Massport Teams Up with Local Artist Felipe Ortiz, South Boston Boys and Girls Club, to Create Mural on Fargo Street
New mural adds a pop of color to the neighborhood
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) has unveiled a vibrant mural along Summer Street that honors the hardworking men and women who sustain Boston’s maritime and fishing industries. Created in partnership with local artist Felipe Ortiz and the South Boston Boys and Girls Club, the mural titled “Southie Blues”, is a colorful homage to the city’s proud waterfront heritage.
“Massport is always looking for opportunities to bring local art into our neighboring communities, to engage their members, and showcase their creativity,” said Massport CEO Rich Davey. We could not be happier with this piece designed by Felipe Ortiz, brought to life with the help of young artists from the South Boston Boys and Girls Club. The mural is a celebration of community, industry, and the harbor that truly defines the city of Boston.”
Through bold imagery and sweeping colors, Ortiz captures the strength, resilience, and everyday grit of those in Boston who have made their living from the sea for generations. Young artists from the South Boston Boys and Girls Club contributed to the project using stencils to spray paint native cod fish across the mural, adding their own creative flair to the piece.
“At the South Boston Boys & Girls Clubs we stress the importance of our members being involved in the community,” said Josh Davis, Executive Director of the South Boston Boys and Girls club. “Through the Fargo Street mural design and painting, our friends at Massport provided an impactful opportunity to make a difference in the South Boston community.”
Felipe Ortiz, a Colombian American artist, is known for his dynamic and colorful murals that explore themes of migration and community, often through depictions of animals like birds and fish. His work can be seen around the world and locally, including several murals throughout Boston. “Southie Blues” is his latest contribution to the city’s public art landscape.
“Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had the pleasure to paint a new mural in the Seaport/South Boston,” said artist Felipe Ortiz. “Most of what I’ve enjoyed is getting to know the history of the area, the impact of the hard-working people and community atmosphere that I experienced before and during the process. The participation from the Boys and Girls club added a playful and educational spark to the mural as they creatively engaged, hands-on during a painting workshop at the wall. I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue to create my artwork and grateful for all the support from Massport and all collaborating partners.”
Massport is committed to investing in public art across all of its properties and communities. Whether at Boston Logan International Airport or along the South Boston Waterfront, residents and visitors can experience a wide variety of pieces by local artists. Public art enriches communities and showcases the deep pool of creative talent across the Commonwealth.