An Artful Intersection: The Bloomberg Asphalt Art Initiative

In 2020, Lancaster was one of 16 cities awarded $20,000 from the Bloomberg Foundation Asphalt Art Initiative to create meaningful street murals. The goal was to find creative ways to improve pedestrian safety while enhancing public spaces.

A project team was formed that included local residents, art professionals, and a public advisory board member who selected artist Fern Dannis and Two Dudes Painting Company to create the mural. The team partnered with the SoWe Neighborhood Group and the Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership (recently renamed Tenfold) to strategically execute the project.

The mural is now found at the junction of West Strawberry, South Mulberry, and West Vine Streets in the SoWe (Southwest) neighborhood of Lancaster City. Bright and colorful geometric shapes were painted in the street, transforming and reshaping the confusing intersection.

We call the work an Artful Intersection, referring to the project’s mission of beautifying and increasing the safety of a crossing. The name also represents the meeting of artists and community members, which reflects the values and identity of the neighborhood.