Enlightened by every visit to Non Issue Studio’s enticing interactive mural, I’m sharing notes and photos that might add to earlier posts about “Give &Take” at 224 Western Ave, Allston, MA.

Change is incorporated in the design and presence of this mural. Labels for the swap boxes have changed and could change again, stimulating new ideas for what to find or offer there. For example, “Kitchen Cupboard” (photo from September 2025 ) recently became “Comfort Corner” (photo from February 2026).

The box labeled “Tiny Art Gallery”(photos September 2025) was renamed “Treasure Box”(photos January 2026).

“Pottery Swap” is still unchanged (maintained by Ceramics Program at theOffice for the Arts at Harvard and Create in Roslindale).

Another feature of the mural is that each box has three semi-transparent colored ‘windows’ (including the corrugated blue roof) in addition to the labeled doorway. These affect light and patterns within and around each box, adding elements of surprise and discovery.

Brooke Scibelli (Non Issue Studio) led a wonderful Printmaking Workshop at Harvard Ed Portal, generating creative dish towels, some contributed to the Kitchen Corner box, September 2025!

KEY RESOURCES for more background:

Non Issue Studio: Swap Boxes: https://www.nonissue.info/swap-boxes

Harvard Ed Portal: Public Art: Swap Boxes: https://edportal.harvard.edu/public-art-swap-boxes

3D Mural Features Swap Boxes: “Give & Take” Designed by Non Issue Studio: https://artoutdoorsdl.com/2025/06/16/3d-mural-features-swap-boxes-give-take-designed-by-non-issue-studio/

Plant Party Grows Creative Interactions Inspired by Give & Take Mural: https://artoutdoorsdl.com/2025/07/20/plant-party-grows-creative-interactions-inspired-by-give-take-mural/

This temporary mural will last until the end of March 2026, but its impact surely will be lasting! **

** Non Issue Studio is now looking for future homes and adopters of the swap boxes! Interested individuals/businesses/organizations can learn more and fill out an interest form at www.nonissue.info/swap-boxes.