"Blueprint for Peace" Mural
Bradlee Shopping Center Unveils Blueprint for Peace Mural
in Collaboration with Alexandria City High School Students
Project underscores the power of community-driven art and student engagement
Alexandria, VA (September 5, 2024) – Bradlee Shopping Center announces the completion of the Blueprint for Peace mural, a collaborative project between local artist Nicole Bourgea, realism graffiti artist Roberto Seminario “Sef,” and students from Alexandria City High School (ACHS) and First Washington Realty, an owner and operator of the property. The vibrant mural, spanning the full length of one of the shopping center’s walls, was unveiled during a Meet the Artist event held on May 30, 2024. Event attendees celebrated community, creativity, and collaboration together, while enjoying live music from a DJ, exciting giveaways from MyEyeDr., and food and drink tastings from Bradlee Shopping Center tenants McDonald’s, Beeliner Diner, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
The Alexandria Beautification Commission selected the Blueprint for Peace mural as a recipient of the 2024 Beautification Commercial Award out of 70 submissions citywide. This recognition highlights the mural’s design and contribution to enhancing the beauty of Alexandria. An awards ceremony to celebrate this honor will be hosted by the Commission and City leaders on Thursday, October 17 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.
The mural originated through a partnership between ACHS and First Washington Realty, to sponsor art students for their senior year capstone project. The ACHS students worked closely with Bourgea and Sef to design a mural with themes of peace, childhood innocence, and community connection. The mural features images of young children, vibrant flowers, whimsical childlike drawings, and the word “peace” spelled out three times using traditional-style graffiti. During the installation, tenants and community members were also invited to engage hands-on and participate in the painting of the mural.
“Our collaboration with First Washington Realty has been a tremendous success,” said Alexandria City High School King Street Campus Administrator Ashley Carter Sinclair. “This mural project has offered our students the opportunity to create something beautiful alongside local artists that helps foster community identity and pride for the entire city of Alexandria, all while enhancing their creative and artistic skills. Thank you to our local artists and First Washington Realty for their work and investment in our students.”
Nicole Bourgea’s dedication to mentoring students and involving them in the creative process highlighted the project’s educational and social impact. Through her active participation in ACHS’s senior experience program, Bourgea provided over 50 hours of hands-on work for each student, engaging in brainstorming sessions, guiding the mural's development, and involving them in the painting process of the mural. This mentorship allowed students to gain practical experience in art and community engagement and introduced them to the potential of art as a career path.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the staff and students at Alexandria City High School to bring a meaningful art project to the community,” said Mary Rottler, Chief Operating Officer of First Washington Realty. “Watching Nicole and Sef work closely with the students and seeing the mural come to life has been incredibly special and we are proud to have their art at one of our properties.”
First Washington Realty is an owner and operator of Bradlee Shopping Center. The Blueprint for Peace mural is located at 3624 King St, Alexandria, VA 22302 at the south entrance of Bradlee Shopping Center.
For news on Bradlee Shopping Center including special events, exclusive offers, and more, please visit the center’s new website, www.BradleeShoppingCenter.com and follow Bradlee Shopping Center on Facebook @BradleeShoppingCenter.
ABOUT BRADLEE SHOPPING CENTER
Shop, dine, relax, and explore Bradlee Shopping Center, an open-air community shopping center located in Alexandria, Virginia. With a unique collection of shops, eateries, specialty fitness studios, groceries, and services, including anchor tenants Michaels, The Fresh Market, and Walgreens, you’ll find everything you need. Located along the prestigious King Street in the heart of Alexandria, the welcoming atmosphere of the center includes ample parking for customers to shop with ease. The center features a vibrant mural titled, Blueprint for Peace, located at its south entrance, created in collaboration with Alexandria City High School and local artists. Bradlee Shopping Center is conveniently located 3600-3690 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302. For more information, visit www.BradleeShoppingCenter.com.
ABOUT FIRST WASHINGTON REALTY
First Washington Realty (FWR) is a fully integrated national real estate investment and management firm specializing in essential and experience-oriented open-air retail real estate. Founded in 1983, FWR’s $8.8 billion portfolio includes nearly 150 shopping centers across 22 states and the District of Columbia. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, with offices in Kansas City, Newport Beach, Portland, Sacramento, and San Diego. For more information, visit www.firstwash.com.