Brown Street Mural

contracted by Portland Downtown

Portland, Maine

Exterior Public Space Mural

Project Brief:

For the Brown Street Mural in Portland, HMDC was commissioned to create a large-scale public artwork that would both celebrate the local business community and revitalize an overlooked section of the downtown streetscape. The project underwent numerous rounds of concept development, public review, and approval through both the City of Portland and the board responsible for funding the initiative. Ultimately centered around the message "Buy Local Portland," the challenge was to create a mural that communicated civic pride and community support without relying on overly literal imagery or predictable visual solutions.

The final mural uses bold color, abstract forms, and dynamic composition to create an energetic visual landmark that draws attention while remaining open to interpretation. Installed on the facade of a pale yellow historic building, the artwork was designed to bring vibrancy and character to the space while helping deter graffiti through thoughtful activation of the surface. Rather than functioning solely as a message, the mural became part of the neighborhood itself, adding color, creating visual interest, and reinforcing the idea that strong local communities are built through creativity, investment, and support for the businesses that make them unique.