Life

ART & ABOUT

Even with snow on the ground and clouds in the sky, there’s plenty of brightness around town this winter. So get out of the house, look for the color, and find the beauty in public artworks you can enjoy without ever even entering a museum! We’re rounding up our favorite art murals in Montgomery County, ideal for selfies, family pics, BFF snaps, and beyond, so you can imagine more on even the dreariest of days.

Quince Orchard Mural

Quince Orchard Plaza Community Mural
Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Spanning 20 feet tall and 80 feet wide, Quince Orchard’s community mural was designed by local artist Katie Giganti, who grew up in Gaithersburg and frequented the center for her art supplies as a kid. Her inspiration stemmed from the evolution of Quince Orchard to become the hub of diversity it is today, emphasizing the present and future while reflecting on its past. Featuring blossoming quince flowers and a map of the surrounding area, the mural represents the future potential for growth in this community-centric destination. And, did you know? – the site of Quince Orchard Shopping Center used to be a giant orchard of quince trees, hence the name!

Wings at BRow 12

‘What Lifts You’ Wings at Bethesda Row
Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20815

Tucked around the corner of Quartermaine Coffee on Bethesda Avenue, Kelsey Montague’s trio of painted wings (one giant, one small, and one mini) integrates colors and neighborhood features (books!, shopping bags, bites!) to help you (or your kids, or your dog) take flight with a feathery winged backdrop. Local Instagrammers have flocked to the Bethesda Row wings for photos since they first debuted in fall 2017, and their pictures join the thousands of images shared with the mural’s hashtag #whatliftsyou, from Montague’s collection of wing murals around the world.

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Shops at Wildwood Flower Wall
Old Georgetown Road at Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20814

Flowers bloom year-round on the wall between Balducci’s and Chop’t at Wildwood. The sunny floral motif by Towson design firm, Abrecht Design, incorporates the center’s iconic yellow façade color into a playful reminder of springtime during the cold wintery season. Come spring, the wall of flowers adds color and life to any al fresco meal enjoyed from one of Wildwood’s dining destinations.

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Rockville Town Square’s Illustrated Murals
East Middle Lane, Rockville, MD 20850

Several Instagram-able murals, designed by Virginia-based Gold Dog Communications, perfectly incorporate all your favorite things about Rockville Town Square. These playful illustrations found next to Starbucks and Little Dipper Hot Pots feature everything from sports activities and skating, to champagne celebrations and food, and remind visitors why this destination is a must for families – and your Instagram feed. Pro tip: snap a shot with the balloons for the perfectly posed pic.

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Pike & Rose’s Bird Wall and Rose Garage Door
Prose Street, North Bethesda, MD 20852

Pike & Rose is home to dozens of painted and patterned walls, but this regional destination neighborhood makes its true mark with its take on artfully decorated loading dock doors. Pinstripes Bowling’s giant wall of bright birds along Prose Street is accented with an iconic and colorful namesake rose painted onto the garage door. It’s no surprise that we’ve seen everyone from fashionistas to newly engaged couples snapping up a pic in front of this giant abstract flower.