Public art planned to boost downtown economy and celebrate Malden community

Special to The Advocate

The Malden community will welcome five new murals and one light installation piece across downtown as part of larger strategies to deepen connections between residents and increase foot traffic downtown. The murals are funded through state and nonprofit grants and by local business Boda Borg. The pieces will be installed throughout the summer and into the fall. Events to celebrate the new art installations will be announced.

“These pieces advance two key priorities for the City: boosting economic activity by making public spaces more welcoming and attractive, and bringing people together by celebrating the identities, cultures, and stories of Malden residents,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “This work would not be possible without our dedicated community partners, generous funders, hardworking staff, and talented artists.”

The public art pieces:

• The mural “Bloom Here” by Malden resident Priyanka Manicka Vasagam — located under the Pleasant Street bridge at Malden Center Station.

⚬ About the Artist: Priyanka is a multidisciplinary visual artist drawing inspiration from nature, travels and her Indian heritage, Priyanka’s artworks reflect a harmonious blend of vibrant colors, intricate details and a deep appreciation for the world around her. In her own words: “As a person of color and a mother raising a young family in Malden, I bring a lived experience into the work. ‘Bloom Here’ ultimately serves as both a celebration and an invitation: a reminder that in Malden, everyone has the opportunity to put down roots, flourish, and be seen.”

• The mural “Hearth of Malden” by Malden resident Nicolas Orellana — located under the Centre Street bridge at Malden Center Station.

⚬ About the Artist: Nicolas is a Chilean architectural designer and public artist. His work lives at the intersection of muralism, architecture and human experience, bringing together art, advanced geometry and a strong commitment to public life. Those involved with Malden’s youth soccer may also know him as “Coach Nico.”

• A mobile light installation by Malden resident Clint Baclawski — located in a vacant storefront in J Malden Center, facing the Malden Center MBTA Station, with the intent it may move to other locations in the future.

⚬ About the Artist: Clint is a contemporary artist whose work bridges photography, light and technology to create immersive environments that challenge perception and redefine space. Using large-format film as his foundation, he reimagines traditional photography through the integration of scrolling mechanics, LED backlighting, and reflective materials — producing monumental light-based installations that unfold across time and architecture. This particular piece seeks to bring a piece of the city’s past into the present.

• The mural “Game Night” by Madeline Deiters — located on Exchange Street and highlighting the Malden Gaming District.

⚬ About the Artist: Maddie is a contemporary mural artist whose work invites people to pause, look closer and feel something lasting. She draws inspiration from her background and experience, and creates large-scale public artworks that weave together realism and a sense of the whimsical, forming imagery that feels both deeply rooted and quietly unexpected. Through her murals, Maddie transforms public spaces into places of connection and reflection, leaving behind experiences that resonate and quietly shape how a community sees itself.

• A mural by artist-in-residence Andres Duarte of the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) — located at the Malden Senior Center/Teen Center building. The artist designed the mural with help from an intergenerational group of Malden seniors and teens. The project is funded by MyRWA, which selected the artist and worked with the Mayor’s Office, the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD), the Senior Center and the Teen Center on this project.
• The mural “The Next Adventure,” which was created for Boda Borg by Street Theory Collective Artist in Residence Michael Talbot. Inspired by curiosity, exploration and the spirit of discovery, the artwork invites visitors to embrace new challenges and experiences while reflecting the immersive energy that defines Boda Borg. The project is part of Street Theory Collective’s ongoing commitment to supporting artists through meaningful public art opportunities, led by Rob “Problak” Gibbs, Director of Artist Development and Residencies.

The projects continue efforts led by the Mayor and OSPCD to strengthen community bonds and support local businesses through creative investment. This year the Mayor and OSPCD have proposed a series of economic development policy changes, including changes that make it easier to start a business in Malden. In addition, MassDevelopment recently selected Malden for a competitive economic development program that kicks off next month.

At the same time, the City of Malden has prioritized bridging divides and strengthening community ties through its Community Connections program, which has funded events: the Malden Farmers Market, cultural festivals and other celebrations, activities and upgrades. The second year of this program begins in July.

“We can make our community vibrant, beautiful, and representative of the power of the Malden community,” said OSPCD Director Alex Pratt. “The result will bring Malden residents and visitors alike to an exciting and welcoming downtown and strengthen the character that makes Malden stand out.”

Funding: The two murals at the MBTA station and the mobile light installation were funded through a state earmark secured by State Representative Steve Ultrino and made possible through the partnership of the MBTA and J Malden Center; the Exchange Street mural was funded by the New England Foundation for the Arts and made possible with support from Boda Borg. The Senior Center/Teen Center mural was funded by MyRWA and designed through a collaboration with seniors, teens, MyRWA, the Mayor’s Office and OSPCD. The Boda Borg mural was funded, managed and designed by Boda Borg and the artist.