Sophia Jones

Staff Writer

NoMa, DC’s neighborhood connecting Union Market and Massachusetts Avenue (NoMa) has been hosting a mural festival for the past six years. The festival was formerly known as “POW! WOW!” and is now going by the name “D.C. Walls.” Multiple local and international artists assemble to paint the NoMa area with color. Veteran artists and new blood participated in this year’s festival. 

The festival lasted 11 days, from September 8th to the 19th. Originally, it was going to end on September 18th but some artists worked on larger pieces, which caused the process to take longer. Some of the artists include Baghead, Blake Jones, PVMT84, Cris Zuniga, Red Swan, and many others. This year’s murals fall along the Metropolitan Branch Trail while dispersing along with Press House, Garage Bay, N St, Florida Avenue, and L St. 

The style of art varies from artist to artist, ranging from contemporary realism to sketchy graffiti. Staying true to the roots of street art, ever-changing and flowing in originality. There are no constraints while working. property owners and sponsors make this festival possible by donating their walls and money to the festival; Some of this year’s sponsors include Union Place, Metro: Art in Transit, and JBG Smith. NoMa BID says, “ The ephemeral and collaborative nature of the process, and the freedom of the artists to work beyond the dictates and constraints of commissioned work, add a special dimension to D.C. Walls.“