- Words and Photos by John Domine
On the Road: Lynn and Salem, MA
If you live in Boston or are planning to visit, why not take a day trip to the nearby communities of Lynn and Salem, where you will have your fill of some pretty awesome urban art without much effort to get there. Just hop on the Newburyport/Rockport line and you will be in Lynn in about 20 minutes. Another 10 and you are in Salem. Once you are there, you can see all of the amazing walls on foot (aside from one or two which may require an Uber if you aren't keen to walk).
What's the draw for these two cities you may ask? Well, not only did they each have their own mural festivals recently, but if you haven't been before, they also held events last year, so you have two years' worth of gorgeous walls to bring some color and culture to your day.
I'll give you a little preview for what to expect from this year's showing, but you can also check out the stories we did of their walls from last year which feature plenty of photos and detailed info on the respective events, as well as the people behind them: Beyond Walls Lynn 2017 and Salem's Punto Urban Art Museum 2017.
Beyond Walls Lynn 2018
This year, Lynn had a great line-up of artists representing local talent as well as creatives from abroad. From New York City, our very own Key Detail and Julia Yubaba painted a stunning piece entitled "Under the Water", located at 50 Silsbee Street.
The other walls around town are equally eye-catching. Whether you are into abstract art or portraits, Beyond Walls has something for everyone.
Here is a map to where you can find all the walls, including those from last year. You can also find out more information on the event's website:
Hopping back on the train after your loop through Lynn's open air gallery, make your way to Salem and follow the path to the main part of town and on to the Punto neighborhood (about a 10 minute walk).
You would do well to download their app, "Punto Urban Art Museum", from the App Store to plan the most efficient route and to scout out those must-see works by some of your favorite artists. As many of the pieces are painted on the walls in between buildings, you wouldn't want to miss one!
Salem's Punto Urban Art Museum
During my visit in September, this year's artists were just getting underway. I have included some of their work here. But be sure to check it out in person to see the completed walls and the work of other artists who hadn't begun painting at the time I was there. If you want more information, check out the Punto Urban Art Museum website.
Even though I was on the early end of things this year, I did get to see a few completed walls by ChorBoogie, Gleo, Felipe Ortiz & Ivan Salazar, and Paola Delfin. Needless to say, the caliber of work is pretty high.
Although I do like to see the completed walls, there is something to be said for watching the pieces unfold. Here are some of the works in progress from the artists who were painting while I was in town:
In addition to the artists painting the large walls dotted throughout the neighborhood, there is another part of this festival which is very special: the community wall. It is an area which is reserved for local artists who also contribute to the project of enriching the neighborhood. This year, there were over 20 local artists who painted for the Punto Urban Art Museum. Check it out for yourself!
As the weather starts to change, and cooler days approach, what better time to explore the beauty of the Boston Area with all the color it brings? Maybe do a little leaf peeping while exploring these two communities at the same time. Whenever you go, you are in for a real treat.
What are you waiting for? Salem and Lynn are calling.
