The Baltimore Ravens unveiled their latest mural Friday in the Merriweather District as part of their "Paint the State Purple" art program. First launched in 2023 in Towson, the program seeks to highlight the Ravens' connection with communities across Maryland by engaging artists to not only represent the team, but the town, city or location in which the artwork appears.
Completed by renowned Baltimore artist Megan Lewis, the mural sits at the western side of Toastique, adjacent to Merriweather District's Color Burst Park, which is a mixed-use green space that hosts community events throughout the year.
"This mural celebrates the beauty that comes from nurturing our youth," Lewis stated. "The boy is at the center, surrounded by a blooming garden. He is the light, the joy, the reason it flourishes. It's a reminder that when we pour into young people, everything around them thrives. Behind him, silhouettes show two sides of Baltimore: one of community, music and connection, and the other of Ravens football just moments before a winning play."
The Merriweather District is a vibrant neighborhood and community hub in the heart of downtown Columbia. It offers a diverse array of experiences for residents and visitors alike, including a thriving food scene, thoughtfully designed residences, newly upgraded office properties, parks, cultural events and public art installations.
"Megan's vision captures the connection the Ravens have made with the Howard County community, while also incorporating Merriweather District's maxim 'city in a garden,'" Ravens senior director of brand strategy and advertising Josh Lukin said. "She has created a piece of art uniquely fitting for the neighborhood."
"The Merriweather District was always envisioned as a dynamic community hub where residents, visitors and businesses alike can thrive through shared experiences and cultural events in thoughtfully designed public spaces," stated Kristi Smith, president of the Maryland Region at Howard Hughes. "Megan's mural embodies the essence of that vision for the Merriweather District. We are excited to welcome her work and see it become a community centerpiece."
Fans and members of the community will have the chance to view the completed mural during the Merriweather District's ninth annual Books in Bloom event on Saturday, May 10, to be held in Color Burst Park. The festival offers attendees the chance to meet their favorite authors, discover new books and participate in events for all ages. Ravens cheerleaders and mascot Poe will also be on hand from 12 – 1 p.m. for photos with fans in front of the mural. The event is free and open to the public.
"I've always been a Ravens fan," Lewis added. "I'm proud to call both the team and this city home and to help beautify the place I love."
With the completion of the mural in Howard County, the Ravens have already begun working on their next project at a location in Wicomico County on the Eastern Shore.
Fans across the state can follow the progress and learn more about the artwork and artists at baltimoreravens.com/paintthestatepurple.
About Megan Lewis
Megan Lewis (b. 1989, Baltimore, Md.) is a multidisciplinary artist known for her vibrant figurative paintings, large-scale murals and innovative furniture design. Lewis, a BFA graduate in Illustration, combines bold patterns, rich textures and mixed media elements, such as collage, fabric and photography, to explore themes of transformation, self-discovery and personal evolution.
Her work is recognized for its emotive power, using gaze and gesture to draw viewers into reflective narratives. As a muralist, she has made a lasting impact on Baltimore's visual landscape with public commissions at the Penn Metro Station, Oriole Park, the Ravens and Baltimore public schools. Her client list also includes national brands like Doritos-Solid Black, Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, HBO Max and the US Open.
About Merriweather District
The Merriweather District is located at the center of Columbia, Md., one of the first master planned communities in the U.S., founded by legendary developer James W. Rouse in 1967. Howard Hughes is executing the downtown Columbia master plan, a 30-year, $5 billion initiative to deliver on Rouse's vision of a "city in the garden," with the development of the Merriweather District. At full buildout, the district will encompass more than 14 million square feet of residential, office, hotel, retail, cultural and public uses, including public parks, trails and more. The Merriweather District has become a vibrant neighborhood and community anchor, featuring a dynamic mix of restaurants, experiential retail, modern residences and newly renovated office space. For more information, please visit https://merriweatherdistrict.com/.
