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Writer's picturePress Release

Williamsburg Public Art Council Awards Mural Design for Midtown Row


Williamsburg Mural, City of Williamsburg

Words and Images Courtesy of the City of Williamsburg





Williamsburg, VA – The Williamsburg Public Art Council voted to select the mural design by

artist Silas Baker for Midtown Row after a bid process earlier this year.


In partnership with Midtown Row, Baker has been contracted with the City of Williamsburg to

install the mural on the exterior of the Food Lion located at 1242 Richmond Road. The wall is

circled in the graphic below.


Baker’s design, Papilio Glaucus, features the state insect, the eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly.

After a career as a tattoo artist for many years, Baker decided to pursue a full-time profession in

fine art and murals in 2020. His artworks can be found throughout the Hampton Roads region,

including the interior of Precarious Beer Hall in Williamsburg.


"We are thrilled to partner with Midtown Row on this next phase of the Williamsburg mural

project. Artist Silas Baker's design celebrates our natural surroundings with brightness and

color. This is an exciting step for advancing public art initiatives in the City of Williamsburg that

inspire exploration and community engagement."


A second mural is planned for a larger wall alongside the Food Lion. Designs were submitted

earlier this year; however, the WPAC could not reach a decision. The RFQ was reissued with

updates, most notably including an increased budget. The submission deadline is Nov. 2, 2022.

Established in 2021, the Williamsburg Public Art Council is composed of nine members,

including representatives from City boards and commissions and two community positions. 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 wishes 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.


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