Public Art | Nora Howell

Hello!

I'm a public art producer based in Baltimore.

I specialize in producing public art that engages community, employs youth, and stays within budget.

Have an idea?

Photo by Nate Larson

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Public Art Projects

I have produced over 25 public art projects in Baltimore in partnership with local artists, Jubilee Arts, the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, and countless community schools and organizations. Below are a few of the projects I've produced!

Each of the following projects engaged local residents and youth artists in the development and painting of the mural.

What You Water Will Grow Mural - 2022

Lead Artist: Latoya Peoples
The mural’s central figure is a young child playing amongst flowers and calabash pouring water into the environment. The water pouring out from the calabashes (a gourd used to carry water around the world and especially in Black and Brown cultures) represents the community of Baltimore pouring into, investing, and giving life to the children in the community. The child is surrounded by Dahlia, Phylox, Lupinus, and White Orchid flowers which symbolize safety, love, community, and imagination.

Located on the Robert C. Marshall Baltimore City Recreation Center the mural celebrates the legacy of Mr. Marshall (the center’s namesake) and his commitment to investing in the health and safety of his community. Robert C Marshall, a Baltimore business person who went on to serve as a Baltimore City Council member was committed to making the city a safe place for everyone.

The recreation center today is a sanctuary for youth and families as it continues to offer opportunities for youth and families to enjoy sports and recreation

The mural concept was initiated by LifeStraw, an innovative water filtration company that recently relocated its headquarters in Baltimore and wanted to build partnerships and connections in its new home.

Youth Artists: Nicole Huete, Devonn Rochester, Mekayla Scott, Chyna Smith, and Kelaysha Williams.

1201 Pennsylvania Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217

Photo by Nate Larson

A Promising Future - 2020

Lead Artist: McKinley Wallace III

In our life journey, similar to the game of chess, we all must make moves step-by-step, with wisdom gained from our Elders and experiences. The mural honors the weight Black adults carry as they guide Black youth, tomorrow’s kings and queens, through life. The words, “this is your democracy… protect it,” are from a quote by Thurgood Marshall, a Baltimore native who grew up nearby. This mural made by Black people for a predominantly Black community inspires all of us to pursue “A Promising Future.”

Artist Intern: Dominique Butler; Youth Artist Apprentices: Sanaa Jackson, Aija Garner, Kennedy Thomas, Anthony Bessick, Jr., Jania Woods, Ranisha Muhammad, Kamren Lewis, Niya Carroll

Photo: Nate Larson

Soul Queen - 2018

Lead Artist: Megan Lewis

“Soul Queen” is a mural that centers the Blk woman figure. She is a source of energy for her community and people around her. She brings in knowledge, culture and love.

Intern: Jache Haynie; Youth Artists: James Bagley Jr., Zandria Brown, Kaliyah Davenport, Tyshay Gaskins, Nykerah Lee, Tyon Nichols, Jameria Owens, Terence Purvis Jr., Jerome Staten Jr.

1905 Division Street, Baltimore, MD 21217

Study the Past, Define the Future - 2018

Lead Artist: Dalvin Wade Byron

The past wall honors historical Baltimore figures who have worked towards establishing civil rights in the city and country. Lillie May Carroll Jackson was an activist and organizer of the Baltimore branch of the NAACP, Clarence Mitchell Jr. who was the chief lobbyist for the NAACP for 30 years and Thurgood Marshall who was the first black Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. He also worked with the NAACP for 25 years.

The future wall honors local residents Ericca and Eleanor, who represent and hold the power to change the future through their artistic drive and knowledge of the past. The figures are surrounded by abstracted butterfly wings, a nod to the nature play space garden that was between the two walls.

Intern: Rel Felipa; Youth Artists: Desron Barber, Janiya Ceo, Ricki Curtis, Ro’Shay Gaskins, Tykeria Owens, Donaesia Parker, Justin Price, Akile Scott, Chyna Williams

1920 & 1926 McCulloh, Baltimore, MD 21217

Study the Past, Define the Future - 2018

Umoja - 2016

Lead Artist: Gary Mullen

“Art@Work had a great impact on the youth. When we first started working on the project, some of the youth weren’t too enthusiastic about the designing aspect of the mural. But they worked very hard despite the heat. They all learned to work together. A few learned to take initiative to work on the mural. Also, through the program, they made new friends. The mural had a very positive impact on the community. Many walked past and gave positive compliments. People were driving past and yelling that they loved the mural. Some people were telling us that the community needed more positive images.”
– Gary Mullen

Artist Intern: McKinley Wallace; Youth Artist Apprentices: Larnar Conway, Qeyara Evans, Sam Fissell, Antoine James, Jr., Maliyah Johnson, Daisia Savage, Ishay Singletary, Asia Skinner, Daria Young

Avenue Market, 1701 Pennsylvania Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217

Photo by: Nate Larson

Black Leaders - 2015

Lead Artist: Iandry Randriamandroso

"The images of the Black leaders were considered appropriate by the residents for their neighborhood since they wanted the young people to look up to the Black leaders and learn about their accomplishments. Overall, the local residents are happy to have the mural in their community as it beautifies their neighborhood and gives them a sense of pride in the accomplishment by the young people”
– Iandry

Youth Artist Apprentices: Decarlo Johnson, Andre Johnson Jr., Dwight Loney, Tykeria Owens, Shydi Richardson, Raquwon Rowell, Destiny Thompson, Serenity Wallace, Dayonna Webb

1323 N Gilmor St. Baltimore, MD 21217

Photo by Mary Caddick

The Bridge of Empowerment - 2015

Lead Artist: Amy Sherald

“The morale of the community was increased not only by the day to day interaction with the mural as it was being made, but by seeing kids from the community engaged in the art-making. One elder who was born on the street of the mural site 87 years ago stopped by to encourage the youth. She spoke of the history of the bridge. She also told the youth that she hoped they not only beautify the community with paint, but also with their character. It was a very reflective moment for them.”
– Amy Sherald

Youth Artist Apprentices: Aiyana Brown, Angela Davenport, Brenna Firlie, Diamond Floyd, Samirah Franklin, Akia Jones, Tiasia Kees, Jvon Mackel, Jr., Tailyn RObinson, Darrell Singletary

Mount St. between Laurens and Riggs

Photo by Mary Caddick

Photos from Art@Work produced by Jubilee Arts and the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts

Photos by Nate Larson

Public Art Production Services

If you have a public art project in mind but aren't sure how to make it, or don't have the capacity, I can help!

FREE 30 minute Consult

Have an idea? Wish you had mural in your school or office? Is there an artist you want to work with?

Let's talk! I can provide you concrete next steps to bring your vision to life.

Book 30 min. Call

Grant Writing Support

If find funding is looming on your "to do list," you don't have to face it alone!

I can provide support with crafting a budget, timeline, and evaluation.

Email me your specific grant writing needs and I'll respond with a proposal!

$75 per hour

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Public Art Production

Full service public art production from idea development to implementation.

Services:

Community Outreach
Community Engagement
Collaborative mural making
Youth Engagement/Employment
Project management
Hiring of artists and fabricators
Secure proper permitting
Manage agreements
Supply procurement
Grant evaluation
Project Documentation
Final Reports
Insurance
& more!

$75 per hour

Book 30 min. Call