Meghan Taylor: Illustration & Graphic Design

Mural Scouting: Duke Ellington’s Legacy

Yesterday I went to see Sophisticated Ladies at Arena Stage on U Street (Lincoln Theater) … U Street is of course the perfect setting for this choreographically brilliant tribute to Duke Ellington. Considering the standing-ovation worthy performance, it seemed the perfect time to snap this mural painted just across the street.

The mural is by G Byron Peck, who runs City Arts. Duke is just one example of his strong public art presence in DC. I find this mural, of course, totally awesome. It relates to its place, to the surrounding community, and to history. It combines graphic styles to provide a visually arresting image… Over the years, it has become an important fixture in DC.