Branching Out: The New Mural in Downtown Sykesville

Last Updated 8/10/2024

In the heart of Downtown Sykesville, a vibrant tree has taken root, transforming a once-overlooked wall into a stunning canvas of community spirit.

Celebrating Diversity with Global Roots

The Global Roots project by Mural Mosaic is an ambitious international initiative designed to celebrate cultural diversity and foster unity across communities. The project brings together artists and individuals worldwide to create collaborative murals that symbolize growth, interconnectedness, and shared heritage.

Each mural within the Global Roots project features a tree motif, symbolizing the connections that bind us all, regardless of cultural or geographical differences. The project aims to inspire unity and appreciation for the unique stories and backgrounds that each community member brings.

For Sykesville, participating in this project aligns perfectly with the town's vision of inclusivity and community engagement. The mural serves as a vibrant representation of the town's diverse cultural tapestry, inviting residents and visitors alike to connect through art.

A New Addition to Downtown Sykesville

The mural is prominently displayed overlooking Main Street at the Sykesville Eileen Merkle Community Garden, located at 7547 Main Street, downtown Sykesville. Julie Della-Maria, the executive director of Downtown Sykesville Connection, expressed the community's excitement: "The sense of pride and connection is the essence of this project turned into something absolutely marvelous."

Imagery and Symbolism of the Mural: The tree that doesn't need to be planted to have roots

At the heart of the mural is a majestic tree, symbolizing growth, strength, and the interconnectedness of Sykesville's diverse community. Throughout history and across cultures, trees have served as universal symbols of life and continuity, representing the deep roots and expansive branches that connect different cultures and histories.

The mural comprises nearly 2,200 individually crafted tiles painted by about 80 Sykesville residents, including community members.

These tiles come together to form a cohesive image, reflecting the collective identity and shared heritage of Sykesville, while also connecting the town to a broader global mosaic that spans communities worldwide. As Lavoie noted, murals like this one can be found in about 10 states and nine countries, illustrating how communities are connected globally.

Personal Stories of Impact

The mural’s impact extends beyond its aesthetic appeal, touching the lives of those who contributed to its creation. Liz, a local resident battling stage 4 cancer, found profound meaning in the project. For Liz, participating in the mural provided a sense of legacy—a tangible symbol she leaves behind for friends and family, encapsulating her spirit and love for the community.

Community and Collaboration

The mural's creation was a collaborative effort that involved people from all walks of life in Sykesville. Local residents, artists, and businesses came together to participate in this meaningful project. Community workshops were held to allow participants to create tiles that represented their personal stories and cultural backgrounds, contributing to the mural's rich tapestry.

The mural not only beautifies the town but also serves as a testament to Sykesville's community spirit. As local resident Liesa Hartefeld remarked, the mural is "a living legacy of the people of Sykesville," capturing the essence of what makes the town special.

Economic Revitalization for Local Business

The mural is strategically placed on the side of a Main Street business that had long struggled to gain approval for modernizing its historically significant windows. With assistance from the Downtown Sykesville Connection, the business secured grants to fund both the mural and necessary building renovations. These grants enabled replacing the windows with historically accurate designs and will fund further improvements to the building's facade.

Community and Cultural Impact

The mural has quickly become a local attraction, drawing visitors to Main Street. Its success serves as a model for future projects that blend art, culture, and economic growth.

Visit Downtown Sykesville to experience the mural firsthand, explore the charming local shops, and support the merchants who contribute to the town's unique character.

"On a family canoe trip at Piney Run this spring, we had a magical encounter with a Great Blue Heron hunting for her dinner among the reeds. I wanted to memorialize this majestic member of our local community ecosystem in this local/global masterpiece."-Kathleen Hiteshew

"I made the tile in memorial for someone that I loved that really liked art and music, as a way to immortalize them forever on the wall." -Hannah Mitchell

"It's something everyone can enjoy. It's free. It's really accessible and it brought us all together not just as a community, but this reflects society." -Sykesville Mayor Stacy Link

"This is one of the committees that I'm on, JEDI, so I figured I would represent us and do something that shows a little bit about what Sykesville is about." -Mary Castle

"It's amazing to see my painting up there with so many others from around the world. I love how it looks like a tree from a distance, and how it transforms when you get up close, with all the images that are so different and fun." -Lula Andersen

"This was a fantastic day, so glad to meet the mayor and so many members of this beautiful community. Made my journey from Texas so worthwhile!" -Cindy Struzyk