The Town of Colmar Manor is proud to announce the official ribbon cutting and community celebration for the “Streets of Solidarity” Road Mural and Neighborhood Revitalization Project. An anti-gun violence mural that acknowledges the history of guns in the United States and calls for peace.
The event will take place on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. marking the reopening of the 5,000 sq. ft. mural roadway. Located at the historic Dueling Grounds, a famous location for settling disputes through duels in the 19th century, the Streets of Solidarity mural transforms a site once associated with conflict into a vibrant symbol of peace, unity, and community resilience. The design, developed with input from residents through meetings and surveys, represents the town’s ongoing commitment to resolving conflict without violence while celebrating Colmar Manor’s unique history.
The “Streets of Solidarity” project was made possible through a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and brought to life through the leadership of Operation ARTS Foundation and We Are Limitless Studios. The mural was designed by artists Brandon Bell, Chyna Mae, and Renee Ackerson, who collaborated with residents and mentored nine emerging artists in the process. Special thanks to the community artists — Monet Sanders, Lindsay Ancellotti, Lewis Selassie Guy Jr (Lew), Malandela Zulu, Edith Lopez Estrada, Brittany Brown (Mona), Iris Saavedra, Ahmad Adams, and Heather Rakas — for their creativity and dedication to this project.
“This project reflects the strength of our community,” said Mayor Monica Casañas. “Through art, we are creating a legacy of unity, resilience, and hope,” she said.
More than 55 residents, interns, volunteers, artists, the town staff and community members participated in painting the mural and shaping its design. The mural stretches across four intersections — 38th Ave, 37th Ave, Newark St, and Newton St — near Colmar Manor’s historic Dueling Grounds site. With bold patterns and colors, it conveys a powerful message of cultural unity and anti-gun violence, transforming public space into a lasting reminder of solidarity. Local officials, artists, community leaders, and residents are encouraged to attend and take part in this historic celebration. In addition, limited-edition “Streets of Solidarity” fundraiser shirts will be available for purchase to support ongoing community arts initiatives, please pre-order and pick them up at the legion during the ribbon cutting event. Join us as we honor the lives lost, celebrate community, and unveil the town’s newest public landmark.

Celebration Agenda
Date: Monday, September 29th
Time: 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Pre-Reception: 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Colmar Manor American Legion Post 131 (4103 Lawrence St. Colmar Manor, MD 20722) – Guests are invited to mingle, celebrate, and enjoy refreshments.
Transition to Mural Site: 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Photo arrivals and walk to mural site (near 3648 38th Ave, Colmar Manor).
Media & Photos: 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Press and media opportunities with artists, officials, and residents.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Final group photo and official ribbon cutting at the mural site.

For updates visit colmarmanor.org
Road Reopens: 9/29 RSVP & Tshirt Form: https://ticketstripe.com/streetsofsolidarity
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1155928149755637

Town of Colmar Manor
“The Little Town That Can.”
This slogan reflects the town's proactive spirit, community engagement, and commitment to progress despite its small size. ​Colmar Manor, established in 1927, is a small town in Prince George's County, Maryland, with a population of approximately 1,555 as of 2023. Located just northeast of Washington, D.C., it offers residents a suburban atmosphere with convenient access to urban amenities. The town holds historical significance due to the Bladensburg Dueling Grounds, where notable duels, including the fatal 1820 encounter between Commodore Stephen Decatur and Commodore James Barron, took place. Today, Colmar Manor features parks and community spaces, contributing to its appeal as a residential community.​
colmarmanor.org

Operation ARTS Foundation inc
“Alliance for Responsible Trade & Sustainability”
Our mission is to develop the creative economy. Operation ARTS Foundation inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that encourages better business practices & economic growth for all. We lay the foundation for profitable, collaborative relationships between artists, businesses & the community by streamlining opportunities. We create financial stability for artists by providing them with the resources to help them succeed. We also coordinate creative impact events that engage the community while cultivating strong business skills and relationships. Our programming consists of local art gallery staging, professional development events, public art, marketing support, resource sharing, opportunity cultivation, career training, and internships.
www.operationarts.com

We Are Limitless Studios
At We Are Limitless Studios, our mission is to harness the transformative power of public art to impact lives, inspire individuals, and fortify communities. Beyond mere aesthetic expressions, we view murals as potent instruments for community-building and civic engagement.
https://www.wearelimitlessstudios.com/

The American Legion: Post 131
We are American Legion Post #131 located in Colmar Manor, Maryland. We, the Legionnaires, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion work together to assist Veterans and their families. Located at 4103 Lawrence St, Colmar Manor, MD, United States, Maryland.
https://colmarmanorpost131.org/