In mirroring the successes of the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, we’re starting a small scale model to coordinate with local property owners and young community artists to express themselves and give back to the community through art. Many aspects of community culture can be expressed in vibrant murals in the communities they inhabit.
Mural Arts Program Goals
Murals also create a positive sense of place and destination, resulting in increased foot traffic while adding color, vibrancy, and character to the urban environment. Murals address the negative mental health effects of concrete and asphalt, and can have therapeutic benefits for the community.
The importance of giving art the space to flourish in a community is crucial to combat many environmental conditions that come with systemic inequalities.
Questions, project proposals, and artist submissions email: Jack@udtj.org
Future Muralist Program 2026/27
The U.D.T.J. Future Muralist Program is a free, hands-on arts program for Delaware County youth ages 14–18. From October 2026 through May 2027, participants will attend monthly classes at the U.D.T.J. Community Center and learn mural design, color theory, scaling techniques, surface preparation, budgeting, public relations, and collaborative project planning. Students will also have opportunities to help develop original public art projects as locations and partnerships are confirmed.
Applications are due by October 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Space is limited.
2024 Traffic Signal Box Murals
Lead Muralist: Iesha Nelson
Contributing Artists: Jack Roney
Lead Muralist: Julia Robbins
Lead Muralist: Kymberlee Waples
Contributing Artists: Clay Kester
Lead Muralist: Clay Kester
2024 Wall Murals
Upper Darby Fire Department
Lead Muralist: Jack Roney
Stonehurst Hills Recreation Area
Lead Muralist: Kymberlee Waples
Contributing Artists: Clay Kester
Observatory Hill Playground
Lead Muralist: Dayji Moore
69th Street Recreation Area
Lead Muralists: Reagan Watkins
Contributing Artists: Sulaiman Ali
Possible Future Murals (Funding needed)
69th Street Transportation Center
Lead Muralists: Jack Roney, Vincent Dorsey, Julia Robbins
Questions & Feedback
Many of our muralist are Upper Darby residents or from Upper Darby. For many of them, this is their first mural. We would love to hear your constructive feedback/ideas. If you have any comments please feel free to email us at kmcintyre@udtj.org.