In mid-May I visited two mighty murals barely two blocks apart: “Chelsea Resilient: Call and Response Through the Ages” by David Fichter and “City of Dreams” by Silvia López Chavez. With great enthusiasm, I now share photos, quotes, and links that should convey the rich history and possibilities of both murals.

Chelsea Resilient: Call and Response Through the Ages 2021 by David Fichter
Mural painting assisted by Megan Barnes, Xerxes Butt, Bianca Oppedisano, and Eliseo Fuentes.

80 ft X 15 ft. (irregular height)   5th St. and Broadway, Chelsea MA    [Acrylic paint on aluminum panels]

“Chelsea Resilient traces the rich history of this Massachusetts city from its beginnings as Winnisimmet, when Native American peoples fished and dug mussels on the banks of Chelsea Creek, to the urban, diverse city we know today. Across four centuries this community has repeatedly risen to overcome challenges and tragedies, responding with energy, heartfelt mutual concern, and an unquenchable drive to rebuild.” ( quote from David Fichter mural portfolio)

Learn valuable historical facts and contexts for more than thirty scenes in this mural with Interactive Tool to Explore the Mural’s Design

“Starting in early Summer 2020, I conducted research through individual and group meetings as well as in the library archives. I gathered reference images to accurately capture myriad details of the people and places of the Chelsea community. A community Steering Committee guided the process.”( quote from David Fichter mural portfolio)

Photos from David Fichter of Mural Unveiling, November 13, 2021:

Chelsea Walk Community Mural “City of Dreams” by Silvia López Chavez with help from Laidy Saenz, Juan Carlos, Fredy from GreenRoots and residents Celest, Cariliz, Maryann, Barry.

alongside Chelsea Walk Pub building at 416 Broadway, Chelsea, MA:

“This mural was commissioned and produced by GreenRoots, in partnership with the City of Chelsea, through a MassDevelopment grant, and the generous support of businesses, residents, and friends of Chelsea.  Completed in 2019 along with new decorated panels overhead.” ( quote from Chelsea Prospers Public Art Tour, walking stop #13)

“The imagery honors Chelsea’s historic and present architecture, celebrating its resilience and capacity to re-build and dream big. It also borrows the bright hues of textile patterns from countries around the world. An abstracted wave of water connects the colorful structures, flowing down like a ‘good stream’ under the buildings, also making reference to “Winnisemet,” the native name for this area prior to being named Chelsea.” (quote from Silvia López Chavez mural portfolio: Chelsea Walk Community Mural )

“City of Dreams,” takes inspiration from the diverse multi-cultural background of Chelsea’s people. A city which has welcomed immigrants from various countries for many years, working together to promote inclusivity, diversity, and tolerance.” (quote from Wescover: Street Murals “City of Dreams” by Silvia López Chavez)

KEY RESOURCES

Chelsea Prospers: Chelsea Resilient Mural: Interactive Tool to Explore the Mural’s Design

David Fichter Mural Portfolio: Listing for Chelsea Resilient

Silvia López Chavez: Chelsea Walk Community Mural

Chelsea Prospers: Public Art Tour

Wescover: Street Murals “City of Dreams” by Silvia López Chavez