For those of you unfamiliar with my friends Jim, Derek, Steve, and Brandon, they live here in Washington, DC at the end of a row on Westminster (Street or Avenue … depending on which side you enter the block [roll eyes]). Next to them is this lovely little playground where the neighborhood kids come to play.

In 2002 a giant mural was painted, on the side of their house, as a lovely backdrop for the playground. The picture to the left is a shot that appears in a July 15, 2006 article over at NPR. Despite the fact that the article never mentions the owners/occupants of the house, it is very nice in how it describes how the neighborhood really appreciates it and takes pride in their block.

Before the mural existed, there was a playground. And a problem:

“The wall overlooking the playground was so dismal,” said Lynn Johnson, who lives across the street.

Now the mural brightens the playground in a deeply personal way.

You can read the article here: When Art Goes Public, Neighborhoods Notice