My visit to this compelling mural in Walgreens parking lot at 324 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA on March 22 expanded my awareness of what people can do with art. The video below, about the completion celebration in October 2024, gives very valuable background. I hope the quotes, links and photos convey the mural’s powers.

“Join Extinction Rebellion Boston in celebrating the creation of our new ecologically-themed mural at 324 Mass Ave, Arlington! The mural was designed by Kevin Shanahan using the block print images created by members of Extinction Rebellion, UK, and took over a year of planning and countless hours of work by over 20 volunteers. The mural invites us to consider our relationship to the natural world and encourages us to consider how we can help create a more just and sustainable future. (quote from XR Boston Action/Arlington )

”We have created the first Extinction Rebellion mural on the East Coast of the United States! If you are in the Boston area on October 20th come celebrate with us.” (quote from XR Boston Action/Arlington )

“Extinction Rebellion is an international mobilization for non-violent direct action against governments’ criminal inaction on climate change and the wider ecological emergency.” ( quote from Extinction Rebellion Boston )

“The Art Group helps Extinction Rebellion look fantastically rebellious. We’re an open group – anyone can join – or you can form your own art group. We have assets and advice to help get you started, please contact us for more information.” ( quote from Art Group, Extinction Rebellion, UK )

“These range from ready to print flyers and leaflets to large scale banners. There are also print at home posters, screen print patches  and make your own banners. All the artwork is free to use but do not use any of the artwork commercially, however well-meaning (even fundraising).” ( quote from Art Group, Extinction Rebellion, UK )

Three block prints incorporated in the mural design:

“Extinction Rebellion (XR) is a do-it-together movement. All our design and artwork can be used non-commercially for the purpose of planet saving.” ( quote from Art Group, Extinction Rebellion, UK )

KEY RESOURCES:

Extinction Rebellion Boston: https://xrboston.org/

XR Boston Action/Arlington: https://xrboston.org/action/xr-arlington-affinity-group-gathering-singalong/

Extinction Rebellion, UK, ART GROUP: https://extinctionrebellion.uk/act-now/resources/art-group/