Community-Inspired Mural Taking Shape on Columbia Pike in Arlington

September 17, 2026

A prominent wall along Columbia Pike will begin its transformation this week into a new temporary mural celebrating the vibrant multicultural character of the community and the connections that bring together the people who live, work and spend time along the Pike.

The approximately 103-foot-long, 17-foot-wide mural by Maryland-based artist Rowan Bathurst, commissioned by Arlington Public Art, will bring new life to the expansive side wall of the Goodwill store at 4714 Columbia Pike. Inspired by community input and the corridor’s rich cultural diversity, the mural reflects the people, traditions and shared experiences that help define one of Arlington’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

The building is owned by Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners, which made the highly visible wall available for the project.

“As a property owner along Columbia Pike, we are proud to contribute to the vibrancy of the neighborhood by offering a space that celebrates the community around it,” said Ruth Hoang, Senior Vice President of Development, Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners.

The mural is part of Arlington Public Art’s broader creative placemaking efforts led by Arlington Economic Development (AED). The project supports ongoing efforts to strengthen the corridor’s identity, enhance the public realm and create welcoming experiences for residents, visitors and local businesses.

“As we continue to invest in the Columbia Pike corridor, we are excited to elevate our placemaking efforts that strengthen community connections, support local businesses and create a more vibrant experience along the Pike,” said Anna Nissinen, Arlington’s Chief Economic Officer and Director of Arlington Economic Development. “Public art helps create a sense of place while reflecting the cultures, stories and people that make this corridor so unique.”

The mural’s design was shaped by community engagement conducted at the Barcroft Community Resource Fair and the Columbia Pike Farmers Market this summer. Residents shared ideas about the colors, cultural influences and natural elements they hoped to see represented in the artwork. Bathurst incorporated that feedback into a design, and the resulting work brings together imagery representing South American, East African and Southeast Asian heritage, as well as African American history and global traditions.

For the Columbia Pike Partnership, the mural represents another step in the corridor’s continued evolution as a vibrant, walkable main street.

“The Columbia Pike Partnership is so grateful to Arlington Economic Development and Rowan Bathurst for this incredible opportunity to bring a beautiful piece of public art to the Columbia Pike Corridor. The Corridor represents the best of our community and County: our diversity, our celebration and support of small businesses, and the diversity that makes us such a unique and important part of Arlington. Rowan's mural represents many of those distinct qualities, the legacy of our residences, and a hopeful vision for our future,” said Andrew Schneider, Executive Director of the Columbia Pike Partnership.

Bathurst will begin painting on Sept. 17 and is expected to complete the mural within approximately two weeks, weather permitting. Community members are encouraged to visit the site to watch the artwork take shape, take photos and support nearby businesses, including Goodwill, which will remain open throughout the installation.