As a part of a project to clean up an alleyway, slow traffic, and encourage pedestrians to cut through and stimulate the downtown economy, the City of Chelsea and the AARP funded a project to widen the sidewalks and commission local artists to fill this area with murals. Division street was formerly a one way, somewhat abandoned, alleyway that cut between the largely residential area with the downtown shopping and restaurant district. They identified areas on the alley that would be appropriate for murals and worked with local hispanic artists to celebrate local culture and improve an area of the city. 

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The artists were led by Liz Lamanche and included Sury Chavez, Alex Cook of the You Are Loved Mural Project, local artists Sinai Galicia, Max Pro, and Nelson Saldaña as well as members of the community and senior centers who took part in the “Community Paint Day”. Community paint day welcomed members of the community to come participate, paint panels for murals and paint Tu Casa restaurant. 

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This project serves as a way to beautify an area and also celebrate Hispanic/Latino American culture. Murals are commonly associated with thriving Hispanic/Latino communities throughout American cities. The medium of mural painting grew in popularity as a Mexican art form in the 1920-1930’s. They often serve dual purposes, as beautiful works of art and also political expression, such as the works of Diego Rivera. Murals in immigrant communities help transform amenity-deprived neighborhoods and show imagery that reflects economic and political circumstances as well as cultural pride and sentiments from home countries. 

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After checking out the artwork at the Division Street Neighborway, grab something to eat at Tu Casa Restaurante y Bar which is also decorated with murals from the Division Street project. Tu Casa is a local restaurant that serves traditional South and Latin American Cuisine including Colombian recipes.