Caption: Bird's eye rendering of how the mural will look once complete.

On July 12-13 2025, Dedham’s Active Transportation Working Group (ATWG) will be coordinating the painting of a second street mural at the intersection of Whiting Ave and Mt Vernon Street. The mural, depicted above, will be approximately 40 feet x 40 feet and the ATWG is asking for your help again to make this second mural as great as the first previously painted on Needham Street in 2023. If weather or other unforeseen challenges arise, the rain date will take place July 26-27.

The mural is a collaborative community effort aiming to bring vibrancy to the Dedham Middle and High School area while also increasing pedestrian safety for kids crossing the street to and from school. 

Data published by Bloomberg Philanthropies in 2022 show that “Asphalt art had a strong positive correlation with improved safety benefits, including a 50% decrease in the rate of crashes involving pedestrians or other vulnerable road users, and a 27% increase in frequency of drivers immediately yielding to pedestrians with the right of way.”

This intersection has been identified as site of frequent conflict between cars and pedestrians with many failing to stop. The design will feature curb bump outs, which encourage cars to slow down when turning, due to the appearance of a sharper turn radius. 

Please be advised that the intersection will be closed to traffic during the painting. Please seek alternative routes if possible and follow posted signage for available detours.

About the Design

Caption: The above design was created by artist collaborative thecollab, based on input from Dedham students and community members

The mural design was approved by the Select Board in May and was created by artist collaborative thecollab, hailing from Dedham and Framingham. Koi symbolize resilience, strength, good fortune, determination and transformation.  “This mural would serve as a reminder to “swim upstream” or overcome our obstacles, striving toward our personal and collective success” explain artists Kate and Jaimie.

Call for Volunteers and Donations

Volunteers interested in helping to paint can sign up to do so online.  Neighbors and students of DHS, DMS, and Avery schools are especially encouraged to participate. Lunch for volunteers will be generously provided by Pancho’s Taqueria, and ice cream will be provided by Ron’s Ice Cream.

Organizers are seeking donations to help support the talented local artists who are making this work possible, as well as  donations of snacks, drinks, and additional sponsorships by local businesses. Please contact atwgdedham@gmail.com if you would like to contribute or donate via Venmo @crosswalkmural.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Dedham Cultural Council, a local agency  which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, and by Dedham Savings Bank, Lowe’s, Pancho’s Taqueria, Department of Public Works, and individuals like you!