New Mural Coming to Torpedo Factory Art Center Loading Dock Door

The Alexandria Public Art Program is pleased to announce that it has commissioned Virginia-based artist, Silas Baker, to design and execute a mural on the exterior door of the Torpedo Factory Art Center loading dock. Silas was selected by the project Task Force and approved by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts after a competitive process that was open to all artists living in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.

Silas’ approved concept includes abstract design elements interwoven with American Dogwood flowers in a vibrant and colorful composition. The mural will be installed in late June.

The new mural, to be located on the Union Street frontage of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, was previously the location of a mural entitled Beaded Curtain by artist, Erin Curtis. After the previous mural was deinstalled in 2021 due to irreparable damage, the City committed to commission a new mural at this location to bring back artistic vibrancy to the Union Street frontage of the building.

The program goals of new mural project are to:

• Inspire, engage, and delight the community and visitors to Old Town Alexandria.
• Spark curiosity and draw interest to the space that further welcomes the public to experience the artists’ studios, galleries, and museum space (Alexandria Archaeology Museum) inside the Art Center.
• Improve the pedestrian experience by bringing light, color, and public interaction (photos!) to a shadier side of the building.
• Bring a vibrant and contemporary presence to the Union Street frontage of the building that is reflective of a modern Art Center.

Visit alexandriava.gov/PublicArt for more information this project and other upcoming public art projects managed by the Office of the Arts.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact diane.ruggiero@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5590, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.

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About Silas Baker

Hampton, Virginia-based artist Silas Baker is a painter and muralist who has been heavily influenced by street art and traditional graffiti. He has been an artist since an early age and grew up watching his father paint motorcycles and sign paint. He was influenced by the skateboard culture in the 80’s and 90’s and from there began to notice the art that went along with it. He began painting abstract art heavily in the early 90’s and it has been a large part and passion of his art career ever since. Silas tattooed professionally for 16 years and built an extensive clientele. In early 2020 he began to follow a different path and focus more on his abstract art. He is often commissioned for large wall murals, furniture painting, and illustration.

Public Art in Alexandria

The Office of the Arts seeks to amplify Alexandria’s reputation as an arts destination with world-class artwork that captures the public’s imagination. To learn more about public art in Alexandria, review the Public Art Implementation Plan & Policy, or learn more about other public art projects in Alexandria. Visit alexandriava.gov/PublicArt or follow @alexartsoffice on Instagram. Add to the conversation with #artsALX.