The design was developed over two years and several iterations in a collaborative process led by Creative Junk Food and a team of artists. The artists worked with Cora Barry, Mayor Barry’s wife and President of the Marion Barry Jr. Legacy Foundation, to identify key images to tell Mayor Barry’s story from archival photographs.
Below you’ll find links to interact with the images in the mural panels and a description of the mural’s design elements.
Explore the Mural by Section
Symbolism and Colors of the Mural
Each panel draws in viewers with a large title — Big Vision, Big Impact, Big Legacy — alluding to Mayor Barry’s iconic quote: “In order to achieve something great, you have to have big dreams and big goals.”
The colors woven through the design also refer to key career aspects for Mayor Barry, who wrote in his autobiography, “I was the most colorful mayor the Washington newspapers and television networks could ask for.”
- Red: Symbolizes his dynamic leadership and references the construction of the first Metro line.
- Yellow: Symbolizes how he energized the city and his commitment and support for the young people and vitality of the city.
- Green: Symbolizes the growth and renewal exemplified by his 40+ years of activism and public service, as well as his unprecedented political comeback.
- Blue: Symbolizes his commitment to fight for freedom and fairness, as well as his affiliation with the Democratic Party.
- Gold: Symbolizes the deep faith and spirituality that he carried with him throughout his life.
The newspaper-like text throughout the panels highlights key moments of Mayor Barry’s career and evokes the numerous headlines he made while serving the public.
The gold shape that moves through the background of the mural panels is a reference to the Mississippi River — a testament to the fact that Mayor Barry never forgot where he came from.
Overall, the mural elicits inspiration and admiration for Mayor Barry while providing viewers with a new way to see and understand both him as a person and all he did for the people of Washington D.C.
Meet the Team Behind the Mural: CreativeJunkFood
CreativeJunkFood, LLC is a multimedia creative studio based in Washington D.C. that specializes in animation and video, public art and installations, and branding and creative direction.
The team of talented designers and artists collaborates with clients to bring their visions to life. CreativeJunkFood is passionate about all forms of art and technology and carefully selects projects that will be meaningful, impactful work.
Creative Director, Designer, Visual Artist
Creative Director, Visual Artist
Muralist, Visual Artist
Visual Artist
Visual Artist