A new street mural in Jackson Ward is one Planning Commission vote away from being approved. Yesterday, the Public Art Commission convened in a special meeting to vote in favor of an installation at the intersection of W. Marshall St. + Brook Rd. called The Bloomberg Project Road Mural.

The mural is 1 of 3 components of an initiative in the area to engage local residents + honor the historic importance of the neighborhood. The other elements are the construction of a parklet and a pedestrian plaza.

The project would be installed with the help of Venture Richmond and Art 180, a nonprofit which supports youth artistic development in the city. Artist and illustrator Chris Visions, who designed the mural, spoke about his inspiration at the commission meeting.

The mural was designed by Artist Chris Visions. | Screenshot of the public agenda

The art features a red and gold color pattern and a green bird accented with black. The bird is the symbol Sankofa, which Chris cited as a Ghanain proverb that states “It is not wrong to go back and find what you have forgotten.”

Chris noted that the symbol is prevalent at the African Burial Ground in Shockoe Bottom. In his design, broken chains are at the bird’s feet. In its mouth is a golden egg.

Members of the Public Art Commission praised the design at the meeting. The commissioners also clarified that the mural will be painted with city-approved non-skid paint + will be maintained by Venture Richmond.

The Planning Commission will vote on the mural at their Sept. 7 meeting, which will be open to the public. If approved, the installation is planned for the week of Sept. 17. The date is subject to change based on city work on the gas line in the area.

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