West Rehoboth Legacy Mural restoration now in progress

The Developing Artist Collaboration recently announced that restoration of the West Rehoboth Legacy Mural is underway.

The mural was heavily damaged June 12 when an out-of-control vehicle struck the wall on which it is painted, and a section of the wall collapsed.

In the wake of the accident, West Rehoboth residents and supporters demonstrated remarkable resilience, coming together June 19, for a community-wide Juneteenth Celebration with record attendance. The Henlopen Station Condominium HOA Board has since rebuilt the wall section, a testament to the community's determination to restore what was lost.

Terrance Vann, a nationally renowned artist who originally painted the mural, has returned to restore it to its original glory. He also has deep family roots in the West Rehoboth community.

“I’m grateful to be able to continue the project further after it’s been rebuilt. It's a great time to make it better and bigger, and I’m grateful to see the impact that it’s having in the community. I believe art can have a great effect on how we think about things” said Vann.

The repainted section will include one new addition – a stunning portrait of Diaz Bonville, who passed away Sept. 14. Bonville was the president of West Side New Beginnings and a significant leader supporting the mural project since its inception.

“Diaz worked closely with us since 2020, bringing the incredible West Rehoboth Legacy Mural to life. We will never forget the wisdom Diaz shared with us or the look he would give you over the top of his glasses when you were about to learn something. Above all else, we will remember Diaz’s commitment to our community of West Rehoboth and the work of West Side New Beginnings,” said DAC founder Leah Beach.

The Developing Artist Collaboration, a Rehoboth-based artist development nonprofit, commissioned the mural in 2022 to honor the rich history of the African American West Rehoboth community. DAC partnered with West Side New Beginnings on the mural content and later helped form the West Rehoboth Legacy Committee, which continues working to preserve the area’s rich history and celebrate its Black, brown, and African American people.

DAC received a grant from the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation as well as funds secured by Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, which have helped cover the upfront costs of restoring the mural. A priority for any additional funds raised is having a dedicated webpage updated with the historical information conveyed on the wall and printed booklets with the infographic information for people to take with them while visiting the mural.

Proposals also include installing a small bike rack and using recycled painted bricks from the original mural as pavers around the current infographics sign to encourage people to stop and view the wall. The mural work is set to be completed by the end of October.

The Developing Artist Collaboration is accepting donations toward these efforts as well as to provide financial support for the community-wide Juneteenth celebration and continued maintenance of the mural.

The West Rehoboth Legacy Mural is located at the corner of Malloy Street and Central Avenue in West Rehoboth. Parking is available at the DAC Headquarters warehouse at 37401 Malloy St., Rehoboth Beach.

For more information and to support the West Rehoboth Legacy Project, go to developingarts.org/artreach or mail a check to: Developing Artist Collaboration, PO Box 42, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.