public Art Council is very excited to have artist Iker Muro travel to our hometown to create a signature new mural here in our city. We are also grateful for our partnership with Branded Arts, who brought this global artist to Williamsburg. Muro has done so many incredible and inspiring projects all across the world,” Williamsburg Public Arts Council Chair Robert Currie said.
“Through this new public art piece, the City of Williamsburg furthers its commitment to enhancing the cultural vibrancy of our community through the power of art,” Currie continued.
Established in 2021, the Williamsburg Public Art Council is composed of nine members, including representatives from city boards and commissions and two at-large members. As stated in the WPAC ordinance, exterior murals are only allowed for installation in the B-3 zoning district, also known as Midtown.
Through its public art program, the WPAC aims to celebrate the city’s past, present, and future with public art; enhance the city’s identity and economic vitality by encouraging people to spend more time in the city engaged with public art; and highlight and enhance the beauty and unique character of the city.
Painting will begin on Wednesday, April 3. An unveiling event with the artist is scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m. on Friday, April 12.
