New Edition and Nintendo characters come to life on New England walls
Murals across New England are transforming walls into colorful celebrations of music, history, gaming and community, with eye-catching works in Boston, Concord and Manchester.
In Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, a mural honors New Edition, the legendary R&B group formed in the neighborhood in 1978. Created by artist Joe Cazeno III, known as Cashiesh, the artwork is part of the BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival, an initiative highlighting Black artists and community stories.
More than 10 festival murals can be found across Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan, including works depicting community activist Edna Bynoe and former Urban League president Joan Wallace Benjamin. Boston artists Lee Beard, Rixie and Rob “Pro Blak” Gibbs are among those participating.
In Concord, New Hampshire, a towering mural by Positive Street Art takes inspiration from classic video games. Designed to resemble Donkey Kong, the artwork climbs an elevator shaft with levels reminiscent of the arcade game. Details include a reference to “The King of Kong,” a documentary with New Hampshire ties.
About 20 miles away in Manchester, historic Cat Alley has become an outdoor gallery devoted to feline-inspired art. The alley earned its nickname more than a century ago because of the many stray cats that once gathered there.
Artists revitalized the space with roughly 18 to 20 murals, with one requirement: Every piece had to involve cats. The collection ranges from stylized felines to cats around a campfire and even a play on comedian Katt Williams’ name.
Together, the murals show how public art can preserve local stories, celebrate culture and turn everyday spaces into destinations.
