Street Art Mural Tour

Visit our street art murals, take pictures, and be sure to hashtag #ElizRenaissance Foundation.

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79 Julian Pl. Elizabeth, NJ

Mural Name: Julian Kean Mural

About the Mural

"The artwork itself is supposed to inspire children in hopes that they would pursue art themselves, not only children but adults to tap back into their creative spirit." 

This mural brings us briefly into the history of what made our current civilization. The first time steam trains rolled into the industry completely changed the paradigm. Distant lands become instantly reachable and the journey across the country was cut down from months of travel to just a few days. The invention of trains represents one of the most important times in human history leading to the expansion and development of our modern world. Just like the steam locomotive made its Mark in History. We want to remind the viewer that they have that impact as well. We hope this serves as a positive affirmation for the community to find a place in the world where they can have a higher purpose and make their mark in history. Shown in the mural as well is Liberty Hall which was built in 1772 by Gov. William Livingston. Many distinguished visitors came to travel through Liberty Hall such as Alexander Hamilton, Washington, and Lafayette. The house now serves as a museum and collects furniture, clothing, manuscripts, books, and other historical artifacts including a signed letter from George Washington. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. Alongside Liberty Hall is one of the Kean family members, Julian Halstead Kean. The street itself where the mural is located is named after Julian after selling the land he owned to the city of Elizabeth.

About the Artist

Mural Artist: Jubenal Torres | design@juvytorres.com | Follow on Instagram @Mr__Smilez

"Visionary artist, designer, dreamer, thinker, meditator, and lover of all that is the soul."

Juvy Torres is a graphic designer and artist born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He is inspired by the journey of personal growth, dreams, and visionary states. When I’m not working as a full-time graphic designer, I focus on creating bold colorful creations through the use of paintings, drawings, ink, and digital work. As a graduate from Kean University where I received my BFA in Graphic Design, I’ve had the opportunity to work on various projects for clients ranging from branding, illustrations, websites, printed material, social media content, and everything in between. You will always find me strapped with my creative arsenal of sketchpads and pens because you can never be too sure when inspiration might strike.

125 Broad St. Elizabeth, NJ

Mural Name: Elizabeth’s Renaissance is Underway… Revitalizing Midtown!

About the Mural

Elizabeth’s Renaissance is Underway… Revitalizing Midtown! This art mural is intended to serve as a reminder of Elizabeth’s vibrancy; highlighting the diversity of midtown’s culture, arts, and business community. These art murals pave the way for the behind-the-scenes construction work of our “signs of progress!”

About the Artist

Mural Artist: Dario Scholis | dscholis@aol.com

Born in Quito Ecuador, Dario Scholis started to paint as a young child. He graduated from the School of Fine Arts at the Central University of Quito, and later attended the Corcoran School of Arts in Washington, D.C. Dario has a history of private and public art which now takes a new direction with the creation of the murals at the Hersch Tower; a project made possible by the Elizabeth Renaissance Foundation. Previous public projects include Elizabeth’s September 11 Monument in honor of local victims of 9/11 which stands at the Elizabeth Historic Midtown Train Plaza; the metal ornaments at the front of the Elizabethport Community Center; Union County’s Art Outside the Box Project, Somerset County’s Art on Traffic Control
Boxes, and historic slides from recycled signage portraying the rich history of the city, as part of the Elizabeth River Trail project developed by Groundworks Elizabeth. Dario’s most recent private project is a collaboration with the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dario has created interactive art projects made possible by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, focusing on recycling. One such project was the annual "Paint by the Pond" which featured colorful miniature houses made from recycled cardboard boxes and other household items that are usually discarded. This project encouraged free artistic expression and provided local families an opportunity to come together and enjoy the County’s parks. Dario’s latest project, also made possible by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, is the Recycled Art Wildlife Walk, a collection of oversized sculptures of animals created from recycled plastic bottles. Emphasizing the importance of recycling and caring for the environment, the colorful wildlife collection was displayed in October 2020 at the Trailside Nature Center in Mountainside, New
Jersey.