photo by Austin Graff
“Dear PoPville,
On Thursday, mural being painted on New York Avenue near the overpass. I think it was once a bell tower?”
We used to get this question like clockwork but were last asked back in 2019. We’ve previously learned that this is a ventilation shaft for the 395 highway tunnel below. The artist responsible for the awesome mural, Val E. Lewton, passed away in 2015.
Others have commented that: “It’s been known unofficially for years as the Nixon Memorial.”
The flip side:
2nd/3rd Mass. and H Street, NW
As for the new mural coming, Austin writes: “the other side is being painted by @lulagoce for @StreetArtMankind and @worldfoodprogramme to raise awareness about food injustice. The mural will be inaugurated May 20th.”
Will update when the mural is completed.