Archmere Art Teacher, Alumna Participate in Trolley Square Mural Project

7/6/2022

Ms. Rachel Van Wylen, Archmere Art Teacher and 2014 Archmere graduate Haley Moore were chosen to design murals for the first-ever Trolley Square Public Utility Mural Project. This spring, both Ms. Van Wylen and Haley applied for the project through the Delaware Avenue Community Association. The Association sponsored the spring 2022 project, tasking local artists and the local street art group with the opportunity to paint murals on public utility boxes in the Trolley Square neighborhood. Known as “The Murals Project”, the artistic additions are meant to “increase neighborhood spirit in Trolley Square and Forty Acres, and promote the area as an art destination,” according to City Councilman Nathan Field.

Out and About magazine quoted Field as saying, “The mural idea came after a productive discussion with the City of Wilmington’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the thought that Wilmington could solidify its reputation as the artistic cultural capital of Delaware.” A similar mural program took place several years ago in Old Brandywine Village, where nine murals were painted on utility boxes depicting Wilmington’s role in the Revolutionary War.

The application process was competitive. “There were more than 130 artist submissions for the 14 public utility boxes,” says Lisa Johnson, president of the Delaware Avenue Community Association.

Ms. Van Wylen’s mural “On the Brandywine” is located across from Pinji’s Café and Gianni’s Pizza and as quoted in the article, “is a surrealistic piece that is meant to be a dream-like vision of Brandywine Park during the four seasons. We (artists) don’t give enough credit to the viewers.” She continues in the article by adding, “I wanted to stretch people’s minds.”

Haley Moore’s mural, "Ostrich on a Mission", is located on Gilpin Avenue, down the street from the Soldiers and Sailors Plaza.

Trolley Square is known as a place for professionals to unwind after work, hear live music, people watch, and enjoy scenic walks through the neighborhood and its park. The Delaware Avenue Community Association encourages visitors to stroll through the neighborhood and find the boxes!

The read the full Out and About article

For all mural locations, including map and pictures

Back