Made You Look: Learn How to Create Public Art in Baltimore’s Streets

Made You Look is more than just a toolkit—it’s a movement to reclaim Baltimore’s streets through joyful, community-led public art.

Designed for artists, organizers, neighbors, and changemakers, this initiative empowers everyday Baltimoreans to lead traffic calming and safety projects through vibrant street murals and placemaking installations.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to paint the pavement, our free upcoming workshops and hands-on trainings will guide you through the entire process of planning, permitting, and executing meaningful, collaborative public art.

Join us for action, learning, and creativity—starting with a virtual workshop, followed by an in-person workshop in Spanish, and culminating with a hands-on street mural installation in Pigtown.

Upcoming Engagements

Virtual Workshop (English)

Learn how to transform your block into a canvas for change. This session introduces the Made You Look Toolkit, covering step-by-step guidance on choosing a location, gaining community buy-in, navigating Baltimore’s city approval process, selecting materials, and ensuring your design supports both beauty and street safety.

Ideal for creatives, neighborhood associations, educators, youth leaders, and anyone curious about how art can reshape public space in Baltimore.

In-Person Workshop (Spanish)

This in-person presentation of the Made You Look Toolkit offers Spanish-speaking residents a chance to learn the same vital steps. The session includes Q&A and opportunities to build connections with local artists and community advocates.

Hands-On Training

Get your hands dirty in the best way possible—by learning how to prep, map, and paint a real street mural. You’ll practice layout techniques, masking, and paint mixing alongside a team of public art pros. This interactive training gives you the tools and experience to lead your own Made You Look installation.

Note: This session has limited capacity and is being coordinated through the Pigtown community. Once you have registered for a workshop, sign up to attend the hands-training below.

Events at a Glance

Why This Matters

Baltimore’s streets have long been shaped by disinvestment, inequity, and car-first planning. Made You Look flips that script by giving power back to residents—using art as a tool for safety, identity, and healing.

By participating, you’re not just learning how to paint a mural. You’re:

Be Part of Baltimore’s Street-Level Change

Join a Made You Look workshop this May and learn how to transform pavement into purpose. Together, we’re painting a safer, more connected city—one mural at a time.

For more information about the initiative and to download the toolkit, visit madeyoulookbaltimore.org.

To see how another Baltimore neighborhood installed Art in the Right Away, explore our Johnston Square branding and safety case study.