Today, that seed has blossomed into the Community Mural Art Project’s “Chester Grows,” a 20-by-30-foot vibrantly colored mural, painted by artist Misty Sol, now adorns the Melrose Avenue side of Widener’s Metropolitan Hall.
The mural represents and honors Chester’s residents, history, industrial past, and distinct character.
For Widener to be able to walk past it and educate themselves… I want others to understand the importance of engaging with the community.” — Ijjae Hill '23 '25
The design and creation of the mural is a true community effort.
Mural organizers, the mural artist, and the residents who served as the inspiration for the design, were all on hand for the unveiling.
Misty Sol the muralist is a former Chester resident who continues to work and engage with the community in the city.
Working with Sol and faculty partner Jayne Thompson, associate teaching professor of English, Hill conducted focus groups with students and residents to generate ideas for the mural’s design. They interviewed community elders, including two local women known affectionately in the area as “Aunt Chris” and “Ms. Debbie,” who spoke of the generations of Black families that have called Chester home.
Sol photographed Ms. Debbie in her aunt’s living room and that image served as the main inspiration for the design. The mural includes a woman sitting on a bright yellow sofa. On the wall behind her are photos of well-known and locally known Chester figures, as well as images associated with the city’s industrial roots.
Flowers and fresh produce are strewn about, inspired by the city’s gardens and specifically the Ruth Bennett Community Farm. Part of the Chester Housing Authority, the farm provides fresh, affordable produce to the community, including to residents who live in public housing.
“As a black woman and former resident, I know that Chester is a city with the heart of a small town,” said Sol in her artist’s statement. “I know that Chester grows generations of big beautiful black families: legacy, love, genius, and leadership. Chester grows greatness. This mural is a tribute to the rich soil of Chester's history and it is a love letter to the local farms, families, activists, and artists working to ensure that Chester grows a bright future."
Several paint sessions were held on campus and in the community.
Once the mural design was set, paint sessions were held at Widener and around the city, including at neighboring Stetser Elementary School and at the Boys & Girls Club, so that the greater community had a role in creating the piece.
“It’s not only a painting of individuals, but it’s painted by individuals. That’s what means the most to me,” said Hill.
At the bottom of the mural is a short poem written by robotics engineering major Adonijah Allsup ’23: “Special voices. varied in pitch and cadence meant to influence the world. Their presence and influence will be felt from pole to pole and continent to continent.”
The mural was intentionally positioned on a public-facing side of a campus building so that the larger community could reflect on and enjoy it.
