ALEXANDRIA, VA-A new mural will be installed at the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union St.) later this month. Silas Baker, based in Hampton, VA, was selected to design the mural that will be placed on the building’s loading dock door. An Alexandria eNews bulletin reads: “Silas’ approved concept includes abstract design elements interwoven with American Dogwood flowers in a vibrant and colorful composition.”
Baker was the finalist in a competition that included artists from all over the DMV. Influenced by skateboard culture of the Eighties and Nineties, he grew up watching his father paint motorcycles and make signs. The former tattoo artist transitioned to abstract art four years ago. He has been commissioned for wall murals, furniture painting, and illustration.
This project replaces a mural that sustained irreparable damage in 2021. Following the incident, the city aimed to commission another piece to “bring back the artistic vibrancy” of the outside of the building. The project task force chose Baker while the Alexandria Commission for the Arts gave their approval.
The eNews bulletin explains the goals of the mural include:
inspire, engage, and delight the community and visitors to Old Town Alexandria; spark curiosity and draw interest to the space that further welcomes the public to experience the artists’ studios, galleries, and museum space (Alexandria Archaeology Museum) inside the Art Center; improve the pedestrian experience by bringing light, color, and public interaction (photos!) to a shadier side of the building; [and] bring a vibrant and contemporary presence to the Union Street frontage of the building that is reflective of a modern Art Center.
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