Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for “Streets of Solidarity” Road Mural

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for “Streets of Solidarity” Road Mural Celebrating Community, Unity, and the Power of Art Colmar Manor, MD — The Town of Colmar Manor is proud to announce the official ribbon cutting and community celebration for the “Streets of Solidarity” Road Mural and Neighborhood Revitalization Project. This milestone event will take place on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 3-7pm marking the reopening of the 5,000 sq. ft. mural roadway that now serves as a symbol of unity, hope, and resilience for the community. The pre-ceremony will be from 3-6pm held at the American Legion Post 131 located at 4103 Lawrence St. Colmar Manor, MD 20722. The ribbon cutting and group pictures with the artists will be taken at the mural site from 6-7pm. The “Streets of Solidarity” project was made possible through a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and brought to life through the leadership of Operation ARTS Foundation and We Are Limitless Studios. The mural was designed by artists Brandon Bell, Chyna Mae, and Renee Ackerson, who collaborated with local residents and mentored nine emerging artists in the process. Special thanks to the community artists — Monet Sanders, Lindsay Ancellotti, Iris Saavedra, Malandela Zulu, Edith Lopez Estrada Lew, Brittany Mona, Ahmad Adams, and Heather Rakas — for their creativity and dedication to this project. More than 55 local residents, interns, volunteers, artists, the town staff and community members participated in painting the mural and shaping its design. The mural stretches across four intersections — 38th Ave, 37th Ave, Newmark St, and Newton St — near Colmar Manor’s historic Dueling Grounds site. With bold patterns and colors, it conveys a powerful message of cultural unity and anti-gun violence, transforming public space into a lasting reminder of solidarity. Local officials, artists, community leaders, and residents are encouraged to attend and take part in this historic celebration. In addition, limited-edition “Streets of Solidarity” fundraiser shirts will be available for purchase to support ongoing community arts initiatives, please pre- order and pick them up at the legion at the ribbon cutting event. Date: Monday, September 29th Time: From 3-7pm Pre Ceremony Location: American Legion Post 131 (4103 Lawrence St. Colmar Manor, MD 20722) Picture Location: 3648 38th Ave, Colmar Manor For updates visit colmarmanor.org. Road reopens 9/26-29. Celebration Agenda - Pre-Reception: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM at Colmar Manor American Legion Post 131 (4103 Lawrence St. Colmar Manor, MD 20722) – Guests are invited to mingle, celebrate, and enjoy refreshments. - Transition to Mural Site: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Photo arrivals and walk to mural site (near 3648 38th Ave, Colmar Manor). - Media & Photos: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM – Press and media opportunities with artists, officials, and residents. - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Final group photo and official ribbon cutting at the mural site. Town of Colmar Manor “The Little Town That Can.” This slogan reflects the town's proactive spirit, community engagement, and commitment to progress despite its small size. ​Colmar Manor, established in 1927, is a small town in Prince George's County, Maryland, with a population of approximately 1,555 as of 2023. Located just northeast of Washington, D.C., it offers residents a suburban atmosphere with convenient access to urban amenities. The town holds historical significance due to the Bladensburg Dueling Grounds, where notable duels, including the fatal 1820 encounter between Commodore Stephen Decatur and Commodore James Barron, took place. Today, Colmar Manor features parks and community spaces, contributing to its appeal as a residential community.​ colmarmanor.org Operation ARTS Foundation inc “Alliance for Responsible Trade & Sustainability” Our mission is to develop the creative economy. Operation ARTS Foundation inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that encourages better business practices & economic growth for all. We lay the foundation for profitable, collaborative relationships between artists, businesses & the community by streamlining opportunities. We create financial stability for artists by providing them with the resources to help them succeed. We also coordinate creative impact events that engage the community while cultivating strong business skills and relationships. Our programming consists of local art gallery staging, professional development events, public art, marketing support, resource sharing, opportunity cultivation, career training, and internships. www.operationarts.com We Are Limitless Studios At We Are Limitless Studios, our mission is to harness the transformative power of public art to impact lives, inspire individuals, and fortify communities. Beyond mere aesthetic expressions, we view murals as potent instruments for community-building and civic engagement. https://www.wearelimitlessstudios.com/ The American Legion: Post 108 We are American Legion Post #131 located in Colmar Manor, Maryland. We, the Legionnaires, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion work together to assist Veterans and their families. Located at 4103 Lawrence St, Colmar Manor, MD, United States, Maryland. https://colmarmanorpost131.org/