The once-bare walls of a downtown mall owned by former mayor Andy Damiani now are adorned with sights of Suffolk.

From another revered former city council member, Moses Riddick, to Mr. Peanut and from wildlife to hot rods, 36 photographs by John H. Sheally II now adorn newly painted interior walls that enclose a 1,700-square-foot area lined with businesses and offices.

“I’ve always wondered what I can do with it,” Damiani said recently. “I’m trying to find uses for this for public use.”

Damiani envisions book signings and other events in the gallery at 140 W. Washington St.

“I want the gallery to be used by the citizens,” he said.

He invested about $17,000 in purchasing the photos and getting them framed, plus the fresh paint.

He chose the photos carefully to show a wide variety of what’s available in Suffolk.

“It’s not just somebody snapping a photo; it’s art,” he said. “You’ve got to showcase it a little bit.”

Damiani said he plans to continue investing in his property and in the community.

“I’m trying to add to the inventory of what’s in downtown Suffolk,” he said. “I’m making additional use of private property and helping to promote art. I think this is going to work.”