These photos celebrate the restoration in June 2026 of a uniquely meaningful mural Liz LaManche first created in 2016 to grace all forty-five feet of the park steps in Gilman Square, Somerville. An ART OUTDOORS post from 2023 explains the mural’s origin in memory of Al Riskalla,” for his years of kindness, humor and honesty, creating a safe congenial space & fixing cars affordably for those in need. ” (quote from Liz LaManche, The Soul’s Journey As A Series of Weird Old Cars ) That post also noted how the mural had been blocked off and worn down by extensive construction work, with my appeal to restore such impressive public art. This sequel shows my wish was granted!

“Completed! Such a pleasure to work with Somerville City and City Council to get this restored on its 10th anniversary! “The Soul’s Journey As A Series of Weird Old Cars” in Gilman Sq in memory of Al Riskalla of ABJ auto, a life lived in kindness and an institution of the old neighborhood.” (quote from Liz LaManche Instagram post June 2026 https://www.instagram.com/p/DZP-nE_Dnsn/?img_index=1)

For more about the mural:Liz LaManche’s Mural Transformed a Park Stairway in Memory of Al Riskalla: https://artoutdoorsdl.com/2023/07/10/liz-lamanches-mural-transformed-a-park-stairway-in-memory-of-al-riskalla/

‘A Series of Weird Old Cars’ honors community work by late Al Riskalla, Somerville Times, November 2016: https://www.thesomervilletimes.com/archives/72151

For more about Public Art by Liz LaManche: Liz LaManche Public Art: https://earthsign.com/public-art/

EXCITING STREET ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: LIZ LAMANCHE, January 2018, https://streetartchat.com/street-artist-spotlight-liz-lamanche/