Newark, Delaware is more than just a college town. It’s also a city that wears its creativity on its walls, bridges, and green spaces. From brightly painted railroad abutments to beloved bronze sculptures, Newark’s public art scene mixes community spirit with campus culture. This guide explores five standout highlights of Newark’s public art, with history, visitor reactions, and exact map embeds to help you explore them in person.
Newark Rail Bridge Murals (E. Cleveland Ave & Capital Trail)
For many travelers, the first hint that they are entering Newark comes not from a sign but from a wall of color. The railroad overpass on Cleveland Avenue has been transformed into a massive mural that boldly spells out “Newark” in large white letters, each set against vibrant colored blocks. On the opposite side, visitors are greeted with “Welcome to Downtown” across a rainbow skyline. According to the DelawareScene listing, the murals were designed by Terry Foreman and meant to reimagine dull infrastructure as civic art.
The UD Review reported that the murals were part of a larger effort to brighten downtown and connect residents with their city visually. One student writer summed it up: “I always felt like this was the first hint you were back in Newark after a long drive—it feels like the city is waving hello.”
But art is always subjective. On Reddit, a commenter criticized the murals, writing: “the murals under the railroad overpass on Rte. 2 in Newark are embarrassingly bad.” That sparked a lively local debate, with others defending the murals as cheerful and welcoming. This controversy illustrates the role public art plays—it becomes a part of civic conversation.
Why go: This mural is Newark’s urban handshake. It’s big, bold, and easily accessible by foot or bike. Cyclists on the Capital Trail often pause for a photo at the abutments.
Planning tip: Visit in the late afternoon. The sun angles highlight the vibrant colors, and the murals stand out against the concrete backdrop.
“Untitled Mural of Skateboarder” (223 E. Main Street)
Downtown Newark is home to many small details, but none capture the city’s personality quite like the mural at 223 E. Main Street. Known simply as the “Untitled Mural of Skateboarder”, this piece by local artist Dragonfly Leathrum depicts a skateboarder gliding across the wall. The mural reflects Newark’s youthful energy, fueled by the University of Delaware’s student population and the town’s love for active lifestyles.
The DelawareScene listing explains that the mural was meant to reflect the theme of “community.” Leathrum herself has spoken about her philosophy: to create murals that blend into the environment rather than dominate it. As the UD Review profiled, her goal is to elevate everyday activities—walking, biking, skating—into visible art.
Many locals stumble on the mural accidentally. One coffee-shop reviewer nearby noted: “I never noticed the skateboarder mural until I sat outside with my latte. Now it’s one of my favorite details of Main Street—it feels like Newark is constantly in motion.”
Why go: It’s a subtle mural, but once you see it, you won’t forget it. It’s the kind of public art that rewards those who slow down and look closely.
Planning tip: Walk Main Street slowly. There are other hidden art pieces scattered around storefronts and side streets that you’ll spot once you’re tuned in.
Jerry’s Artarama Mural (269 S. Main Street)
If there’s a Newark institution where art inside and out collide, it’s Jerry’s Artarama. This art-supply store in the Park N Shop plaza doesn’t just sell brushes and paints—it’s wrapped in a mural that celebrates Newark’s identity. The design includes UD’s Blue Hen mascot, Newark High School colors, and artistic motifs that reflect the store’s creative mission. As the Explore Newark story-map entry notes, the mural acts as both a symbol of school pride and a piece of commercial art that welcomes customers.
It’s also beloved online. A TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “Best Art Shop in Delaware… serving the University of Delaware and the city’s vibrant arts community.” On Yelp, another visitor said: “The mural is worth stopping for even if you don’t go inside. Bright, bold, and full of local symbols.”
Why go: It’s both a mural and a shopping experience. Artists and hobbyists can browse inside, while casual visitors can enjoy the wall art outside.
Planning tip: Pair a visit with a snack at the plaza’s eateries. The mural is outdoors and visible anytime, but the shop has limited hours.
“Chloe & Lucinda” (Nubian Goats by André Harvey — UD South Green)
On the University of Delaware’s South Green, nestled between Alison Hall and the Caesar Rodney Complex, stand two of the city’s most beloved residents—though they’re cast in bronze. Sculptor André Harvey created Chloe and Lucinda, life-sized Nubian goats, in 2001. With their detailed collars, tags, and even tiny bell clappers, the goats are so lifelike that students and visitors often treat them as mascots.
Their significance goes beyond whimsy. The goats were installed as a gift in memory of the sons of Naomi and Edward Jefferson. The UDaily describes how art conservation students care for the statues, polishing them regularly. Meanwhile, the UD Review calls them “one of UD’s quirkiest traditions,” noting how students decorate them with scarves and caps during graduation season. Harvey’s studio page highlights the goats’ “special capacity for friendship and companionship” (andreharvey.com).
Why go: It’s the perfect blend of campus history and local charm. Kids love interacting with the goats, and photographers get unique shots.
Planning tip: Look for them on the shaded walkway between Alison Hall (240 Academy St) and the Caesar Rodney Complex. They’re easy to miss if you rush.
Bonus: Newark Arts Alliance (276 E. Main Street)
To understand Newark’s public art scene fully, you need to step indoors at least once. The Newark Arts Alliance (NAA), located at 276 E. Main Street, is the city’s grassroots hub for artists, makers, and art lovers. The Alliance hosts rotating exhibitions, classes, and events, and its gift shop showcases local talent in pottery, jewelry, painting, and crafts.
The official website lists year-round events like the “Holiday Art Market” and seasonal outdoor art fairs. On Google Reviews, one visitor praised it: “This place makes art accessible to everyone. I bought a handmade mug for $20 and got to meet the artist.” Another wrote: “A gem of Newark—small but filled with talent.”
Why go: It connects you with the living, breathing community of Newark artists. Supporting local makers ensures the city’s murals and sculptures will continue to grow.
Planning tip: Check their calendar before visiting; you may catch an opening reception, live performance, or workshop that makes your Newark art tour even richer.
Planning Your Newark Art Walk
To make the most of these stops, plan a half-day walk:
- Begin at the Rail Bridge Murals on Cleveland Avenue.
- Head west to the Skateboarder mural at 223 E. Main.
- Continue south to Jerry’s Artarama mural.
- Cross into UD’s South Green to visit Chloe & Lucinda.
- Wrap up with a visit to the Newark Arts Alliance.
For those who want even more, the University of Delaware’s public-art inventory project catalogs nearly 100 sites around town and campus, offering endless opportunities to expand your route.