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City officials were busy showing their artistic sides near the Suffolk Plaza Shopping Center on North Main Street Wednesday, July 5 creating a colorful mural across the sidewalk walls . 

Filled with colorful renditions of the city’s famous peanut, the mural is a  collaboration between Suffolk Art League, Keep Suffolk Beautiful and Suffolk’s Economic Development Department.

Part of the city’s overall Downtown Master Plan, the initiative is an effort to beautify and provide a “gateway into downtown,” said Suffolk Business Manager Deanna Holt who took part in the painting.

“During the next seven months, people will start to see wayfinding gateways,” Holt said. “They will be used to complement the downtown branding.”

Alongside Holt taking part in the painting was Suffolk Art League Executive Director Linda Bunch, Public Works Litter Control Coordinator Daniel McDonald and Public Works Community Outreach Coordinator Wayne Jones. 

Jones said he is happy to help with the painting because it will  make the area aesthetically pleasing.

“Hopefully it will brighten their day,” Jones said, referring to visitors and residents who they know will enjoy seeing the final results.