A new mural is taking shape in McLean.
Jeremy Jarvis, an Ohio-based artist whose works have been displayed around the world, has been commissioned by the McLean Community Center to transform an exterior wall of the Old Firehouse Center (1440 Chain Bridge Road) into a celebration of its 50th anniversary.
Public input was critical to shaping the mural’s final design, which features the phrase “you belong” in multiple languages and a child appearing to present a dove to an older man. The inclusion of two different generations and a variety of native plants instead of more generic roses stems directly from feedback that McLean residents gave through focus groups and other forums, Jarvis says.
Now, MCC is inviting community members to assist with painting the mural this Saturday (Sept. 6), offering six 45-minute sessions that can accommodate up to 12 painters each from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
“Sign up quickly as space is limited for this unique opportunity to leave a lasting mark on your community,” MCC said on the event page.
Registration is free, and there are no age limits, but anyone under 13 must be signed up and joined by a parent.
The finished artwork will be revealed at 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 20 before the Old Firehouse Center’s 35th Anniversary Block Party. Newly renovated, the facility will also host an open house for MCC’s after-school programs from 1-4 p.m. that day with music, food, games, crafts and giveaways.
As part of its ongoing 50-year celebration, MCC also unveiled a mosaic sculpture titled “QB” on the rear plaza of its main facility at 1234 Ingleside Avenue on Aug. 18. Modeled on the community center’s logo, the sculpture was designed by Nevada artist Eileen Gay and weighs approximately 1,000 pounds, according to MCC.
Currently working on his mural on a daily basis, Jarvis wasn’t available for an interview, but he shared insight into his artistic process and goals with this particular piece — his first in Virginia — in written responses to FFXnow.
How did you find out about McLean Community Center’s community mural project? Why did you want to get involved?
I learned about this opportunity through CAFÉ’s Call for Entry listings. I regularly search for projects throughout the year and prioritize applying to those that align closely with my interests and strengths as a muralist.
This project stood out because it checked many of the boxes I look for when choosing a mural opportunity. First, it’s centered on a community space. I’m passionate about creating public art that reflects the voices and values of the local community, and I especially enjoy collaborating on projects where residents help shape the narrative.
Second, it’s an exterior mural, which I love. Working outdoors can be demanding, but I find the challenges of weather and environment to be invigorating and rewarding.
Third, I’ve never painted a mural in Virginia before, so I’m excited by the opportunity to bring my work to a new state and connect with a new audience.
Finally, the wall is quite large, and for me, the bigger the mural, the better. Large-scale work amplifies visibility and impact, allowing more people to engage with the piece in their daily lives.
What inspired the initial design proposals?
I was inspired to create a mural that emphasizes the importance of compassion, connection, and mutual support within a thriving community. From the beginning, I envisioned imagery that reflects a cooperative spirit, where love, kindness, and care are foundational values. These qualities, when embraced collectively, become powerful tools for nurturing peace, building trust, and cultivating hope. I wanted the mural to be a visual reminder that a healthy, vibrant community is one where people actively support one another and recognize the strength that comes from unity and empathy.
How did the feedback from residents influence the final design? Were there any specific ideas or priorities they brought up that you felt were especially important to incorporate?
The feedback from residents was incredibly helpful and shaped the final design in meaningful ways. One early element included roses on each side of the mural to symbolize a healthy, thriving community. While residents appreciated the sentiment, they suggested incorporating flowers and plants more native to McLean and Northern Virginia. This input guided me to revise the design with more regionally specific flora, helping the mural feel more rooted in place.
Another key suggestion was to expand the representation of community members. Initially, the mural featured two children as the central figures. Residents recommended adding an older adult to reflect the wisdom and contributions of previous generations. I took this to heart and added an older man to the composition, symbolizing the importance of intergenerational connection and the value of every voice in a strong community.
Have you participated in collaborative works like this community mural before? Why do you think it’s important for the community to contribute to this particular project?
Yes, I’ve participated in many community mural projects, each with its own unique level of collaboration and engagement. I believe community involvement is especially important for this mural because it will be installed on the community center, a meaningful and visible space that serves as a gathering point for residents. The mural also marks the center’s 50th anniversary, adding even more significance.
Because the building represents the heart of the community, the artwork should reflect the voices, values, and diversity of the people it serves. It’s essential that the design emerges from shared input, ensuring that residents feel seen and connected to the final piece. I also aim to create a mural that invites interpretation, not one that spells out its message directly, but one that prompts curiosity and thoughtful reflection. When a community helps shape a mural like this, the result is more than public art, it becomes a lasting expression of shared identity and pride.
What do you hope residents take away from the artwork itself and the experience of helping design and paint it?
I hope residents feel a lasting connection to the mural, not only through the image itself but also through the collaborative process that helped shape it. Many voices contributed to the mural’s subject matter, and I hope the final artwork invites ongoing reflection and conversation. Ideally, it will mean different things to different people, sparking curiosity and dialogue for years to come.
More than anything, I want the mural to communicate a deep sense of belonging. McLean is a diverse community, and this mural will be seen by people of all backgrounds. I hope it reminds each viewer that they are a valued part of this place, this country, and this world. The experience of contributing to the mural, whether through sharing ideas or helping to paint should reinforce that message: You belong here.
