The Ravens are extending their reach across the state with one drop of paint at a time.
As a part of their recently launched “Paint the State Purple” program, the Ravens have unveiled two new murals this year, the most recent of which in Fruitland on the lower Eastern Shore.
Launched in 2023, the mural program aims to highlight the connection the Ravens have with communities across Maryland, like in Fruitland, where Brandon Bell painted the third mural of the project at the Crown Sports Center.
Bell's creation highlights the values of the Ravens and the Eastern Shore community through the imagination of a young man envisioning his limitless potential.
Along with a Raven, Bell painted five other birds that each represent a core pillar of community impact and possibility, such as a flamingo, which represents environmental sustainability.
"There's a lot of strong appreciation [in the community], and I know it'll go really far in regards to the arts and to what people believe is possible here," said Bell, who has been a muralist for nearly seven years. "Until this moment, I don't think there's ever been a strong brand or foothold of any organization that is not local showing interest in our location."
In 2023, Jordan Lawson painted the first mural in Towson on the northern wall of the Dulaney Plaza shopping center, across from the Towson Town Center. In May, Megan Lewis painted the second mural of the program in Columbia on the western side of Toastique, adjacent to Merriweather District's Color Burst Park.
Ravens Sr. Director of Brand Strategy & Advertising Josh Lukin launched the project less than two years ago to bring new artistic interpretations of what the Ravens mean to each mural artist and each community. He's hoping the first three murals are only the beginning of a state-wide endeavor.
"The murals are meant to not only represent the Ravens, but reflect the community in which they appear," Lukin said. "Each artist was tasked to deliver a concept that was unique to the city, town, or location where they would paint. As a result, each mural feels like an authentic part of the neighborhood, showcasing the people, places, and possibilities of each community."
The Ravens hope to grow the mural project across the state, from Deep Creek Lake to Ocean City, and have the muralists bring their work to M&T Bank Stadium.
Artists or locations interested in being part of the Ravens' mural program can send inquiries to murals@ravens.nfl.net.
